Soft tissue injuries are fairly common occurrences and happen to everyone at some time or another. For injuries that are not serious, most can be treated using the R.I.C.E. method. Soft tissue injuries can have a number of causes: car accidents, sports, or an unexpected stumble or fall. For a long time they went undetected because they do not appear on x-rays. Technological advancement led to the development of CAT scans, MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and Ultrasound procedures that reveal injuries in soft tissue. The ability to detect these injuries better enables healthcare professionals to treat them. Soft tissue consists primarily of muscle, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Common injuries are generally bruises, whiplash, strains, and sprains. Treatment methods are straightforward and addressed at home or by a professional. The primary focus of all treatments is to reduce swelling and inflammation quickly, and then rehabilitate the injured area. Home Treatment - The recommended method for treating most soft tissue injuries is R.I.C.E. - Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. ” Bruises, resulting in discoloration and swelling, are normally the result of impact. R.I.C.E speeds up the healing process. If the pain is severe, there is a bump, or the pain does not go away after three days, there may be a more serious problem. If you are experiencing these additional symptoms, consult a healthcare professional. Over the counter analgesics can be used to relieve pain and control swelling, but, as with R.I.C.E, if pain or swelling persists, see a doctor. ” Strains are injuries to muscles and/or tendons, caused by disproportionate force against the tissue. Fatigue from overuse and inordinate stretching contribute to strains as well. In severe cases, the tendon or muscle can tear. For mild to moderate strains, R.I.C.E is the recommended treatment method. A tendon or muscle tear requires a more elaborate treatment plan. ” Sprains are injuries associated with ligaments and are the result of wrenching or twisting. These injuries are also effectively treated with R.I.C.E. and over the counter medications. Again, if pain or swelling continues after three or four days, there may be more severe problems requiring more elaborate care. ” Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that is the result of an automobile accident or similar sudden jolt to the body. Its effects may not appear for weeks after the incident and may indicate damage to all of the types of soft muscle tissues in the back and the neck. It is best to consult a professional to receive treatment for this condition. Remember, over the counter medications are for temporary relief - they are not curatives. Just because the pain is stopped, it does not mean you have healed. Professional Care - In the case of any injury, consultation with a healthcare professional is highly recommended. These highly qualified individuals and their staffs can conduct tests to determine the nature and extent of the injury and to eliminate more serious, underlying problems. The treatment methods available include massage, spinal adjustments, prescription medications, and as a last resort, surgery. There are experts in all disciplines of healthcare. They can recommend and provide a treatment program that fits your immediate needs and is in accord with your personal philosophy and medical preference. www.HealthSourceOfHarrodsburg.com

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Tags: lumbar stabilixation, back pain, lower back pain exercises, back pain treatment, lumbar pain, cause of back pain

For those individuals who carry around extra weight, the costs go far beyond larger clothes or tight seats at the movie theater. The price of health insurance, weight related illnesses and societal condemnation figure high in daily life. There are many misunderstandings about obesity accepted as fact in the public eye. Fat people are seen as lazy, stupid, slothful or just plain weak-willed. They are understood to have no self-control, eat constantly and are generally less worthy members of society. Somehow, although just about every other form of social prejudice has become unacceptable, it is still ok to discriminate against the obese. The High Cost of Health Insurance - The obese consistently pay higher insurance premiums than thinner people do. This is regardless of whether or not they actually have any health factors that justify elevated rates. A chronic smoker with elevated blood pressure will pay lower insurance premiums than a fat individual with no medical issues. This is justified by the industry because, in theory, obese people will eventually develop health-related problems. In no other category are the insurance companies allowed to charge elevated rates on the possibility that someone may develop an illness. To top that insult with additional injury, the same insurance companies will frequently refuse to insure the obese, claiming elevated risks as their reason. Extensive research has proven repeatedly that obese people who remain active have similar risk factors for disease as thin people who are sedentary or moderately active, making the assertions by the insurance companies ludicrous. Actual Health Risks Associated with Obesity - Obesity is associated with higher levels of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and other ailments, but those are not the sole purview of the fat. Often, treating these same illnesses in the obese takes more effort. Still, creating a country-wide plan forcing obese people to accept gastric bypass surgery isn’t really the answer. To reduce health risks for the obese, the best choice is to encourage regular exercise and better eating habits. Exercise, even low impact walking or swimming, can help reduce HDL levels, increase LDL levels and decrease the risks of other diseases that can result from inactivity and excessive weight. Societal Approbation and Support - While not spoken about much in public, it is a well-documented fact that obese people have a hard time finding and keeping jobs commensurate with their education and experience levels. Although it is illegal to dismiss employees based upon their pants size, it occurs all the time. More universal than any other “acceptable” work related prejudice, discrimination against the obese continues to flourish. Additionally, there is a strong relationship between obesity and poverty. The poor tend towards higher levels of obesity and the obese are more likely to end up poor. The correlation is undeniable. Low income means dietary choices designed to fill you up and those options are inevitably loaded with fat. In a world where everyone asks you to “super-size” and “live large” there is an inherent mixed message in the concept that only the thin deserve proper care and respect. It is estimated that over 50% of Americans are now overweight, and much of that trend can be attributed to changes in eating habits and activity levels. Rather than penalize such a large percentage of the population, it would be best to encourage greater activity levels, better eating habits and an overall understanding of the factors that create obesity. Believe me, no one wants to lose weight or get healthier more than the obese individuals in question. There is no need to add to their challenges and struggles by making health care harder to access and pricier to afford. www.HealthSourceOfPasadenaCentral.com

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Tags: exercise for low back pain, lower back pain relief, severe back pain, lumbar pain, back pain treatment, back pain

It seems that you can barely turn on the television or radio without hearing about the new “NASA discovered” back pain ending therapy known as spinal decompression. For individuals who suffer from chronic back pain, the idea of a non-surgical process that can help eliminate their pain is very appealing. Just what goes on during such treatments remains a mystery when listening to the advertisements. Here is a simple break down of the process. Evaluation Comes Before Treatment - Usually carried out at a chiropractic office, a preliminary evaluation of your physical condition and the source of your pain must be completed. While in most cases decompression therapy is in no way harmful, it can be problematic for those with osteoporosis or spinal fractures. Range of motion will be evaluated and pain levels measured and overall condition determined. You and your practitioner will determine an appropriate course of treatment and goals for your therapy. The Treatment Itself - Your treatment will usually begin with some preparatory work. This usually involves massage, heat or cold packs or some supervised stretching and warming of the muscles in the area that will be under traction. You will be assisted onto the decompression machine and the straps that hold your chest and legs to the machine will be fastened. The decompression table will be set to perform the program that you and your practitioner discussed. Once the treatment begins your practitioner may opt to go treat other patients while checking up on you from time to time. After your treatment on the table is complete you may be asked to do some additional exercises and spend some time with ice packs. What Happens after the Treatment? - One treatment is not enough to ease back pain. The course that you and your practitioner have determined will no doubt contain several treatments over a number of weeks. The first few weeks you may be in the office as often as three times a week. It can take several weeks before you feel a marked improvement of your symptoms. As your condition improves you may decrease your visits and eventually one hopes that you will only be coming in for maintenance appointments. Payment Concerns and Other Information - Unfortunately, insurance companies rarely pay for non-surgical decompression treatments. The price of such therapy ranges from as little as $35 per session to $200 per session depending upon the practitioner, the locale and other incalculable factors. It isn’t improbable that you would need to experience 20 treatments for significant relief of your symptoms. That is a large investment, but before you consider surgical options, it is well worth your time and money to consider. Each treatment session will take between 45-90 minutes. The length of the session will depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to warm up before your table time, the time on the table and exercises and icing afterwards. For many people, non-surgical spinal decompression offers a less invasive, successful end to back pain associated with bulging or herniated disks, sciatica and other lumbar problems. If you are among those who suffer needlessly, consider a consultation with your local practitioner and see what they can do for you. www.HealthSourceOfIrmo.com

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Tags: lower back pain relief, exercise for low back pain, lumbar pain, back pain treatment, lumbar stabilixation, lower back pain exercises