Back Pain Not Helped by MRI Scanning

BBC Health carries an article about a review of six trials covering 1800 patients which concluded that MRI scanning does not help in the management of normal low back pain and should be reserved for specific conditions such as nerve root lesions, infections and tumours. The outcome of low back pain is not improved by the use of scans and there were no differences between the two groups, one group with typical management and the other having an MRI scan at some stage. This was the same for the early outcomes and for up to a year after the onset of acute low back pain.
Patient expectations are a very strong driver of imaging for low back pain, either x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging, and many patients ask their doctors and surgeons for this, thinking it will indicate what is wrong with their backs. Scanning is something you can do but studies indicate that MRI rarely shows up an important finding in a person's back which was not already suspected. Communicating with the patients about the treatment plan and answering their questions is harder.
The numbers of magnetic resonance imaging scans has been steadily increasing, perhaps because it is a relatively easy thing to request rather than taking the time to answer awkward questions and correct the misconceptions of the patient. We explain the findings and their meaning poorly in many ways and the scan findings throw up many questions which are difficult to answer. Patient expectations should be addressed.
The history and examination of the patient should point clearly towards whether the problem is mechanical low back pain or whether there is a worrying element to the presentation. Scanning should only be requested if there is a significant positive reason for doing so, rather than just a lack of imagination or an inability to manage the patient's condition.
Patient education is a vital part of the management of back pain, explaining the reasons for pain, the reasons for not ordering a scan and the treatment path to follow, with a trial of manual therapy, acupuncture and a structured programme of exercise. A pain management programme may be necessary to address all the aspects of having long term and chronically disabling pain.
Reassurance is not an effective way of dealing with patients' health anxiety and MRI scanning has been shown to be ineffective in accomplishing this goal. Abnormal findings are found in the spines of people without pain symptoms so it is difficult to decide which changes are relevant to the presenting symptoms and which are just incidental. It is vital to avoid creating unhelpful attitudes and images in the patients' minds about what is occurring inside the spine. Sufficient time and communication skills are necessary to achieve a good understanding.
Explanations to patients are fraught with difficulties and many fall into what I call concepts without explanation, where the explanation is given to the patient with little or no care or checking as to what they take away from it. If we give them a concept to think about we have a responsibility to help them understand and fit it in to their attitudes and beliefs about their back pain in a realistic way. If we get this wrong by being careless with our communication this can have important and negative consequences.
When we refer a patient for an MRI scan we should give careful counselling as to the limits of the imaging or we will store up disappointment for later. The scan should be small part of the overall strategy for managing the pain and a surgical opinion should be available for explanation, interpretation and a decision on operative management. Patient expectations need to be carefully managed as to what the scan might show and how the findings might be handled or when the negative results come in there will be frustration and disappointment.
Low back pain management is complicated and need time and good communication skills in the health professionals managing these types of condition and many other pain conditions. MRI scanning can be very useful in identifying disc prolapses, degenerate discs and infection or tumour. For mechanical low back pain it has a very limited role.

Jonathan Blood Smyth is a Superintendent of Physiotherapy at an NHS hospital in the South-West of the UK. He specialises in orthopedic conditions and looking after joint replacements as well as managing chronic pain. Visit the website he edits if you are looking for physiotherapists in Leeds.

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Back Support Pillows - Relieve Yourself of Any Kind of Back Pain

Back support pillows are not called as its name just because it has to be like that. It obviously renders the primary benefit of supporting your back from any kind of pain, how severe you may be suffering from it. Those who usually suffer from chronic back pains are those that get to sit for a long time.
For example, the usual office workers who sit in front of their computers whole day long are the ones who usually suffer the most from this type of ailment. But good thing that lots tools have been invented that could be more affordable for people rather than just going for therapy.
Back support pillows are usually not too soft. Instead, you would find them very rigid in person. It is made out of foam, fiber, or maybe combined cotton and feathers. So how does it help your back? Once you put it in your back, it follows the curve of your lower back and restores the ideal posture of the spine which should be in the S shape.
Some people think that these pillows are only used for those who drive or sit on chairs in the office for a long time. You might be surprised but these can be helpful too as you sleep at night. There are many types of these:
The Lumber type of back support pillows are in U shape. It fills up the space that occurs between the chair and your spine. This is used perfectly for driving since it absorbs all the weight that causes back pain. You can also use this while on travel and that you might find yourself having the need to sleep while sitting.
Next type of back support pillows is the donut type. This has a hole in the middle, just like an ordinary donut. This is perfect for those who suffer pain in their tail bones and these are usually the pregnant women. It takes it some gravitation force and removes it from the tail bone itself. Lastly, there is the magnetic type of back support that looks like a half roll pillow. It is made of foam and renders a bio-north magnetic line that goes deep into the back to aid the pain and aches of muscle strains.
All of these you can find easily in the market these days. They are the non-invasive method of treating your back pains that have been troubling you for some time now.

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Could Magnetic Therapy Be The Answer To The Back Pain Insomniac's Dream?

Dear Back Pain Sufferer,

Can you remember a time, when you actually had a good nights sleep and woke up feeling refreshed? If you're struggling to remember, then chances are, you can probably relate to Katie's story. Read on..

Katie Blake, age 39, a married mother of two from Somerset, UK, began suffering from chronic back pain after a near fatal car accident which occurred in January 2006. She has recently been feeling very low, due to lack of sleep caused by her back condition. When asked how her back pain had been affecting her sleep, here's what she had to say,

"Since suffering with chronic back pain after the accident, I've found that I constantly toss and turn from one side to another just to try and get some relief.

There are nights when the pain seems so unbearable, almost as though my lower back is splitting in two; that trying to change sides literally leaves me in tears. So, I prop myself up with cushions and try to force myself to lie still on my back, only to wake up as stiff as a board the next morning.

When you've got to get up early, to sort out two young kids on after virtually no sleep at all, well, what can I say, it's no laughing matter is it!"

Unfortunately, Katie's story is not an isolated one. In fact, just like you, she is among one of the thousands of chronic back pain sufferers, whose quality of sleep is affected in a negative way, by their pain.

Two Thirds Of Back Pain Sufferers Have Sleep Trouble

A recent study conducted by the National Sleep Federation revealed that:

* As many as two thirds of chronic back pain sufferers have sleep trouble.

* The more severe the pain, the more likely it is to affect sleep

* Disrupted sleep can make the pain feel worse

* Traditional pain relief medication, such as analgesics can disrupt the sleep patterns and make getting to sleep more difficult.

The Five Key Stages of Sleep

You may have heard the terms NREM ( Non Rapied Eye Movement) and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) used when describing sleep patterns. NREM accounts for around 75% of the sleep cycle in adults and 50% in infants.

NREM is often the most restful and also when the body's functions such as metabolism and blood pressure are reduced. The majority of dreams occur in the more active phase i.e. the REM cycle.

Stage One

This is the shortest phase of the sleep cycle. You will often feel overcome with the 'heavy lidded' sensation of drifiting off to sleep. Breathing and heart rate begin to slow down.

Stage Two

This is regarded as being the longest phase of the sleep cycle. Bodily functions such as brain waves, metabolism, and heart rate etc., continue to slow right down. You may find that you are easily roused by external interruptions during this period.

Stage Three

This phase is often referred to as the restorative phase. Research has shown that the chemical HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is usually released to promote the growth of intenal organs and the creation of new cells. Waking up suddenly from this phase can often leave you feeling groggy and disoriented for a few minutes.

Stage Four

This is known as the deepest phase of sleep. Your body temperature may fall, you may also begin to sweat during the this period. Studies have shown that problems such as Sleepwalking and Night Terrors can occur. The process of restoration will also continue throughout this part of the sleep cycle.

Stage Five

This is where the REM phase comes into play. Dreaming predominantly occurs during this cycle. Twitching in your fingers, face and toes may occur as your brain reacts to action being played out in your dreams. If suddenly awoken during this phase, you may find it difficult to separate dream from reality; as it takes a while for the brain to orientate itself.

According to John Zimmerman Ph.D., Laboratory of the Washoe Sleep Disorders Centre in Reno,US, " The quantity and quality of sleep varies from person to person, but how well and how lon one sleeps is ultimately the result of varying physical and psychological influences."

The Vicious Cycle

So as you can see, it's pretty much a vicious cycle where you find it difficult to get to sleep because of the pain and the less sleep you get, the worse the pain feels.

Assuming you've been in the position, where you've experienced insomnia; you're probably familiar with the effects it can have on your body, such as:

* Feeling un-refreshed and lacking in energy the next morning

* Poor concentration levels

* Feeling irritable and moody

* Impaired ability to think and speak

There has long been a medical debate as to whether prolonged insomnia can lead to depression or whether insomnia is a symptom of depression. Medical research has shown that is associated with depression and often occurs before a bout of depression. It could be argued that chronic insomnia, if left untreated, like back pain has the ability to affect every aspect of your daily living. Factors such as poor concentration levels and feelin irritable and moody can seriously affect your performance at work, as well as personal relationships. Thus by this stage, the issue becomes very difficult to dismiss.

In a moment, I would like to offer you a glimmer of hope in the form of a natural therapy that might just help you break 'the more pain equals less sleep cycle', that you've probably become accustomed to.

Therapeutic Powers

Today, I'd like to share information with you, about a therapy that promotes the deep and restorative sleep that has been eluding you all this time. I'm talking about the natural therapeutic powers of Magnetic Therapy or Bio-Magnetic Therapy as it is sometimes known.

You're probably wandering what Magnetic Therapy can do for you; well, let me begin by telling you what it is.

Magnetic therapy can be defined as a safe, natural and non-invasive method of applying high strength magnetic fields to the body for therapeutic purposes. It is a form of complementary/alternative therapy based medicine used to treat certain medical conditions by exposure to permanent or pulsed magnetic fields. It is truly a time-tested therapy, which has been around since 2000 BC. The Ancient Chinese, Egyptians, Indians and Greeks were among the first to use it and give recognition to its' therapeutic benefits.

I feel it's important to say that Magnetic Therapy isn't used as some sort of mystical cure for ailments or diseases. Instead, it's natural forces are used to kick-start your bodies own systems in to action. Next, we look at how it does this.

When high strength magnets are placed directly above the site of injury or near a major artery, they generate a localised Magnetic Field that is powerful enough to penetrate right through the skin and bones, down to the cells.

This magnetic field also triggers a chemical response, which causes the iron content in your blood to become responsive to it. This reaction results in improved blood circulation. One of the functions of blood, is to transport oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the cells, tissues and vital organs in the body.

Consequently, as the blood circulation system begins to improve, the knock on effect is that more oxygen and nutrients are transported directly to where it's needed, i.e., to the damaged cells and soft tissues at the site of pain or injury.

On receiving the required fresh supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients, the bodies own healing processes can begin to work on repairing the damage to the cells and soft tissues at an accelerated rate. Whilst the bodies essential repair works get under way, the brain sends out signals to release the internal painkillers i.e. the Endorphins that get on with the job of relieving the pain.

As well as stimulating the bodies healing processes, the Magnetic Field also relieves pain, by tackling any inflammation present. It does this by drawing out excess fluid and toxins from the surrounding tissues and then expelling them on route via the Liver and Kidneys. Once the excess fluid and toxins are removed, the swelling will begin to reduce.

Now, you recall that earlier, I mentioned about Magnetic Therapy 'promoting deep restorative sleep', well stay tuned, because we're going to get into that next.

Magnetic Therapy In Your Sleep

Here's a fact for you,

Scientific research conducted by a key specialist in the area of Magnetic Therapy, namely, Dr. W.H. Philpott MD of Oklahoma has shown that effects of magnets are at their most powerful at NIGHT, and here's why. Every living thing on this Earth is dependent on Magnetic Energy. In fact, the earth itself is a huge magnet, and as such produces natural Negative Magnetic Energy force.

During the day, we are exposed to the Positive Magnetic Force from the Sun and Negative Magnetic Force at night from the Earth.

The following explains the effects that each type of energy has on the human body.

Effects of Magnetic Energy

Positive Magnetic Energy from the Sun

* Promotes deep and restorative sleep

* Supports the healing process

* Decreases inflammation and relieves pain

* Increases cellular oxygen

Negative Magnetic Energy from the Earth

* Stimulates wakefulness

* Inhibits the healing process

* Can increase inflammation and aggravate pain

* Decreases cellular oxygen

According to Dr. W.H. Philpott's theory on the effects of Magnetic Energy, the Pineal gland, located in the centre of the head, acts as a sort of control centre for the immune system, hormones, and enzymes in our bodies." This gland actually contains Magnetic crystals, and is acutely sensitive to the effects of Magnetic Energy.

The Pineal gland secretes the sleep hormone Melatonin throughout the night, when the Earth's Negative Magnetic force is dominant. The body requires high levels of Melatonin to enable a good night's sleep.

Studies conducted by Dwight K Kalita PH.D. who is a specialist at the Bio-Ecologic Research Centre, Ohio.US, and Dr Philpott have revealed that sleeping on a magnet pad can actually stimulate and increase the production of Melantonin. He also recommends sleeping in a completely darkened room as light actually stops Melantonin production.

Significant advances in magnet technology have enabled scientists to duplicate the Earths negative energy and harness it in form of high strength magnets.

Therefore, when you use magnets to surround yourself in a Magnetic Field at night, the effects are intensified for two reasons,

1) The Earth's Negative Magnetic Energy is at it's most powerful and

2) The body is in its' resting and healing phase. As such, you are able to benefit from:

* A deep restorative sleep that will leave you feeling energised and refreshed when you awake Improved circulation that will feed your cells with those vital nutrients and oxygen to enable faster healing

* Reduced if not eradicated aches, pains and inflammation

* The effects of the bodies resting stage, which allows the body to heal itself more efficiently at night.

Hopefully by now, you can see how using Magnetic Therapy could become 'the answer to the back pain insomniac's dream!' So, as I bring this article to an end I just want to say, don't let back pain continue rob you of the deep restorative sleep that your body so desperately needs. i've given you an overview of what Magnetic Therapy can do for you, but ultimately, the rest is up to up you.

DISCLAIMER

* The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only. The author of this article is not a medically trained physician; therefore, any theories or suggestions put forward are intended to supplement and not replace the advice of medically or legally trained professionals.

* All matters concerning your health require medical supervision.

* Please ensure that you consult your GP prior to adopting any suggestions put forward by Magnetics 4 Back Pain, as well as about any condition that may require medical diagnosis or medical attention.

* Magnetics 4 Back Pain is not responsible in any manner whatsoever for any injury sustained either directly or indirectly from information put forward in this article.

Donna Gray set up Magnetics 4 Back Pain in the belief that Magnetic Therapy is a truly viable and natural alternative for pain relief. She personally witnessed how the pain-relieving powers of Magnetic Therapy helped her mom 'get her life back', after being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

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