Herniated Disc Treatments - A Safer, More Effective Option
By George Best
Herniated disc sufferers have traditionally had the treatment options of medication, physical therapy, spinal injections, and/or surgery, and because of the limited effectiveness of these approaches, many simply have had to learn to live with the pain. But a new option is now available and while not appropriate or effective for every person with a herniated disc, it does represent a huge leap in effectiveness and safety in treating herniated discs.
Spinal decompression is a new form of spinal traction. Regular traction has been used for a number of years to treat herniated discs, unfortunately with poor results in many cases, and with symptom aggravation occurring in some cases. The problem with regular traction is that it activates the body's muscle guarding response and can trigger muscle spasm, which produces pain and may even result in increased pressure on herniated discs.
Spinal decompression has solved these problems though. Although still technically traction machines, true spinal decompression systems pull very slowly and gradually in order to keep the muscles relaxed and avoid triggering spasm. In addition, the more advanced of the spinal decompression systems also have computer-controlled motors and have sensors to measure the body's resistance to treatment. If the body's muscles begin to contract and resist the treatment, the system will immediately reduce its pull and the body's muscles will relax again. The most advanced of these systems can respond to what the body is doing in an amazing 1/17th of a second. Since the body's reactions take place in approximately 1/5th of a second, these advanced spinal decompression systems can modify treatment before the muscles can spasm, allowing for comfortable herniated disc relief.
This ability to avoid the body's muscle spasm response allows spinal decompression systems to dramatically lower the pressure within a herniated disc. In fact, disc pressure is actually dropped into the negative pressure range, creating a suction that pulls the bulging disc material back towards the center of the disc and away from sensitive nerves. An additional effect is that nutrients and fluid are pulled into the disc to stimulate disc healing. Over time and repeated treatments, the herniated disc material is pulled back in, and the healing of the disc provides stabilization of the outer wall of the disc to prevent further bulging.
The frequency and duration of spinal decompression treatment will vary depending on the age and condition of the patient, the severity of the herniated disc, and the number of herniated discs. Spinal decompression can be used in both the lumbar and cervical spine very effectively.
Statistically, spinal decompression with the more advanced machines, and with appropriate patient selection has a success rate of 80-90%, and of those who are successfully treated, the results hold up well long-term in most cases. Given the success rate and the fact that the most common side-effect is some temporary post-treatment muscle soreness, spinal decompression is often the best option in herniated disc treatment.
Unfortunately, there has been a tendency toward overly aggressive advertising and hype, and in some cases, inappropriate application of spinal decompression in recent years by some health care practitioners. This has led to unrealistic expectations by patients and actions by regulatory agencies on advertising claims, leading to a damaged reputation for spinal decompression. While spinal decompression does represent a major advance in the treatment of herniated discs, it is not a cure-all, it is not 100% effective, and it is not appropriate for every patient.
Spinal decompression, when used appropriately, does produce enough improvement and disc healing in the vast majority of cases to allow patients to resume normal lives and return to most activities (even playing golf or tennis and working in the yard), but it does not restore a herniated disc to 100% normal. No treatment can. Even the still-experimental disc replacement surgery does not restore the spine to a normal condition and future back problems following disc replacement are to be expected. Overwork, poor posture, or failure to use good bending and lifting techniques can set the stage for a recurrence of disc problems no matter how good the results of treatment are initially.
With appropriate patient selection and by giving patients realistic expectations, spinal decompression providers can supply a very safe and effective treatment option for those with a herniated disc.
Dr. George Best provides spinal decompression in the San Antonio, Texas area. For additional resources concerning herniated discs, sciatica, or other degenerative disc disease, please visit his herniated disc website.
Article Source: EzineArticles, Herniated-Disc Treatments
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Tried everything to relieve that pain in your foot?
Top 7 Tips To Relieve Foot Pain
By Raymond Geok Seng Lee
The average person walks about 100,000 miles which is equivalent of four times around the Earth over the course of a lifetime. And every single step along the way exerts hundreds of pounds of pressure on the feet. Actually, for all wear and tear they endure, your feet hold up surprisingly well. Their complex construction makes them quite sturdy and flexible. Unfortunately, man people wrongly believe that foot pain is normal and part of the price that humans have to pay for walking upright. Foot pain is not necessary caused by something serious. But like any other pain, it is your body's way of telling you that something is not right and needs attention. Here are some tips that you can consider helping your feet to feel better.
1. Take A Break From Shoes
You know how much better you will feel when you slip out of your shoes at the end of the day. Your feet appreciate it too. The human foot was designed to be bare. Therefore, kick off your shoes whenever you can.
2. Try Sole Support
If your feet is constantly ache, consider wearing insoles. They are especially useful and helpful in shoes with thin soles, like deck shoes. They make your feet feel much better. You can purchase insoles in drugstores and may sporting goods stores.
3. Put Them On Ice
To reduce any swelling, apply ice to your feet for 15 to 30 minutes, three or four times a day. Use a disposable ice bag or a reusable ice unit that you freeze, like the ones for picnic coolers. Whichever you choose, be sure to wrap it in a towel to protect your skin from damage.
4. Don't Lose Your Marbles
You can try this exercise to soothe tired, aching feet. Lay 20 marbles on the floor, then pick up each one with your toes and drop it into a small plastic bowl. It is recommended to use plastic because it muffles the sound of the marbles dropping into the bowl. That way, you can do the exercise in your office, seated at your desk. Aim for at least one session a day.
5. Soak In Scented Water
When your feet ache, soaking them in water can be very refreshing. It is recommended adding 10 drops each of juniper and lavender essential oils to 2 quarts of cold water, then soaking your feet for 10 minutes. Essential oils are available in health food stores.
6. Give Them A Lift
Elevating your feet can help reduce any swelling. It is recommended raising them 6 to 8 inches above your heart, especially when you sleep. Use pillows for more comfort.
7. Try Massage
Massaging your feet stretches the tissues and increase circulation. It is recommended to adopt this simple self-massage technique. Sit in a comfortable chair and cross your left foot over your right leg. Oil your fingers, if needed, with vegetable oil or massage oil. Glide the tip of your thumb up the middle of your sole, from the back of your heel to the base of your toes. Repeat on the right side of your sole, then on the left side. Then switch feet. You should spend about 2 minutes on each foot.
Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is a writer specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He has spent countless of time and efforts conducting research and share his insightful and powerful secrets to benefit men and women all over the world. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.
By Raymond Geok Seng Lee
The average person walks about 100,000 miles which is equivalent of four times around the Earth over the course of a lifetime. And every single step along the way exerts hundreds of pounds of pressure on the feet. Actually, for all wear and tear they endure, your feet hold up surprisingly well. Their complex construction makes them quite sturdy and flexible. Unfortunately, man people wrongly believe that foot pain is normal and part of the price that humans have to pay for walking upright. Foot pain is not necessary caused by something serious. But like any other pain, it is your body's way of telling you that something is not right and needs attention. Here are some tips that you can consider helping your feet to feel better.
1. Take A Break From Shoes
You know how much better you will feel when you slip out of your shoes at the end of the day. Your feet appreciate it too. The human foot was designed to be bare. Therefore, kick off your shoes whenever you can.
2. Try Sole Support
If your feet is constantly ache, consider wearing insoles. They are especially useful and helpful in shoes with thin soles, like deck shoes. They make your feet feel much better. You can purchase insoles in drugstores and may sporting goods stores.
3. Put Them On Ice
To reduce any swelling, apply ice to your feet for 15 to 30 minutes, three or four times a day. Use a disposable ice bag or a reusable ice unit that you freeze, like the ones for picnic coolers. Whichever you choose, be sure to wrap it in a towel to protect your skin from damage.
4. Don't Lose Your Marbles
You can try this exercise to soothe tired, aching feet. Lay 20 marbles on the floor, then pick up each one with your toes and drop it into a small plastic bowl. It is recommended to use plastic because it muffles the sound of the marbles dropping into the bowl. That way, you can do the exercise in your office, seated at your desk. Aim for at least one session a day.
5. Soak In Scented Water
When your feet ache, soaking them in water can be very refreshing. It is recommended adding 10 drops each of juniper and lavender essential oils to 2 quarts of cold water, then soaking your feet for 10 minutes. Essential oils are available in health food stores.
6. Give Them A Lift
Elevating your feet can help reduce any swelling. It is recommended raising them 6 to 8 inches above your heart, especially when you sleep. Use pillows for more comfort.
7. Try Massage
Massaging your feet stretches the tissues and increase circulation. It is recommended to adopt this simple self-massage technique. Sit in a comfortable chair and cross your left foot over your right leg. Oil your fingers, if needed, with vegetable oil or massage oil. Glide the tip of your thumb up the middle of your sole, from the back of your heel to the base of your toes. Repeat on the right side of your sole, then on the left side. Then switch feet. You should spend about 2 minutes on each foot.
Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is a writer specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He has spent countless of time and efforts conducting research and share his insightful and powerful secrets to benefit men and women all over the world. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.
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