Issue 1
Issue 2
Issue 3

In this country, surgeons perform more than 250,00 lower back operations annually. The average hospital cost is $11,000, excluding surgeon's fees. Is back surgery always necessary?

"Exploratory surgery to search for the cause of a patient's pain is...useless. You don't operate on a chronic patient unless the pain is intolerable, unless you know for sure that the pain is generated by a specific malfunction in the back and that surgery has been shown to correct this particular problem. But these rules of thumb are not always followed." Dr. Arthur White states, "I make my living on cleaning up the messes of other surgeons who have operated prematurely with inadequate diagnosis and inadequate training."

If a specific cause and result are indicated, then surgery may be the best alternative. However, there are other options.

Lonnie Burger, a welder in Palmerton , Pa., is living with a herniated disk, the result of an accident on the job in 1987 when he slipped and fell on his tailbone. Although a series of MRIs has shown the herniation, he is determined to make do with the noninvasive treatments of a chiropractor. Burger has monthly chiropractic "adjustments" and does exercises to strengthen the lower back.

He has consulted three neurosurgeons over the years, at the request of worker's compensation administrators, in order to keep getting payments for his chiropractic treatment. "It's mostly just an attitude check to see if you're trying to milk them," Burger said. "All three doctors agreed I should continue treatment. I'm going to work every day."

"The surgeon told me since I've been like this for so long, if he operated I wouldn't notice a difference, he said, as reported in The Washington Post.

Based on an article from The Washington Post and Sports-doc.com and Steven M. Horwitz, D.C., of the White Oak Chiropractic Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Why are spinal discs so important? Often, in fact 80% of the time, back pain problems stem from the spinal discs. Discs are extremely important, because they play a central role with regard to the spine’s mobility as well as its stress capacity. Discs are what allow us to twist, turn, bend and move. They provide us with our flexibility, and also act as shock absorbers for the spine’s vertebrae.

How does a disc herniation occur and what are its symptoms? Under stress, the inner material of the disc may swell, pushing through its tough outer membrane. All or part of the disc’s core actually protrudes through that outer membrane which, in turn, causes pressure around the surrounding nerves. This can cause quite a bit of pain. Symptoms, however, vary depending on the location and the extent to which the disc material is protruding. Often times, the pain can cause difficulty walking. If the sciatic nerve is involved, pain in the thigh and lower leg may occur. Something as simple as a sneeze, for example, might send pain shooting down the leg into the calf and ankle area. Disc herniations most commonly target men under the age of 50. They almost always occur in the lumbar, or lower spine area. Very rarely (about 10% of the time) are herniated discs seen in the neck and shoulder area.

Can disc herniations be prevented? People who participate in moderate, regular exercise are much less likely to suffer from disc herniations than their sedentary counterparts. (See Newsletter #2 and #3 for some suggested back exercises.) Active people will also benefit from and enjoy a wider range of flexibility and less stiffness later in life. Often times, disc herniations occur shortly after a person gets out of bed in the morning. If the back is not properly supported during sleep, discs can get out of alignment and protrude slightly. So when a person gets out of bed and bends over to tie his shoes, for example, he may find that his back goes out. A good preventive measure, then, particularly for those who are prone to disc problems, is to be certain that the spine remains properly aligned in its natural position during the night.

Click here for information on the Contour Cloud Sleep System to help you sleep in comfort.

Click here for Feature Article - Help for Fibromyalgia - (Issue 2)
Click here to read Feature Article - Understanding Lower Back Pain (Issue 1)

As the glorious springtime season approaches, many of us begin to think about gardening. For some, gardening is one of the greatest pleasures life has to offer. Those of us who live in colder climates look forward to finally being outside, planting beautiful flowers and shrubs, and tending to the lawn. But gardening enthusiasts who suffer from back pain look forward to the season with some trepidation. Well here’s some back-friendly news that is sure to brighten your day: You can greatly reduce the risk of back injury by following some simple advice! It’s true, gardening does not have to be the back-breaking hobby that it was once thought to be, provided that certain guidelines are followed.

First, sensible planting can reduce much of the hard work associated with gardening and upkeep of the lawn. Try planting low maintenance shrubs and perennials, especially in areas where accessibility is a problem. Choose plants for ground cover to reduce the need for continuous weeding and reduce the size of the lawn that would otherwise demand regular mowing and edging. Avoid planting shrubs, perennials and ground cover around tree bottoms where end of the season clean-up is difficult; remember, you will need to rake leaves out of these areas in the fall. Instead, consider mulching and plant a ring of annuals around the bottom of a tree. Annuals can and should be pulled up at the end of the season, making clean up and raking a breeze.

Don’t skimp on gardening tools. Well-designed tools can be a tremendous help in reducing the potential for back pain. Digging can be particularly harmful to those who are prone to back problems. Consider purchasing a specially designed tool with a spring and lever action to take the "ouch" out of this sometimes back breaking element of gardening. Some manufacturers make spades, forks and other gardening tools in various lengths and sizes to avoid straining the back. If you can’t find these size specific items, at least choose lightweight, long handled gardening tools, preferably made of stainless steel to reduce friction.

Gardening can be a strenuous activity, so exercise prior to can go a long way toward preventing "horticultural" back pain. Try stretching your muscles and doing some warm ups to prepare your body for the tasks ahead. Once you are working, let common sense be your guide. Don’t stoop over; bend at your knees instead. Try not to work too far in front of yourself. Keep your work close, so that your elbows stay bent and your shoulders aren’t forced into a hunched position. And don’t forget to take a break every 15 minutes or so.

Follow this simple advice, let common sense be your guide and DON’T OVERDUE IT! You’ll have a wonderful, rewarding season in the garden, the results of which you’ll enjoy for many years to come.

Do you know back pain can start with the feet? Click here for information on Viscolas Insoles

Get comfortable while you work! Click here for information on the Contour Freedom Back.
Click here to read Exercise & Fitness -Exercise Your Way Through the Work Day (Issue 2)