An Intervertebral Disc, or Spinal Disc, has two main components. The first, the annulus fibrosis, is the outer layer. This can be likened to the dough part of a jelly doughnut. The second, inner layer, comparable to the jelly portion of a jelly doughnut is known as the nucleus polposus. The inner nucleus portion functions primarily as a fulcrum for movement and as a shock absorber to handle the impacts of movement.

In order for us to better understand the function of the disc think of the jelly doughnut again. What do you think would happen if you put some pressure on the front end of that doughnut? The pressure would force the jelly to move towards the back end. Of course, the exact opposite would occur if the pressure were on the other side. Your disc is no different since it acts as a fulcrum for movement. When a disc prolapses the jelly starts to ooze out and can put pressure on near by nerve fibers. This causes symptoms most commonly known as sciatica or radiculopathy such as numbness and tingling.

The nucleus of the disc will begin to dry out as we age and this will hinder it’s ability to absorb shock properly. Along with a weakening annular fiber, with age, we see more frequent tears which result from repetivie stress to the weakened tissues. This causes pain for some, but not in all cases.

In Medicine one generally refers to the gradual dehydration of the nucleus pulposus as degenerative disc disease or if accompanied by bony changes; spondylosis.

When the annular fibers tear as a result of aging or injury to the area, the nucleus can begin to migrate through the tear. This is known as a herniated nucleus pulposus. Near the back side of each disc are major spinal nerves that extend outward t the organs, tissues, extremities and other body parts they control and innervate. It is quite common for the herniated disc to press against these nerves and cause pain, numbness or tingling down the affected area often termed a ‘pinched nerve’. Also worth noting is the fact that the inner jelly material is very inflammatory and so whatever it comes in contact with will likely become inflamed and cause significant pain. If the pain is nerve related it is generally referred to as radicular pain.

Disc can become slipped, ruptured, or bulged. However, in medical terms it is more commonly referred to as:

1. Protruded Disc

2. Extruded Disc

3. Sequestered Disc

Up until a few years ago surgery was the only option for those who failed therapy. A gap between these two groups left no other options for those who failed therapy. Soon you will learn about a new option that bridges the gap between failed therapy and surgery.

If you’ve failed conventional therapy at that point surgery is usually investigated as an option. However, the presence of incontinence, weakness and numbness of genital regions or function is known as cauda equina and considered an emergency situation requiring surgical intervention.

Regarding the role of surgery for failed medical therapy in patients without a significant neurological deficit, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by the Cochrane Collaboration concluded that “limited evidence is now available to support some aspects of surgical practice”. More recent randomized controlled trials refine indications for surgery.

Only after all other means have been exhausted should surgery be considered as an option.

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Whilst walking barefoot through a rice field in Korea, Swiss engineer Karl Muller noticed that his back pain, which he suffered with, was quite a bit better. He did some further research and found that the Masai tribesmen of Africa did not experience bad backs. They are also famous for their good posture.

Considering the evidence, Muller deduced that walking on soft ground in bare feet was better for your back and joints than walking on hard surfaces. He decided to design a shoe which would attempt to produce the effect of this type of gait on a soft surface such as grass or sand.

He developed the Masai Barefoot Technology shoe. This is, according to MBT’s website, so radically different from traditional footwear as to deserve the name “anti-shoe”.

MBT shoes have a specially engineered curved sole with no heel, which results in a gentle rolling action when your foot comes into contact with the ground. It’s just like walking on sand in your bare feet in fact. Using different density materials in different areas of the sole also contributes to the effect by further decreasing impact shock and jarring.

Independent scientific studies have verified that this is genuinely better for your back and joints. There are further proven benefits in addition to better posture. For example, whilst walking in MBT shoes, the wearer’s muscles will be activated for longer (when compared to similar walking in traditional footwear). The muscles are used for about 16% longer. Wearers also tend to “walk properly” and take slightly shorter strides. Both of these effects mean that extra work is done.

The significance of this is that every step you take wearing your MBT shoes is giving you a little more exercise. It’s a lower body workout, without visiting the gym. MBT shoes can help you to tone and trim your legs and buttocks as well as reducing back pain and encouraging better posture.

You would think that would all be motivation enough wouldn’t you? Even so, despite all those benefits, there are some who think that MBTs are just a little chunky and not exactly easy on the eye. They are also just a little more expensive than traditional shoes – but it may be money well spent if it cures your back or slims you down. There are now some alternative, potentially better looking, offerings available which incorporate the same fundamental principles. Both Fitflops and Skechers Shape Ups use similar curved soles which are also designed to prolong the duration of muscle activity and to provide a toning and trimming effect on your lower body whilst walking.

Whatever design you find most attractive, the potential to get a lower body workout and reduce back pain just by normal walking looks like an extremely attractive option.

Check out the Skechers Shape Ups range and see the available MBT Shoe Collection

There is so much stress in our lives in this modern era that we live in. We are hit from all sides whether from home or from work. These pressures seem to be increasing. In previous eras danger from physical harm was the major cause of stress. This acute type of stress caused what is called the fight or flight reaction. We are under less physical danger these days as stress has shifted to more mental stress. The type of stress has changed, but not our reaction to it.

What happens when we come under stress? Our body’s natural reactions take over. Our breathing is increased as well as our heart rate. The major organs shut down all but the most vital functions to support hands and feet. Adrenaline is released to get the body primed for taking action. We feel a nervousness and tension as we are facing the unknown. All this chemical reaction is occurring with the build up of a physical action about to take place. However, when the stress is mental there is no physical release.

Stress comes from so many different situations, that we are not able to eliminate its causes. Rather we need effective stress management techniques. Professional athletes are able to redirect the build up of stress into ways to enhance their performance. This is a very positive way to deal with the build up of stress. The only downside for most of us, is where professional athletes have a physical release of the stress from their bodies with physical exertion, but we may not.

When we are under stress, our bodies are primed for taking physical action. When we take physical action, then we are releasing out the increased energy out our bodies physically. If we do not have a physical outlet, one excellent method is massage therapy. Massage therapy helps loosen up muscle tension, it releases toxins trapped in our muscle tissue and it helps us to mentally relax. Some massage treatments also can reverse the tension in the major organs via the trigger points in our hands and feet.

Massage chair recliners have many effective massage therapies with proven beneficial effects. Massage chairs come equipped with Shiatsu massage, Swedish massage, Deep Tissue and many others. Each of these massage treatments target specific areas and have different benefits. In general, they all help induce relaxation and help to ease aches and pains. Massage helps to remove toxins from the body and enhances circulation of the blood and lymph. Both the blood and lymph clean the body of toxins and other potentially harmful substances.

Massage therapy is a very effective tool to relieve and release stress in our lives. We may not be able to eliminate the causes of stress, but we can find effective tools to counteract its impact on us. Massage chairs offer tremendous convenience and access to regular massage therapy. They also have supplemental capabilities to enhance the massage experience. Some recliners have stretching capability for the shoulders and lower body. Some have music players to help your relax your mind and body. You can find some with heat that can be applied in specific areas. All of these features are designed to help your body totally relax.

Imagine the convenience of having your own massage chair recliner at home. You start to come under stress situations. You can just sit down and let the massage chair work you over. Your body starts to feel better and your mind starts to clear. You now are in a better frame of mind to come up with better ways to overcome the problems at hand. You now have a powerful stress management tool, your massage chair recliner at your disposal.

Get an effective arsenal of Stress Management tools from the best massage chairs currently on the market today. We carry the top name brands like Omega, Sanyo and Panasonic. We have a library of articles to assist you research and decides what is right for your needs. Check out the Montage Premier or the DR7700 for daily stress relief.

One of the most amazing parts of the human is the spine. The spine is an amazing engineering feat. The spine is designed to distribute the weight of the body across its length. The spine gives us the ability to walk upright. Our dependence on our spine is one of mobility. Many people experience low back pain. Low back pain comes when there is a concentration of force. This concentration of force can stress the muscles and soft tissues of the spine. You can take preventative actions to minimize this type of occurrence.

Let us start with diet. One principal reason that many people experience the pain and discomfort of a low back injury is because of the Standard Western diet, high in fats, processed foods and sugars. This is a major contributor to the increasing rates of obesity in society. Obesity along with decreased amounts of exercise has led to an increasing number of people who suffer from low back pain.

One important area to look at is reducing the stress on your back in your daily activities. Simple activities like sitting and standing and lifting can directly affect your spines health. You must learn the correct ways of lifting, sitting and standing. If these activities are done incorrectly then they will put extra stress on the lower spine.

There many simple techniques to preventing low back pain. If you sit then make sure that you sit upright with your shoulders back. This takes the pressure off of your spine. If you are standing, do you slouch? Many people stand with their shoulders hunched forward. Instead put your shoulders back and your chin up. This not only improves your posture but also portrays a positive image.

Another key area of prevention is learning proper lifting techniques. Lifting applies to all sorts of objects, not just heavy lifting. Most people lift by bending over which puts all the weight and strain directly on the lower back. The lower back was not designed for this type of lifting. Instead use your legs by bending your knees. Let your legs do the lifting because these are the largest and strongest muscles you have.

Exercise is another great preventative practice for low back pain. Start with a stretching course for the muscles. You can then do light exercises. Just going for a walk for 20 minutes can contribute greatly to good spine health. This will help to strengthen the muscles of the back as well as your heart.

Massage chair therapy is used extensively to restore flexibility in the lower back muscles. There are a variety of massage techniques that are used to stimulate the muscles of the lumbar area. Slight stretching of the soft tissue areas is important for them to maintain their elasticity. Massage chairs use techniques such as kneading, vibration, compression and tapping to soothe and relieve the sore muscle areas.

You should also examine how you sleep. Your sleeping position is very important. We typically spend anywhere between 6 to 8 hours sleeping per day. This is perhaps something we do more than anything else. It is better to sleep on your back than on your stomach. Some people find that putting a pillow between their knees helps to keep their spine straighter, if you sleep on your side. Sometimes the mattress does not support properly, but with the addition of a small rolled towel under your lower back can provide the support you need.

While most people will suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives there are specific treatment protocols and methods of prevention that can help to speed the recovery process and reduce the risk of the problem happening again. Diet, exercise, lifting techniques, sleeping and massage therapy can all help to minimize potential problems and low back pain. Massage chairs can be an excellent asset in the prevention and healing of low back problems. Check with your doctor for more information and what might be right for your situation.

Find out more regarding prevention of Low Back Pain and how you can get relief with a massage chair. Find the best selection available to help you target relief for your soreness, pains and discomfort. Massage Chairs can be a valuable asset in getting frequent massage therapy based on your schedule.

Exercise for Travelers

Excited about your vacation? Even though traveling is fun, getting to your vacation destination-whether by plane, train, automobile-often involves lengthy periods of sitting. Hours of sitting associated with air travel-first in the airport lounge & then on the plane can leave you tight before your vacation has even started!

To help combat potential problems associated with traveling, try these suggestions below from L. Leiber, who earned her master’s degree in public health from Berkeley, and teaches Pilates in Oakland, CA.

Exercising while Seated

What can you do when you find yourself in the captivity of an airport lounge? Try some of these exercises for improved posture.

Place feet flat on floor, parallel, a few inches apart.

Sit tall.

Tip your hips so that your pelvis is vertical.

Push your shoulders down, away from your ears.

Breathe in, exhale, and while exhaling pull your abs in. Return to this position after every move.

Figure-Four Stretch. Place one ankle on top of opposite knee. Hinge forward at hips, keeping spine neutral. Hold for 15-30 seconds, feeling a deep stretch on outside of hip. Repeat on other side.

Seated twists. While keeping a tall posture reach to the back of your chair and hold without letting your knees or hips rotate. When you exhale, allow your body to go farther into the stretch. Do not perform this move if you have disk issues.

Shoulder Shrugs & Rolls. Inhale and lift shoulders up to your ears. Exhale as you push your shoulders back and down, open your chest & let your shoulder blades move together. Continue to push your shoulders down and back. Repeat this exercise three to five times.

Neck stretch. Gently press your right ear toward your right shoulder while maintaining good posture. Keep your chin tucked in slightly while you perform this stretch. Feel the stretch on the left side of your neck. Release gently.

Rock-a-Bye-Baby. With arms folded out in front of your body, place your hands on opposing elbows. Pull one elbow to the side as far as possible, feeling a deep stretch on the opposite shoulder. Repeat this exercise 4-6X on each side.

While Standing: Waiting to clear airport security is just the first of many times travelers stand in line in the course of a trip. Make good use of any waiting time with these standing exercises.

Calf Raises. With your feet side by side, slowly roll up on to the balls of your fee. Hold for a count, then return to the starting position. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

Prancing in Place. Use same start position as in exercise above. Come up onto balls of feet. Lower one heel to floor while keeping other heel raised. Alternately press one heel up as other heel comes down to floor. Repeat 12-15 times.

Thigh Lift. While keeping your hips level to the ground, raise your knee until your thigh is level to the ground as well. Keep your spine neutral and balance in this position for as long as possible. Repeat on the other side.

Spine-Roll. Bring your chin toward your chest and slowly roll come down one section of your back at a time until you’ve rolled forward, back arched. Keep your knees bent slightly throughout the movement and slowly come back to a full standing position. Repeat for 4-5 repetitions.

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