The spine is made up of many small, inter-connected bones called vertebrae. These are separated by strong connectors called discs, which act as shock absorbers and allow the spine to bend. It is supported along its length by muscles and ligaments. The spinal cord threads down through the centre of each vertebra, carrying nerves from the brain to the rest of the body.
Causes of Back PainThe main reasons for developing simple back pain are:
Occasionally, there may be a more serious underlying cause for the back pain, but this is rare. These causes include osteoporosis, a prolapsed (slipped) disc, spinal stenosis, malformation of the spine, infection or collapse of the vertebrae, tuberculosis or cancer.
Symptoms of Back PainSimple back pain, usually lasting a few days (gets better on its own), is often in your lower back (lumbar region), and may also spread to the buttocks and thighs. It's often described as a dull pain and can come and go at different times, depending on the level of activity. The pain can begin suddenly or come on gradually if the back is strained over time.
However, you should see your Doctor as soon as possible if, as well as back pain, you have:
Some symptoms are called "red flags" and may indicate that you require treatment for an underlying condition. You should see your Doctor if:
If your pain lasts longer than 6 weeks, or if your Doctor suspects there are some underlying cause of your pain, he/she may recommend more tests such as:
Taking painkillers or anti-inflammatory medicine (such as aspirin, Voltaren paracetamol or ibuprofen) and/or using creams/lotions/gels that contain painkillers or anti-inflammatory ingredients that can be applied directly onto the painful area. If your pain continues, your Doctor may prescribe stronger medicines (such as diazepam, morphine or tramadol). However, these aren't suitable for everyone because they can be addictive and cause side-effects. Your Doctor/Pharmacist will advise you which treatment is the most appropriate for you. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your Doctor/Pharmacist for advice.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)This relieves back pain by delivering mild electric pulses to the painful area through electrodes on your skin. These stimulate your nerve fibres and block the pain signals to your brain. TENS isn't suitable for everybody and isn't always effective. You should check with your Doctor before you use TENS and make sure you know how to use it properly.
PhysiotherapyPhysiotherapists can assess and treat your back pain, and teach you exercises to do at home that will increase your mobility and help you manage your pain.
ManipulationOsteopathy and chiropractic are treatments involving manipulation of the body, mainly focusing on the spine. They are most useful if you have had back pain for less than 3 months and can provide short-term (most often) or long-term pain relief. These treatments aren't suitable for everybody and aren't always effective, so it's important to speak to your Doctor first.
Pain ClinicsOffer a range of treatments that are known to be effective and can also help you deal with your pain by changing the way you think about it. Treatments at pain clinics are often combined and tailored to suit your needs.
InjectionsPainkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines (usually steroids) can be injected directly into the epidural space (the space around your spinal cord) or around the joints of your spine to ease pain and decrease inflammation. These injections are only given by Specialist Doctors in hospitals. Epidural injections are usually only done if other treatments don't work.
SurgerySurgery is considered as a last resort in the treatment of back pain. The type of surgery you're offered will depend on the cause of your pain and each type has different risks and success rates. Your Surgeon will discuss the different options with you in more detail.
Complementary TherapiesThe following may help with back pain in some people. You should talk to your Doctor before trying them as he/she may be able to refer you to a Specialist Practitioner experienced in treating back pain:
Screening exams can diagnose cancer at the earliest stages, when treatment will be the most effective. Oncology recommends routine screening and/or self-exams for breast, prostate, colorectal, skin, testicular, and cervical cancers. The screening guidelines below offer recommended timing for specific ages, genders, and cancer types.
Adults at Every AgeAll Women should have a Pap smear test to screen for cervical cancer at least once every year beginning at age 21, or approximately 3 years after a Woman begins having sexual intercourse, whichever comes first, regardless of whether they have received the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
30sIf you spend a lot of time doing activities that involve forceful or repetitive hand or wrist movement or use of vibrating equipment, you have an increased risk of developing Carpal Tunnel S Syndrome. These activities can include driving, working with small instruments, knitting, or using a sander. You can reduce your risk and any hand pain or weakness you may already have by
Studies indicate that 2 out of 3 Patients with mild to moderate Carpal Tunnel Symptoms were able to avoid surgery by using these exercises - twice the success rate of other non-surgical treatments. These exercises are more successful in Patients with mild symptoms, and are not recommended for Patients with severe symptoms. Patients who have persistent symptoms despite these exercises should discuss surgical treatment with their Physician.
Here are some exercises intended to help prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Remember doing a quick 5 minute exercise warm up before starting work, just as runners stretch before a run, can help prevent work-related injuries.
A. Extend and stretch both wrists and fingers acutely as if they are in a hand stand position. Hold for a count of 5.
A. Extend and stretch both wrists and fingers acutely as if they are in a hand stand position. Hold for a count of 5.
C. Make a tight fist with both hands.
Then bend both wrists down while keeping the fist. Hold for a count of 5.
E. Straighten both wrists and relax fingers, for a count of 5.
F. The exercise should be repeated 10 times. Then let your arms hang loosely at the side and shake them for a few seconds.
Diabetes mellitus (sometimes called "sugar diabetes") is a condition that occurs when the body can't use glucose (a type of sugar) normally. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body's cells. The levels of glucose in the blood are controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is made by the pancreas. Insulin helps glucose enter the cells.
In diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin (Type 1 Diabetes) or the body can't respond normally to the insulin that is made (Type 2 Diabetes). This causes glucose levels in the blood to rise, leading to symptoms such as increased urination, extreme thirst and unexplained weight loss.
Physical activity is an important part of the diabetes management plan. During exercise the muscles use glucose for energy. Regular exercise improves response to insulin. This will help to reduce blood sugar levels and control weight.
Exercise in diabetics helps to control their bodies, gain strength, courage and confidence. Exercise improves circulation mainly arms and legs preventing diabetic complications like neuropathy, diabetic foot. It also reduces the risk of heart diseases, stroke found in diabetics. Light activities like house work, gardening or being on the extended feet for longer periods can lower the blood sugar.
Tips before starting exercises:
Lung cancer is a malignant lung disease primarily caused by cigarette smoking. It often has no obvious symptoms until the disease is quite advanced, and has a low rate of survival. Treatment for lung cancer mainly involves surgery and chemotherapy, while radiation therapy and targeted drug therapies may also be used.
What is lung cancer?Lung cancer results from abnormal growth of cells in the lining of the lungs, leading to the growth of a malignant tumour. There are two different types of lung cancer – small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) – which differ in terms of how they grow and spread to other parts of the body and how they’re treated. Lung cancer is usually fatal – the overall survival rate is about 16% at five years after diagnosis.
CausesThe development of lung cancer is strongly associated with cigarette smoking – approximately 90% of lung cancers are attributable to tobacco use. Pipe and cigar smoking can also cause lung cancer, but the risk is not as high as with cigarette smoking. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemical compounds, many of which are cancer-causing (carcinogens).
Passive smoking, i.e. the inhalation of tobacco smoke by non-smokers who live or work with smokers, is also an established risk factor for the development of lung cancer.
Signs, symptoms, and diagnosis:The most effective measure that can be taken to prevent the development of lung cancer is to stop smoking. Reducing exposure to passive smoking is also an effective method of prevention.
Reference:- www.iaslc.org/lcam