* put him on a diet
* taking for a walk
* let him sleep in
* give them a soft cozy warm bed
* raises food and water bowls
* Build a ramp for him to use instead of stairs
* take him for a swim
* give him a coat or a sweater for winter.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
What is Depression?
What is Depression?
Depression is a medical Illness & not just a feeling of hopelessness. It's more then just feeling sad.
How common is Depression?
It's as common as the Common Cold. According to the World Health Organization, it's the Third Most Common Illness in the World after Infectious diseases & Heart disease. It's the 4th to the 10th most frequent diagnosis made by the family doctor.
Who is at risk to get Depression?
All of us are! An alive human being (with fair intelligence) is the greatest risk!! As confirmed by scientific data ¼ to 1/3 of us are going to have it once in lifetime. Every 3rd female and every 5th male will have it at least once.
What are the causes of Depression?
Biological
Psychological
Social
Biological causes:
I. Chemicals / Neurotransmitters: Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers, which are critical in the transmission of nerve impulses in our brain and nerves. The level of certain neurotransmitters, NORADRENALINE & SEROTONIN are decreased in the brain. Most of the medications used for treating depression (Anti depressants) help in elevating the levels of these chemicals in the brain.
II. Genetic: For every possible physical and mental feature there is a gene in our cells. So is a gene for Depression. The parents of a depressed person are at a higher risk for depression. If a sibling has depressive illness then there is a 15% chance, that it will be there in another sibling .If the onset of depression is after the age of 40 yr. then chance of it being genetically transmitted is less.
Mental Health
Anxiety
Panic Attacks
Depression
Visit to a psychiatrist
ECT
OCD
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III. Hormonal imbalance: Though the exact mechanisms are not understood but imbalance of female sex hormones can lead to depression. Depressions in the postmenopausal and post partum (after delivery) period are the examples.
Psychological causes:
I. Personality/ Attitudes: Following types of personality traits predispose to depressive illness.
Very ambitious
Anxious
Obsessive/perfectionist
Setting very high standards for self
Persons having above traits/attitudes are more likely to experience depressive episodes in their lives as compared to people who don't have such type of personality.
II. Coping strategies with life events: How we deal with stressful events like separation/divorce/death, etc. determines how predisposed we are to depression. People who are
Impulsive
Aggressive
Self centered
Are more likely to have depression.
Social causes and social supports:
A lot of stressful life events like death/divorce/disease predispose to depression.
Interpersonal relationships matter a lot - good relations with the friends / spouse / siblings have a positive effect in preventing depression.
Single people are more prone to depression than couples.
Similarly, studies have found divorced persons to be more prone to depression.
What are the features of depression?
Most of the people who feel low and depressed are given a lot of advice by friends and relatives. It is automatically assumed that these feelings of low energy / low mood are just a matter of time and would get better if the individual made a little effort to feel good and happy.
Persistence of such feelings of lethargy / low energy / low mood despite all this indicates that the person may be suffering from clinical depression. Following are the features that a depressed individual experiences.
Biological features (duration - 15 day or more)
Decreased sleep--- the person gets up very early in the morning say, at 3 am & can't sleep again. Frequent awakenings. Poor quality of sleep.
Decreased appetite/ weight
Dryness of mouth
Constipation
Reversed diurnal variation - everybody feels better in the morning but a depressed patient feels worst in morning & slightly better in noon to evening.
Generalized body ache - lot of poorly localized pains and aches like headaches, abdominal pains.
Easily fatigued & lethargic.
Panic features like palpitations and sweating.
Psychological features
I. Sadness of mood
II. Decreased pleasure & interest in activities which they enjoyed previously
III. Decreased attention, forgetfulness, like forgets where he/ she has kept things.
IV. Easily irritated
V. MOST IMPORTANTLY, OCCASIONALLY NO WISH TO LIVE.
BAD NEWS IS THAT THIS CONDITION CAN BE FATAL. 40% OF ALL SUICIDES REPORTED ARE IN PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSION.
GOOD NEWS IS, IT IS EASILY DIAGNOSABLE & EASILY TREATABLE.
What are the treatments available for depression?
A number of medicines are available suitable to different Patients. Broadly these are termed as Anti Depressants. These drugs remain the mainstay of therapy for depression.
There are certain important things to be kept in mind regarding anti depressant use:
ADEQUATE DOSE, FOR ADEQUATE DURATION IS THE CARDINAL RULE.
SOMETIMES SMALL DOSES FOR LESS DURATION IS GIVEN BY NON SPECIALISTS It leads to incomplete recovery with frequent relapses.
Antidepressants are NOT sleeping pills.
THEY ARE NOT HABIT FORMING.
Depression is a medical Illness & not just a feeling of hopelessness. It's more then just feeling sad.
How common is Depression?
It's as common as the Common Cold. According to the World Health Organization, it's the Third Most Common Illness in the World after Infectious diseases & Heart disease. It's the 4th to the 10th most frequent diagnosis made by the family doctor.
Who is at risk to get Depression?
All of us are! An alive human being (with fair intelligence) is the greatest risk!! As confirmed by scientific data ¼ to 1/3 of us are going to have it once in lifetime. Every 3rd female and every 5th male will have it at least once.
What are the causes of Depression?
Biological
Psychological
Social
Biological causes:
I. Chemicals / Neurotransmitters: Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers, which are critical in the transmission of nerve impulses in our brain and nerves. The level of certain neurotransmitters, NORADRENALINE & SEROTONIN are decreased in the brain. Most of the medications used for treating depression (Anti depressants) help in elevating the levels of these chemicals in the brain.
II. Genetic: For every possible physical and mental feature there is a gene in our cells. So is a gene for Depression. The parents of a depressed person are at a higher risk for depression. If a sibling has depressive illness then there is a 15% chance, that it will be there in another sibling .If the onset of depression is after the age of 40 yr. then chance of it being genetically transmitted is less.
Mental Health
Anxiety
Panic Attacks
Depression
Visit to a psychiatrist
ECT
OCD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IndiaMART Network
IndiaMART Home
Gifts & Handicraft
Apparel & Textiles
Finance Investment
India News Online
Travel & Tourism
Online Shopping
Auto Junction
III. Hormonal imbalance: Though the exact mechanisms are not understood but imbalance of female sex hormones can lead to depression. Depressions in the postmenopausal and post partum (after delivery) period are the examples.
Psychological causes:
I. Personality/ Attitudes: Following types of personality traits predispose to depressive illness.
Very ambitious
Anxious
Obsessive/perfectionist
Setting very high standards for self
Persons having above traits/attitudes are more likely to experience depressive episodes in their lives as compared to people who don't have such type of personality.
II. Coping strategies with life events: How we deal with stressful events like separation/divorce/death, etc. determines how predisposed we are to depression. People who are
Impulsive
Aggressive
Self centered
Are more likely to have depression.
Social causes and social supports:
A lot of stressful life events like death/divorce/disease predispose to depression.
Interpersonal relationships matter a lot - good relations with the friends / spouse / siblings have a positive effect in preventing depression.
Single people are more prone to depression than couples.
Similarly, studies have found divorced persons to be more prone to depression.
What are the features of depression?
Most of the people who feel low and depressed are given a lot of advice by friends and relatives. It is automatically assumed that these feelings of low energy / low mood are just a matter of time and would get better if the individual made a little effort to feel good and happy.
Persistence of such feelings of lethargy / low energy / low mood despite all this indicates that the person may be suffering from clinical depression. Following are the features that a depressed individual experiences.
Biological features (duration - 15 day or more)
Decreased sleep--- the person gets up very early in the morning say, at 3 am & can't sleep again. Frequent awakenings. Poor quality of sleep.
Decreased appetite/ weight
Dryness of mouth
Constipation
Reversed diurnal variation - everybody feels better in the morning but a depressed patient feels worst in morning & slightly better in noon to evening.
Generalized body ache - lot of poorly localized pains and aches like headaches, abdominal pains.
Easily fatigued & lethargic.
Panic features like palpitations and sweating.
Psychological features
I. Sadness of mood
II. Decreased pleasure & interest in activities which they enjoyed previously
III. Decreased attention, forgetfulness, like forgets where he/ she has kept things.
IV. Easily irritated
V. MOST IMPORTANTLY, OCCASIONALLY NO WISH TO LIVE.
BAD NEWS IS THAT THIS CONDITION CAN BE FATAL. 40% OF ALL SUICIDES REPORTED ARE IN PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSION.
GOOD NEWS IS, IT IS EASILY DIAGNOSABLE & EASILY TREATABLE.
What are the treatments available for depression?
A number of medicines are available suitable to different Patients. Broadly these are termed as Anti Depressants. These drugs remain the mainstay of therapy for depression.
There are certain important things to be kept in mind regarding anti depressant use:
ADEQUATE DOSE, FOR ADEQUATE DURATION IS THE CARDINAL RULE.
SOMETIMES SMALL DOSES FOR LESS DURATION IS GIVEN BY NON SPECIALISTS It leads to incomplete recovery with frequent relapses.
Antidepressants are NOT sleeping pills.
THEY ARE NOT HABIT FORMING.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
OVER WEIGHT
The prevalence of overweight & obesity is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate.
There is a clear association between obesity / overweight and the risks in many diseases like:
Hypertension Diabetes Psychological Disturbances Hypercholestrolemia Osteoarthritis
Colonic cancer in men Skin Disorders
Gall stone formation Coronary artery diseases
Infertility and hirsutism (excess body hair)
Breast and Uterine Cancer in women Hyperlipidemia (excessive fats / lipids in blood)
How to Know your right body weight :
Body mass index (BMI) uses a mathematical formula and calculates your weight according to your height.
BMI is calculated as weight in Kgs. Divided by square of height in meters i.e. BMI = Kg / mtr2
Normal Range = 8.5 to 24.90
Over weight = 25 to 29.90
Obese = 30 to 39.90
Morbidly Obese = 40 and above
Guidance for Body Weight in Adults [ MEN AND WOMEN ] :
Height without Shoes Significantly Underweight Acceptable Range Obese Grossly Obese
In mtr. In Ft.in Wtin Kgs. Without clothes
1.45 4’9” 34 42 - 53 63 84
1.48 4’10” 35 44 – 55 66 88
1.50 4’11” 36 45 -- 56 68 90
1.52 5’0” 37 46 -- 58 69 92
1.54 5’1” 38 47 – 59 71 95
1.56 5’1” 39 49 -- 61 73 97
1.58 5’2” 40 50 – 62 75 100
1.60 5’3” 41 51 – 64 77 102
1.62 5’4” 42 52 – 66 79 105
1.64 5’5” 43 53 – 67 81 108
1.66 5’5” 44 55 -- 69 83 110
1.68 5’6” 45 56 – 71 85 113
1.70 5’7” 46 58 – 72 87 116
1.72 5’8” 47 59 – 74 89 118
1.74 5’8” 48 61 – 76 91 121
1.76 5’9” 50 62 – 78 93 124
1.78 5’10” 51 63 -- 79 95 127
There is a clear association between obesity / overweight and the risks in many diseases like:
Hypertension Diabetes Psychological Disturbances Hypercholestrolemia Osteoarthritis
Colonic cancer in men Skin Disorders
Gall stone formation Coronary artery diseases
Infertility and hirsutism (excess body hair)
Breast and Uterine Cancer in women Hyperlipidemia (excessive fats / lipids in blood)
How to Know your right body weight :
Body mass index (BMI) uses a mathematical formula and calculates your weight according to your height.
BMI is calculated as weight in Kgs. Divided by square of height in meters i.e. BMI = Kg / mtr2
Normal Range = 8.5 to 24.90
Over weight = 25 to 29.90
Obese = 30 to 39.90
Morbidly Obese = 40 and above
Guidance for Body Weight in Adults [ MEN AND WOMEN ] :
Height without Shoes Significantly Underweight Acceptable Range Obese Grossly Obese
In mtr. In Ft.in Wtin Kgs. Without clothes
1.45 4’9” 34 42 - 53 63 84
1.48 4’10” 35 44 – 55 66 88
1.50 4’11” 36 45 -- 56 68 90
1.52 5’0” 37 46 -- 58 69 92
1.54 5’1” 38 47 – 59 71 95
1.56 5’1” 39 49 -- 61 73 97
1.58 5’2” 40 50 – 62 75 100
1.60 5’3” 41 51 – 64 77 102
1.62 5’4” 42 52 – 66 79 105
1.64 5’5” 43 53 – 67 81 108
1.66 5’5” 44 55 -- 69 83 110
1.68 5’6” 45 56 – 71 85 113
1.70 5’7” 46 58 – 72 87 116
1.72 5’8” 47 59 – 74 89 118
1.74 5’8” 48 61 – 76 91 121
1.76 5’9” 50 62 – 78 93 124
1.78 5’10” 51 63 -- 79 95 127
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Green Tea for Long Life?
Japanese Study Shows Link Between Green Tea Drinkers and Lower Death Risk
People who drink at least a pint of green tea each day have a lower risk of death, a Japanese study shows.
The lower overall death risk among green tea drinkers appears to be due to a lower risk of death from heart disease. And the benefit of green tea is especially pronounced in women, find Shinichi Kuriyama, MD, PhD, Tohoku University School of Public Policy in Sendai, Japan, and colleagues.
Green tea is a very popular drink in Japan. But some people drink more than others do. Women who drink five or more 3.4-ounce cups of green tea every day cut their risk of heart disease by 31% compared with women who drink one or fewer 3.4-ounce cups. Men who drink this much green tea cut their heart disease risk by 22%.
"Green tea may prolong your life through reducing heart disease and stroke," Kuriyama tells WebMD. "Our findings might explain the differences in mortality profile between Japan and the United States. The Japanese age-adjusted rate of mortality due to [heart disease and stroke] is about 30% lower than that of the United States."
The findings appear in the Sept. 13 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association.
Green Tea: Might Americans Benefit?
Kuriyama's study is based on data collected since 1994 among more than 40,000 healthy Japanese people aged 40 to 79. More than 86% of the study participants remained in the study for 11 years. Participants filled out detailed questionnaires about their daily diets and health.
The study was conducted with meticulous care. But Kuriyama is quick to point out that this kind of study can't prove green tea has any beneficial effect. Proof comes only from a clinical trial in which some people get green tea and others do not. The Kuriyama study shows only that there is a link between green tea and lower death risk -- not that green tea causes lower death risk.
More Benefits for Women?
Why do women seem to get more of a benefit from green tea than men do? Kuriyama and colleagues note that the men in their study smoked more cigarettes than women did. And smokers, overall, got less of a benefit from green tea than nonsmokers.
But Cheng says it's related to estrogen. Green tea studies consistently show a greater effect for women than for men, he says. He suggests that green tea's active ingredients may interact with the female sex hormone estrogen to boost a heart-protective effect.
Green Tea: No Effect on Cancer
Kuriyama and colleagues found no evidence that green tea protects against cancer death.
Kuriyama says that was a surprise to him, as "abundant" evidence from animal and test-tube studies suggests that green tea ingredients fight cancer.
But he notes that the current findings are in line with other, smaller studies that find green tea has no effect on several specific kinds of cancer.
Green Tea Warnings
While it's yet to be proved that green tea really will protect you against early death, there's a lot of evidence that green tea is safe -- with two major exceptions.
Cheng warns that green tea contains vitamin K. Vitamin K affects blood clotting. People taking the blood-thinning drug Coumadin, he says, should not start drinking more green tea.
And Kuriyama warns against drinking your green tea piping hot.
"Drinking green tea at high temperature may be associated with increased risk of esophageal cancer," he says. "Therefore, I recommend that green tea should be consumed at moderate or low temperature."
What's the bottom line? For Lichtenstein, the message is to go ahead and drink green tea if you like it. But to prevent heart disease and stroke, what really works is a healthy diet and daily exercise.
Neither Kuriyama nor Cheng would disagree with that. But they both recommend green tea, too.
"I personally drink two to three cups of green tea per day," Kuriyama says. "On the basis of our study results, I would like to recommend the drinking of green tea to my friends and my family because our findings are the best evidence at present."
Cheng says green tea is much better for you than oolong tea or black tea, which lose some healthy properties during fermentation. But that's not why he drinks it.
People who drink at least a pint of green tea each day have a lower risk of death, a Japanese study shows.
The lower overall death risk among green tea drinkers appears to be due to a lower risk of death from heart disease. And the benefit of green tea is especially pronounced in women, find Shinichi Kuriyama, MD, PhD, Tohoku University School of Public Policy in Sendai, Japan, and colleagues.
Green tea is a very popular drink in Japan. But some people drink more than others do. Women who drink five or more 3.4-ounce cups of green tea every day cut their risk of heart disease by 31% compared with women who drink one or fewer 3.4-ounce cups. Men who drink this much green tea cut their heart disease risk by 22%.
"Green tea may prolong your life through reducing heart disease and stroke," Kuriyama tells WebMD. "Our findings might explain the differences in mortality profile between Japan and the United States. The Japanese age-adjusted rate of mortality due to [heart disease and stroke] is about 30% lower than that of the United States."
The findings appear in the Sept. 13 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association.
Green Tea: Might Americans Benefit?
Kuriyama's study is based on data collected since 1994 among more than 40,000 healthy Japanese people aged 40 to 79. More than 86% of the study participants remained in the study for 11 years. Participants filled out detailed questionnaires about their daily diets and health.
The study was conducted with meticulous care. But Kuriyama is quick to point out that this kind of study can't prove green tea has any beneficial effect. Proof comes only from a clinical trial in which some people get green tea and others do not. The Kuriyama study shows only that there is a link between green tea and lower death risk -- not that green tea causes lower death risk.
More Benefits for Women?
Why do women seem to get more of a benefit from green tea than men do? Kuriyama and colleagues note that the men in their study smoked more cigarettes than women did. And smokers, overall, got less of a benefit from green tea than nonsmokers.
But Cheng says it's related to estrogen. Green tea studies consistently show a greater effect for women than for men, he says. He suggests that green tea's active ingredients may interact with the female sex hormone estrogen to boost a heart-protective effect.
Green Tea: No Effect on Cancer
Kuriyama and colleagues found no evidence that green tea protects against cancer death.
Kuriyama says that was a surprise to him, as "abundant" evidence from animal and test-tube studies suggests that green tea ingredients fight cancer.
But he notes that the current findings are in line with other, smaller studies that find green tea has no effect on several specific kinds of cancer.
Green Tea Warnings
While it's yet to be proved that green tea really will protect you against early death, there's a lot of evidence that green tea is safe -- with two major exceptions.
Cheng warns that green tea contains vitamin K. Vitamin K affects blood clotting. People taking the blood-thinning drug Coumadin, he says, should not start drinking more green tea.
And Kuriyama warns against drinking your green tea piping hot.
"Drinking green tea at high temperature may be associated with increased risk of esophageal cancer," he says. "Therefore, I recommend that green tea should be consumed at moderate or low temperature."
What's the bottom line? For Lichtenstein, the message is to go ahead and drink green tea if you like it. But to prevent heart disease and stroke, what really works is a healthy diet and daily exercise.
Neither Kuriyama nor Cheng would disagree with that. But they both recommend green tea, too.
"I personally drink two to three cups of green tea per day," Kuriyama says. "On the basis of our study results, I would like to recommend the drinking of green tea to my friends and my family because our findings are the best evidence at present."
Cheng says green tea is much better for you than oolong tea or black tea, which lose some healthy properties during fermentation. But that's not why he drinks it.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Back Pain - self care
Become an active partner in your own back recovery. If you have back pain, begin with an appointment with your healthcare provider. When the problem is diagnosed, treatment will be suggested. Often back pain will go away by itself.
Back pain can be treated. However, you are the most important member of the healthcare team in treating your pain. Learn about your back, its anatomy and function. Learn how to return your back to a healthy state and how to keep it strong and healthy. Learn what good posture is. Practice safe body mechanics to prevent re- injury. Keeping your weight within the normal healthy range helps to prevent back pain.
Self-care of the back starts with relieving the immediate pain. Pain can be relieved with ice or heat. Either a cloth-covered ice pack or a heating pad on low can be put on the back for no more than 20 minutes 4 to 8 times a day. This will help to relieve the pain. Bed rest is not suggested for more than a couple of days, as it can weaken muscles. It may help to rest for 1 to 2 days.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may be recommended for the pain. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. NSAIDs should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).
Some people like to use a support belt for the back. A belt may help some people at first, but should only be used for a short time. If used for a long time, a back support belt can make the back weaker. A good night's rest is important for back recovery. If the pain is preventing a good night's rest, make sure that the mattress is supportive and comfortable. Sleep on your side with your knees bent. Sometimes it helps to put a pillow between the knees while sleeping. When sleeping on your back, be sure to put a pillow under your knees to take the strain off your back.
During the first 4 weeks of acute low back pain, at least one spinal manipulation by a chiropractor or osteopathic provider may help the pain. It is best not to have a manipulation of the neck because there could be serious complications.
A healthcare provider will suggest starting an exercise program, usually within 2 weeks, or sooner, of the onset of the pain. Exercising helps strengthen the back and minimize the pain. Even though an exercise program is important in making the back better, it is important not to over exert. Based upon your health status, the provider will determine what type of exerciseyou should do and how long and how often you should do it. Your exercise program will gradually increase over time. Exercise should never be done if it causes or increases the back pain.
Following a regular exercise program will strengthen your muscles and make them more flexible. This can help prevent back pain from returning. Most back exercise programs will include stretching and strengthening exercises and low impact aerobic exercise, such as walking or swimming. Sometimes, it will be necessary to see a physical therapist to learn what exercises to do and how to do them.
Back pain can be treated. However, you are the most important member of the healthcare team in treating your pain. Learn about your back, its anatomy and function. Learn how to return your back to a healthy state and how to keep it strong and healthy. Learn what good posture is. Practice safe body mechanics to prevent re- injury. Keeping your weight within the normal healthy range helps to prevent back pain.
Self-care of the back starts with relieving the immediate pain. Pain can be relieved with ice or heat. Either a cloth-covered ice pack or a heating pad on low can be put on the back for no more than 20 minutes 4 to 8 times a day. This will help to relieve the pain. Bed rest is not suggested for more than a couple of days, as it can weaken muscles. It may help to rest for 1 to 2 days.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may be recommended for the pain. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. NSAIDs should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).
Some people like to use a support belt for the back. A belt may help some people at first, but should only be used for a short time. If used for a long time, a back support belt can make the back weaker. A good night's rest is important for back recovery. If the pain is preventing a good night's rest, make sure that the mattress is supportive and comfortable. Sleep on your side with your knees bent. Sometimes it helps to put a pillow between the knees while sleeping. When sleeping on your back, be sure to put a pillow under your knees to take the strain off your back.
During the first 4 weeks of acute low back pain, at least one spinal manipulation by a chiropractor or osteopathic provider may help the pain. It is best not to have a manipulation of the neck because there could be serious complications.
A healthcare provider will suggest starting an exercise program, usually within 2 weeks, or sooner, of the onset of the pain. Exercising helps strengthen the back and minimize the pain. Even though an exercise program is important in making the back better, it is important not to over exert. Based upon your health status, the provider will determine what type of exerciseyou should do and how long and how often you should do it. Your exercise program will gradually increase over time. Exercise should never be done if it causes or increases the back pain.
Following a regular exercise program will strengthen your muscles and make them more flexible. This can help prevent back pain from returning. Most back exercise programs will include stretching and strengthening exercises and low impact aerobic exercise, such as walking or swimming. Sometimes, it will be necessary to see a physical therapist to learn what exercises to do and how to do them.
Back Pain -- Prevention
The spine works all day every day, taking on the stress of the work and play we do. The back gives support while standing, bending, sitting, and sleeping. Back pain and back injury may occur if a person is out of shape or under stress.
A healthy spine has three natural curves that form a gentle "S" shape. These curves are:
* cervical, the curve inward at your neck
* thoracic, the curve outward in the middle and
* lumbar, the curve inward in the low back
When these curves are in their proper position, the ears will be in a straight line with the shoulders and hips. Strong and flexible muscles are necessary to maintain this balance. A healthy back requires good posture, strong flexible muscles, correct lifting and moving techniques, a healthy body weight, and a positive attitude about home and work.
Tips for a healthy back:
* Place a pillow under the knees when sleeping on your back or between the knees when sleeping on your side.
* Avoid sitting for long periods. Get up and walk around often. A lumbar support for the lower curve of the back is essential. A small pillow can be used for this. * If standing for a long time, place one foot on a stool.
* Plan the day's tasks so that sitting and standing tasks can be alternated.
* Learn how to correctly lift, reach, push, and pull. Let the legs do most of the lifting by bending the knees and keeping the back straight. Hold items close to the body even when they are not heavy.
* Exercise regularly.
* Relaxation exercises can relieve physical and emotional stress.
* Since smoking contributes to back problems, do not smoke.
* Perform daily back exercises to strengthen and improve the flexibility of the spine. A physical therapist or certified exercise specialist can help design the right routine for your back.
A healthy spine has three natural curves that form a gentle "S" shape. These curves are:
* cervical, the curve inward at your neck
* thoracic, the curve outward in the middle and
* lumbar, the curve inward in the low back
When these curves are in their proper position, the ears will be in a straight line with the shoulders and hips. Strong and flexible muscles are necessary to maintain this balance. A healthy back requires good posture, strong flexible muscles, correct lifting and moving techniques, a healthy body weight, and a positive attitude about home and work.
Tips for a healthy back:
* Place a pillow under the knees when sleeping on your back or between the knees when sleeping on your side.
* Avoid sitting for long periods. Get up and walk around often. A lumbar support for the lower curve of the back is essential. A small pillow can be used for this. * If standing for a long time, place one foot on a stool.
* Plan the day's tasks so that sitting and standing tasks can be alternated.
* Learn how to correctly lift, reach, push, and pull. Let the legs do most of the lifting by bending the knees and keeping the back straight. Hold items close to the body even when they are not heavy.
* Exercise regularly.
* Relaxation exercises can relieve physical and emotional stress.
* Since smoking contributes to back problems, do not smoke.
* Perform daily back exercises to strengthen and improve the flexibility of the spine. A physical therapist or certified exercise specialist can help design the right routine for your back.
Back Pain -- causes
Many people suffer from back pain. Usually, the origin of back pain is the skeletal system and the muscles that support it. Back pain may also be caused by kidney, gastrointestinal or cardiac disorders. It may be caused by other organs or by a side effect of other diseases.
Once someone has had back pain, it is likely to be experienced again. The longer back pain goes on, the worse it gets. This cycle can be stopped when you know a little about your back and how it works.
The spine is made up of stacked bones called the vertebrae. They are arranged in three natural curves that keep your body supported. Strong, flexible muscles and ligaments help maintain these curves. Soft cushions called discs act as shock absorbers between the bones. The nerves run through the holes in the center of the vertebrae and branch out to your body.
The bones, muscles, ligaments, nerves, or discs can cause back pain. Here's how:
* The bones of the spine can develop arthritis, get narrower (compress), or pinch nerves causing the nerve to become irritated. This normally produces a lot of pain.
* Discs can degenerate or lose their shape and support, or they can bulge or rupture.
* Muscles can fatigue and weaken, or become inflexible. A weak abdomen cannot help support your back. Obesity puts an additional stress on the back.
* Ligaments can be over-stretched and cause the bones to lose their support.
* Poor posture, incorrect body mechanics, stress, inactivity or overexertion can lead to back pain.
Good posture is necessary to keep the bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments and discs working well together. Good posture while you move at work or at play is called body mechanics. Learning good body mechanics will keep your back moving safely and efficiently. Keeping your muscles toned and exercised is the key to good body mechanics.
Doing too much activity, or doing too little, are both harmful to your back. If you exceed your limits, injury can result. On the other hand, a person who is out of shape will be unable to maintain good posture. This may result in undue stress to the spine. Emotional stress can make a back problem worse, contributing to muscle strains and muscle spasms.
Learn how to use your back smartly and it will last you a lifetime. If your back pain is not relieved, or continues after using exercises, or if it gets worse, see your healthcare provider.
Once someone has had back pain, it is likely to be experienced again. The longer back pain goes on, the worse it gets. This cycle can be stopped when you know a little about your back and how it works.
The spine is made up of stacked bones called the vertebrae. They are arranged in three natural curves that keep your body supported. Strong, flexible muscles and ligaments help maintain these curves. Soft cushions called discs act as shock absorbers between the bones. The nerves run through the holes in the center of the vertebrae and branch out to your body.
The bones, muscles, ligaments, nerves, or discs can cause back pain. Here's how:
* The bones of the spine can develop arthritis, get narrower (compress), or pinch nerves causing the nerve to become irritated. This normally produces a lot of pain.
* Discs can degenerate or lose their shape and support, or they can bulge or rupture.
* Muscles can fatigue and weaken, or become inflexible. A weak abdomen cannot help support your back. Obesity puts an additional stress on the back.
* Ligaments can be over-stretched and cause the bones to lose their support.
* Poor posture, incorrect body mechanics, stress, inactivity or overexertion can lead to back pain.
Good posture is necessary to keep the bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments and discs working well together. Good posture while you move at work or at play is called body mechanics. Learning good body mechanics will keep your back moving safely and efficiently. Keeping your muscles toned and exercised is the key to good body mechanics.
Doing too much activity, or doing too little, are both harmful to your back. If you exceed your limits, injury can result. On the other hand, a person who is out of shape will be unable to maintain good posture. This may result in undue stress to the spine. Emotional stress can make a back problem worse, contributing to muscle strains and muscle spasms.
Learn how to use your back smartly and it will last you a lifetime. If your back pain is not relieved, or continues after using exercises, or if it gets worse, see your healthcare provider.
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