Archive for the ‘neuromuscular’ Category

Back Pain Remedies

Monday, May 12th, 2008

When asked about the remedy people take, when they are confronted with a more permanent back pain for the first, most people will tell that they take some form of medication. Often a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is prescribed by a doctor or a muscle relaxant so the muscles (if that is the cause of the back pain) can relax and stop the tension.

Physical therapy is the next step if the drugs or muscle relaxers on their own don’t work or are not showing the expected results. Often the physical therapy will start while still taking the prescribed drugs. The therapist will have a choice of techniques to choose from, some of them are ultrasound, ice or heat and even electrical stimulation. And while applying the techniques the therapist will look at the results so he can pinpoint which treatment will work the best for the patients particular back pain problem.

With electrical stimulation a weak electrical current is sent from a unit through the skin in to nerve pathways. Although this does not work for everyone or all kinds of back pain it is becoming very popular and it can be tried to see if there are positive results.

The last resort for back pain treatment is and should always be, surgery. The percentage of people with back pain who can only be helped with surgery is very low. A type of surgery where a part of the vertebra, the spinal column bony part, is removed, this is called lacminectomy and laminotomy. Another surgical option is intradiscal electrothermal therapy, with this option a needle is inserted into the disc through a catheder.

Your doctor is the person you should talk to when it comes making a decision what treatment you should get for your back pain. That’s most important advice anyone can give you, when your back pain takes longer than it normally does after a day of hard work you should consult with your doctor. He or she can give you the best advice on the procedure you should follow.

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Muscle Relaxant Drugs

Thursday, May 8th, 2008

A muscle relaxant is a drug which affects skeletal muscle function and decreases the muscle tone. It may be used to alleviate symptoms such as muscle spasm and pain, and hyperreflexia. The term “muscle relaxant” is used to refer to two major therapeutic groups: neuromuscular blockers and spasmolytics. Neuromuscular blockers act by interfering with transmission at the neuromuscular end plate and have no CNS activity. They are often used during surgical procedures and in intensive care and emergency medicine to cause paralysis. Spasmolytics, also known as “centrally-acting” muscle relaxants, are used to alleviate musculoskeletal pain and spasms and to reduce spasticity in a variety of neurological conditions. While both neuromuscular blockers and spasmolytics are often grouped together as muscle relaxants, the term is commonly used to refer to spasmolytics only.

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Pain Relief a Prescription Away

Wednesday, May 7th, 2008

I recently came back from a wonderful visit to Orlando with my family. The weather was great, the golfing was beautiful and Disney’s Magic Kingdom was one of my son’s favourite places. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t get to play as much golf as I would have hoped due to … a back spasm (thankfully it happened in one of the last couple of days).

Never having one before – I thought I could just walk into the pharmacy and pick up some muscle relaxant and it would help me stretch it out…NOPE! In the US, muscle relaxant is a controlled substance and is only available to people through a prescription. What would you do in this scenario – go get a prescription right? Yes, but you can’t get it from your doctor in Canada – you have to get it from a doctor in the US – and we all know that they cost money!

Luckily for me, I have a GP in the family, he was able to send a prescription to the local pharmacy for my problem, but what would I have done if I didn’t have that?

Would I have to go find a doctor or hospital? How much would that cost? Hospitals charge for everything and if you don’t have a health plan, these charges can make a serious dent in your credit card limit.

My alternative was my travel insurance policy – I would call them and apprise them of the situation. They would tell me which hospital emergency ward to go to (because in my situation – I could not move for at least half a day!). From there I would get treated, probably issued a prescription and be sent on my way.

Travel insurance is one of those policies that are so important for you and your family but are usually given little attention. Usually people assume that they have coverage through their company’s health plan, their credit card or an association that they belong to. By digging a little deeper, you will be able to determine the level of coverage, the limitations, the exclusions and the deductibles that you are responsible for.

A medical emergency can put a serious damper on your vacation plans protect yourself and your family – spend pennies to make sure that you don’t have to spend big bucks!

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Muscle Relaxants

Tuesday, May 6th, 2008

Strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries can result in pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants do not heal the injuries, but they do relaxmuscles and help ease discomfort and stop muscle spasms. The muscle relaxantcyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is also sometimes used to treat fibromyalgia, a condition that involves aches, stiffness, and fatigue.

Muscle relaxants work by acting on the central nervous system. In the UnitedStates, they are available only with a physician’s prescription. Examples of muscle relaxants are carisoprodol (Soma), and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril). Most come only in tablet form. Some muscle relaxants are available in Canada without a prescription.

Muscle relaxants are usually prescribed along with rest, exercise, physical therapy, or other treatments. Although the drugs may provide relief, they should never be considered a substitute for these other forms of treatment. Thesedrugs may make the injury feel so much better that one is tempted to go backto normal activity, but doing too much too soon can actually make the injuryworse.

Muscle relaxants work quite well for relieving muscle pain due to injuries, but are not effective for other types of pain. Some people feel drowsy, dizzy,confused, lightheaded, or less alert when using muscle relaxants drugs. These drugs may also cause blurred vision, clumsiness, or unsteadiness.

Because muscle relaxants work on the central nervous system, they may add tothe effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down the central nervous system. They may also add to the effects of anesthetics, including those used for dental procedures. For this reason, anyone who takes these drugs should notdrive, operate machinery, or do anything else that might be dangerous untilthey have found out how the drugs affect them.

People with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain other medicines can have problems if they take muscle relaxants. Diabetes should be awarethat the metaxalone (Skelaxin) may cause false test results on one type of test for sugar in the urine. People with epilepsy should be cautioned that taking the muscle relaxant methocarbamol may increase the likelihood of seizures.

Anyone who has allergies, who is breastfeeding has kidney disease, has suffered a recent heart attack or irregular heartbeat, has an overactive thyroid gland, hepatitis or liver disease, is a current or former drug or alcohol abuser, has glaucoma, or has problems with urination should discuss their condition with their doctor before taking muscle relaxants.

The most common side effects or muscle relaxants are vision changes, such asdouble vision or blurred vision; dizziness; lightheadedness; drowsiness; anddry mouth. These problems usually go away as the body adjusts to the drug anddo not require medical treatment. Methocarbamol and chlorzoxazone may causeharmless color changes in urine –orange or reddish-purple with chlorzoxazoneand purple, brown, or green with methocarbamol. The urine will return to itsnormal color when the patient stops taking the medicine.

Less common side effects, such as stomach cramps or pain, nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, hiccups, clumsiness or unsteadiness, confusion, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, flushed or red face, headache, heartburn, weakness, trembling, and sleep problems also may occur and do not need medical attention unless they do not go away or they interfere with normal activities.

More serious side effects are not common, but may occur. Anyone who experiences breathing problems, facial swelling, fainting, unusually fast or unusuallyslow heartbeat, fever, tightness in the chest, rash, itching, hives, burning, stinging, red, or bloodshot eyes, or unusual thoughts or dreams after taking muscle relaxants should seek medical help promptly

The muscle relaxant chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte DSC) has caused serious, life-threatening liver problems in some people. The reaction is rare, but anyonetaking the drug should stop taking it and notify his or her physician immediately if any of these symptoms occur: fever, rash, loss of appetite, nausea,vomiting, fatigue, pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, dark urine, or yellow skin or eyes.

Muscle relaxants may interact with some other medicines. When this happens, the effects of one or both of the drugs may change or the risk of side effectsmay be greater. Anyone who plans to take muscle relaxants should let the physician know all other medicines, including over-the-counter or nonprescription medicines, that he or she is taking.

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Finding a Solution to Neck Pain

Thursday, April 24th, 2008

At the root of most orthopedic ailments lies some weakness. Muscles have become imbalanced and that has taken a toll on the joints which now must make up the loss.

“Core stabilization” has become a buzzword lately. Watch infomercials early Saturday morning and you’ll find no small selection of videos all hawking exercise programs aimed at strengthening your core to reduce back pain. This approach to back pain is often successful in at least reducing your pain and giving you the energy and strength to return to your life. Folks with chronic neck pain have a similar problem: The muscles which coordinate the movement of the head have become weak, tight and uncoordinated. Cervical stabilization training can go a long way to ease your pain.

Cervical stabilization is a program of exercises that reteach the body to move the head the way it was intended to move; that is, in a stable and injury-free way. It is simple to say, but complex to explain and fully understand.

Although the spine is relatively stable held tightly together by a complex arrangements of ligaments, it is vulnerable to injury during sudden, sharp impacts. Maybe you were in a car accident or you were playing a sport when you took a blow to the head. Maybe you stood up too quickly and forgot you were standing under a cabinet overhang. Regardless of how it happened, that knock on the head or whiplash injury can have long lasting repercussions to your neck’s health.

Over time, the joints in our spine tend to stiffen. The bad postural habits we develop when we are young become structural changes as we age that keep our necks in a vice grip of poor alignment.

The muscles that coordinate the movement of the head not only have the job of simply holding the head (roughly the weight and shape of a bowling ball) atop a delicate tower of vertebra, but also of moving the head so that the eyes can track the world around us. This movement is infinitely complex, and we take it for granted. Let me give you an oversimplified example:

You want to look over your shoulder to see if traffic is clear to back out your car. You turn you head to the left. In order to keep your face aligned so that your eyes can see oncoming traffic, your neck must be able to tilt your head slightly to the right. The rotation which allows you to turn takes place in the lower segments of your neck and the upper segments of your thorax while the tilting movement to keep your face lined up is coordinated in the upper cervical spine. Dysfunction at either end, whether it is muscular (weakness or tightness) or articular (in the joints), makes turning your head not only more difficult, but quite likely, painful.

A frequent complaint among neck pain sufferers is headache. These headaches caused by dysfunction in the neck are called cervicogenic headaches. Most folks complain these headaches, which can match migraines in severity, generally begin at the base of the skull and radiate up over the top or the sides of the head. Cervicogenic headaches are generally one sided pointing to the side of the dysfunction in the neck.

Tension headaches can arise from imbalance in the cervical muscles. Many of the muscles which control head movement attach either to the shoulder blades or to the rib cage. Because of this, cervical stabilization exercises involve retraining the shoulders as well.

Cervical stabilization exercises are, in principle, similar to lumbar stabilization exercises, but they are more complex. For your back, I could give you some “shotgun” exercises that you could begin today to improve your low back condition. With the neck, it isn’t that easy.

Your physical therapist will work with you to identify the specific weaknesses and movement restrictions that are contributing to your problem. Many folks think effective treatment of the neck includes electrodes to tingle your pain away and massage to soothe your tired muscles. It’s not that all of that isn’t helpful. It may reduce your pain for a little while. Long term relief, though, will only be gained through an effective program of joint mobilization and exercise.

After identifying your neck’s issues, your physical therapist should be working closely with you, monitoring your movement while you exercise. The movements of the head and neck are subtle. Simply having your head tilted a few degrees too far back while doing the exercise makes the movement wholly ineffective. After you learn to stabilize your neck, you will begin practicing stabilizing your neck while moving your arms in various positions. This will retrain coordination of your neck movements with your upper body movements, lengthening and strengthening your muscles in natural way.

Regardless of what part of your neck is in trouble, the primary focus should be on improvement of function. In order to do that, you will need more than passive treatment (modalities and massage). You will need to become actively involved in your care, commit to learning the movement you are instructed and continue performing those exercises after your release from care. Neck pain, as you already know, can become chronic. Your committed involvement in your care gives you the greatest opportunity for optimal recovery which means fewer symptoms, better movement, better health.

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How To Solve Muscle Symmetry or Muscle Imbalance Problem?

Wednesday, April 9th, 2008

I had this problem - my right bicep was bigger than the left. My left trapezius (the muscle right beside the neck and before the shoulder) was bigger than the right. So were my thighs.

So, for laymen like us, this so called muscle imbalance is quite common. What is the big deal then?

* Symmetrical muscles are less prone to injury. Just imagine that - the bigger or stronger of your right bicep, the more likely it will compensate for a weaker left bicep. Without realizing, you may overburden the right bicep. At the same time, your left bicep may further weaken. In cases you need to exert the close amount of strength on both biceps, the left bicep will not be able to take it compared with the stronger right one, making it prone to injury.
* The other reason will be aesthetic value (nicer to view). Body builder and models strive hard for this reason.

So, what are some of the possible solutions for muscle symmetry challenge:

* One of the ways is to go for dumbbell instead of barbell or machine. For instance, take dumbbell each in your right hand and left hand instead of using barbell for your bench press if you want to fix the problem of having imbalance chest muscles. As for thighs, you can opt for lunges instead of squats.
* The other option is to train for additional set for the weaker part. Say, in order to have the right leg catch up in size and circumference with the left, I have worked only the right leg for an additional set or two.
* Sometimes, posture may be the reason causing this imbalance. So, make sure you get the form right in your training.

While boosting the muscle mass of your right leg or arms, continue to work the left ones so that it does not lose strength and flexibility. The result will not happen overnight, or even over the course of a week. As with any training or workout regimen, with time, hard work, and determination, we all can move toward equalizing the size of the muscles.

So, have you looked into the mirror to see which ball is bigger, left or right? I mean….Your eye balls.

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Back Pain

Monday, April 7th, 2008

Introduction

Back pain is a common complaint. Four out of five people in the United States will experience low back pain at least once during their lives. It’s one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work.

On the bright side, you can prevent most back pain. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and proper body mechanics will often heal your back within a few weeks and keep it functional for the long haul. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.

Causes

Your back is an intricate structure composed of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and disks — the cartilage-like pads that act as cushions between the segments of your spine. Back pain can arise from problems with any of these component parts. In some people, no specific cause for their back pain can be found.

Strains

Back pain most often occurs from strained muscles and ligaments, from improper or heavy lifting, or after a sudden awkward movement. Sometimes a muscle spasm can cause back pain.

Structural problems
In some cases, back pain may be caused by structural problems, such as:

* Bulging or ruptured disks. Disks act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. Sometimes, the soft material inside a disk may bulge out of place or rupture and press on a nerve. But many people who have bulging or herniated disks experience no pain from the condition.
* Sciatica. If a bulging or herniated disk presses on the main nerve that travels down your leg, it can cause sciatica — sharp, shooting pain through the buttock and back of the leg.
* Arthritis. The joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis are the hips, hands, knees and lower back. In some cases arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
* Skeletal irregularities. Back pain can occur if your spine curves in an abnormal way. If the natural curves in your spine become exaggerated, your upper back may look abnormally rounded or your lower back may arch excessively. Scoliosis, a condition in which your spine curves to the side, also may lead to back pain.
* Osteoporosis. Compression fractures of your spine’s vertebrae can occur if your bones become porous and brittle.

Rare but serious conditions
In rare cases, back pain may be related to:

* Cauda equina syndrome. This is a serious neurological problem affecting a bundle of nerve roots that serve your lower back and legs. It can cause weakness in the legs, numbness in the “saddle” or groin area, and loss of bowel or bladder control.
* Cancer in the spine. A tumor on the spine can press on a nerve, causing back pain.
* Infection of the spine. If a fever and a tender, warm area accompany back pain, the cause could be an infection.

Risk factors
Factors that increase your risk of developing low back pain include:

* Smoking
* Obesity
* Older age
* Female gender
* Physically strenuous work
* Sedentary work
* Stressful job
* Anxiety
* Depression

When to seek medical advice?

Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care. Although the pain may take several weeks to disappear completely, you should notice some improvement within the first 72 hours of self-care. If not, see your doctor.

In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. See a doctor immediately if your back pain:

* Is constant or intense, especially at night or when you lie down
* Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee
* Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
* Causes new bowel or bladder problems
* Is associated with pain or pulsation (throbbing) in the abdomen, or fever
* Follows a fall, blow to your back or other injury
* Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss

Also, see your doctor if you start having back pain for the first time after age 50, or if you have a history of cancer, osteoporosis, steroid use, or drug or alcohol abuse.

Screening and diagnosis

Diagnostic tests aren’t usually necessary to confirm the cause of your back pain. However, if you do see your doctor for back pain, he or she will examine your back and assess your ability to sit, stand, walk and lift your legs. He or she may also test your reflexes with a rubber reflex hammer. These assessments help determine where the pain comes from, how much you can move before pain forces you to stop and whether you have muscle spasms. They will also help rule out more serious causes of back pain.

If there is reason to suspect that you have a tumor, fracture, infection or other specific condition that may be causing your back pain, your doctor may order one or more tests:

* X-ray. These images show the alignment of your bones and whether you have arthritis or broken bones. X-ray images won’t directly show problems with your spinal cord, muscles, nerves or disks.
* Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scans. These scans can generate images that may reveal herniated disks or problems with bones, muscles, tissue, tendons, nerves, ligaments and blood vessels.
* Bone scan. In rare cases, your doctor may use a bone scan to look for bone tumors or compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. In this procedure, you’ll receive an injection of a small amount of a radioactive substance (tracer) into one of your veins. The substance collects in your bones and allows your doctor to detect bone problems using a special camera.
* Nerve studies (electromyography, or EMG). This test measures the electrical impulses produced by the nerves and the responses of your muscles. Studies of your nerve-conduction pathways can confirm nerve compression caused by herniated disks or narrowing of your spinal canal (spinal stenosis).

Treatment

Most back pain gets better with a few weeks of home treatment and careful attention. A regular schedule of over-the-counter pain relievers may be all that you need to improve your pain. A short period of bed rest is okay, but more than a couple of days actually does more harm than good. If home treatments aren’t working, your doctor may suggest stronger medications or other therapy.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or in some cases, a muscle relaxant, to relieve mild to moderate back pain that doesn’t get better with over-the-counter pain relievers. Narcotics, such as codeine or hydrocodone, may be used for a short period of time with close supervision by your doctor.

Low doses of certain types of antidepressants — particularly tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline — have been shown to relieve chronic back pain, independent of their effect on depression.

Physical therapy and exercise

A physical therapist can apply a variety of treatments, such as heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and muscle-release techniques, to your back muscles and soft tissues to reduce pain. As pain improves, the therapist can teach you specific exercises to increase your flexibility, strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, and improve your posture. Regular use of these techniques will help prevent pain from coming back.

Injections

If other measures don’t relieve your pain and if your pain radiates down your leg, your doctor may inject cortisone — an anti-inflammatory medication — into the space around your spinal cord (epidural space). A cortisone injection helps decrease inflammation around the nerve roots, but the pain relief usually lasts less than six weeks.

In some cases, your doctor may inject numbing medication into or near the structures believed to be causing your back pain. Early studies indicate that botulism toxin (Botox) also may help relieve back pain, perhaps by paralyzing strained muscles in spasm. Botox injections typically wear off within three to four months.

Surgery

Few people ever need surgery for back pain. There are no effective surgical techniques for muscle- and soft-tissue- related back pain. Surgery is usually reserved for pain caused by a herniated disk. If you have unrelenting pain or progressive muscle weakness caused by nerve compression, you may benefit from surgery.

Types of back surgery include:

* Fusion. This surgery involves joining two vertebrae to eliminate painful movement. A bone graft is inserted between the two vertebrae, which may then be splinted together with metal plates, screws or cages. A drawback to the procedure is that it increases the chances of arthritis developing in adjoining vertebrae.
* Disk replacement. An alternative to fusion, this surgery inserts an artificial disk as a replacement cushion between two vertebrae.
* Partial removal of disk. If disk material is pressing or squeezing a nerve, your doctor may be able to remove just the portion of the disk that’s causing the problem.
* Partial removal of a vertebra. If your spine has developed bony growths that are pinching your spinal cord or nerves, surgeons can remove a small section of the offending vertebra, to open up the passage.

Prevention

You may be able to avoid back pain by improving your physical condition and learning and practicing proper body mechanics.

To keep your back healthy and strong:

* Exercise. Regular low-impact aerobic activities — those that don’t strain or jolt your back — can increase strength and endurance in your back and allow your muscles to function better. Walking and swimming are good choices. Talk with your doctor about which activities are best for you.
* Build muscle strength and flexibility. Abdominal and back muscle exercises (core-strengthening exercises) help condition these muscles so that they work together like a natural corset for your back. Flexibility in your hips and upper legs aligns your pelvic bones to improve how your back feels.
* Quit smoking. Smokers have diminished oxygen levels in their spinal tissues, which can hinder the healing process.
* Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts strain on your back muscles. If you’re overweight, trimming down can prevent back pain.

Use proper body mechanics:

* Stand smart. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. If you must stand for long periods of time, alternate placing your feet on a low footstool to take some of the load off your lower back.
* Sit smart. Choose a seat with good lower back support, arm rests and a swivel base. Consider placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back to maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level.
* Lift smart. Let your legs do the work. Move straight up and down. Keep your back straight and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward.

Complementary and alternative medicine

Many people choose hands-on therapies to ease their back pain:

* Chiropractic care. Back pain is one of the most common reasons that people see a chiropractor. If you’re considering chiropractic care, talk to your doctor about the most appropriate specialist for your type of problem. In addition to chiropractors, many osteopathic doctors and some physical therapists have training in spinal manipulation.
* Acupuncture. Some people with low back pain report that acupuncture helps relieve their symptoms. The National Institutes of Health has found that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for some types of chronic pain. In acupuncture, the practitioner inserts sterilized stainless steel needles into the skin at specific points on the body.
* Massage. If your back pain is caused by tense or overworked muscles, massage therapy may help loosen knotted muscles and promote relaxation.

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Muscle Cramps: Tips For Relief

Thursday, April 3rd, 2008

Whenever we exert ourselves, we notice cramps or weakness in our legs. This is because the muscles in those areas tighten leading to pain and discomfort. In such cases, it is best to take a muscle relaxant as they help relax those muscles. They come in pill form and at times are available as an ointment. The muscle relaxing abilities of these muscle relaxants is due to the inhibition of the central polysynaptic neuronal, which nerve cells, in our body are.

While playing tennis, basketball after a long gap, what happens is our muscles are all tight, instead of loosening them we get right into the game. Because of no warning, it comes as a shock to our body and the muscles don’t have time to relax, stretch and then get into the game. The main reason why fitness trainers in gym and otherwise advise us to stretch, warm up before work out or practice. This gives our body the breathing it requires and prepares it for the upcoming workout.

Muscle relaxants are prescribed as treatment for acute lower back pain in order to help the patient get relieved from pain and make it easy for them to move around. The spasm they feel in their back will be sharp and enough to leave them paralyzed, and unable to move a few inches. With the help of these relaxants, the muscle spasm gets limited and improving range of motion will get better which allows the patient to go in for some form of exercise or therapy.

For people who have spent their life sitting in one place, doing a desk job, they too might face these leg pains, and back aches. They fall into the other extreme category. Those who did not do any exercise or get much of activity during the prime of their life. Meaning, their body is not used to any movement at all. And if they go to the beach or park for a walk, they might have difficulty beyond a couple of minutes.

If by using the muscle relaxant, they obtain some percentage of relief, they can then visit their doctor for further advice. There are some who are unable to bear the pain or are tired of taking treatment and steroids, when they go in for corrective surgery. However, this has to be the last resort and adopted only when all else has failed.

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Medication for Back Pain

Friday, March 28th, 2008

The back is an intricate structure of bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tendons.

Back pain in the lower back or low back pain is a common concern, affecting up to 90% of Americans at some point in their lifetime. Up to 50% will have more than one episode. Low back pain is not a specific disease. Rather, it is a symptom that may occur from a variety of different processes. In up to 85% of people with low back pain, despite a thorough medical examination, no specific cause of the pain can be identified.

Back pain can affect anyone, of any age, but it is more common in people between the ages of 35-55 years. In the majority of cases, the cause of pain can be linked to the way the bones, muscles and ligaments in the back, work together.

The nerves of the spinal cord, which connect the brain to the rest of the body, run down a hollow channel in the spine (the spinal canal). Where the nerves pass out from the spinal column on their way to the muscles of the arms and legs they are known as nerve roots. The bones of the back are also held together by tough bands called ligaments which, together with the spinal muscles, give the back its strength. The main muscles at the front and the back of the body are shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Medication for Back Pain

Two types of over-the-counter medications, acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID´s), are commonly recommended to alleviate low back pain. Acetaminophen and NSAID´s work differently and therefore may be taken at the same time. For short periods of time, prescription medications (such as narcotic pain medications and muscle relaxants) may be helpful to alleviate pain or related complications.

Narcotic Pain Medications

Narcotic pain medications are excellent at relieving pain, but these can be dangerous, addictive medications. These medications include Percocet, Vicoden, Oxycontin, and others. Using narcotic medications must be under close supervision, and only for a limited period of time. prolonged use of narcotic medication can be dangerous.

Muscle Relaxes

Muscle relaxing medications can be very helpful in the treatment of some types of back pain. Muscle relaxes are sold under the trade names of Flexeril, Soma, Valium, and others. These medications help to relieve muscle spasm, but may also make patients quite drowsy.

Opioids are appropriate only in the most severe cases of back pain; they are morphine derivatives and extremely addictive. But for those who have chronic, untreatable back pain, the may be a last resort back pain medication. They must be prescribed by a doctor.

Most episodes of back pain are caused by muscle strain. The large paired muscles in the low back (erector spine) help hold up the spine, and with an injury the muscles can become inflamed and spasm, causing low back pain and significant stiffness.

As with all pain relief treatments, there are some cautions with applying ice and using ice massage therapy. Never apply ice directly to the skin. Instead, be sure that there is a protective barrier between the ice and skin, such as a towel. Limit the ice application to no more than fifteen or twenty minutes. Additionally, ice should also not be used for patients who have rheumatoid arthritis, Reynard´s Syndrome, cold allergic conditions, paralysis, or areas of impaired sensation.

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Soma: Remedy Pain medicine

Thursday, March 27th, 2008

Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.

Carisoprodol is used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other painful muscular conditions.

Carisoprodol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is carisoprodol?

Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking nerve impulses (or pain sensations) that are sent to your brain.

Carisoprodol is used, along with rest and physical therapy, to treat injuries and other painful muscular conditions.

Carisoprodol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take carisoprodol?

Do not take carisoprodol if you have acute intermittent porphyria.

Before taking carisoprodol, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy.

It is not known whether carisoprodol will harm an unborn baby. Do not take carisoprodol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether carisoprodol passes into breast milk. Do not take carisoprodol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Carisoprodol is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I take carisoprodol?

Take carisoprodol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

The maximum amount of carisoprodol you should take in one day is 1,400 mg (4 tablets).
Store carisoprodol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. Try to keep your doses at least 4 hours apart.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a carisoprodol overdose include low blood pressure (weakness, fainting, confusion), decreased breathing, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking carisoprodol?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.

Carisoprodol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking carisoprodol.

What are the possible side effects of carisoprodol?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking carisoprodol and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat, swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), paralysis (loss of feeling) or extreme weakness, vision loss, or agitation or tremor.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take carisoprodol and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness or dizziness, headache, depression, blurred vision, insomnia or hiccups.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect carisoprodol?

Many drugs can increase the effects of carisoprodol, which can lead to heavy sedation. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), azatadine (Optimine), clemastine (Tavist), and many others; narcotics (pain killers) such as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet), hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan), fentanyl (Duragesic), and codeine (Fiorinal, Fioricet, Tylenol No.3, others); sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), and secobarbital (Seconal); phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine); or antidepressants such as doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with carisoprodol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

What is the most important information I should know about carisoprodol?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.

Carisoprodol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking carisoprodol.

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