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Doctors Cautiously Endorse Cerebrospinal-Fluid Pain Therapy

Injecting painkillers into the thin layer of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord can be effective in relieving pain and restoring function, but there are many risks associated with the procedure, which should be used only as a last resort, specialists said.

The physicians, who spoke at a meeting of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, criticized the freewheeling use of pain medications and technologies, which include implantable, programmable pumps and catheters to deliver the drugs.

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Only Exercise Found to Prevent Low-Back Problems

Exercise in workplace and community environments is excellent in halting low-back problems, while a variety of other popular interventions have little if any beneficial effect, according to a recent review of a number of high-scientific-quality clinical trials. (Read more)

 

Spinal Decompression for Lower Back Pain

Spinal Decompression provides an alternative to surgery in many cases of lower back pain caused by herniated discs. A herniated disc is a condition of the disc. The disc a jelly-like material between two bones in your spine. There is a middle section called a nucleus and an outer band called an annulus. As we age the outer band, or the annulus, which is a collagen based tissue, begins to break down. The nucleus, which is in the middle, migrates outside and puts pressure on the spinal nerve causing either pain or dysfunction.

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Spine Force Machine for Herniated Discs

The Spine Force machine is the only device capable of stimulating the deep muscles of the spine. A groundbreaking device called the Spine Force has the potential to transform how we care for the muscles and structures in the lower back. LPG Systems is a France based company that has developed this machine to stimulate the deep connective tissue within the spine that can break down with sedentary lifestyle habits. With the advent of the Spine Force, health practitioners who specialize in treating spinal diseases and disorders may now have a resource to ensure that patients don't have recurring spinal problems.

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Stem Cells Can Aid Spinal Disc Repair

A study using a handful of large animals strongly suggests that stem cells transferred from the body's own fat can facilitate the repair of damaged spinal discs. Stem cell treatments appeared to increase disc tissue density, concentration of disc matrix proteins between the disc cells, and disc water content.

If clinical studies bear out the results of this research, it could represent a real breakthrough for the more than 300,000 patients undergoing spinal surgery every year. (Read more)

 

The Cause of Chronic Tension Headaches

Poor posture is at the root of chronic tension headaches. An article written by holistic care author Doug Fogel explains how having a tight neck, shoulders, and upper back contribute to chronic tension headaches. He says the tension is caused by poor posture and/or accident-related trauma. Conventional treatments like pain medication have little effect on long term relief. The only way to relieve symptoms is to treat the cause of the tension and address instances of poor posture.

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Waiting May Reduce Need for Back Surgery

New studies demonstrate that waiting may be the best alternative to back surgery. Approximately 1.5 million back surgeries are performed worldwide. These surgeries are performed to address painful problems associated with slipped or misaligned disks. Intransient sciatica and other lower back conditions are extremely painful and can impact the quality of life of those afflicted. New research though suggests that 75% of such cases will improve on their own if left untreated.

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