Overcoming Back Pain Blog

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New! Check out some of the archived blogs on the Back Pain Help page.

Please note: Exercises or techniques contained here should only be done with the approval of your health care provider and should be discontinued if causing discomfort.

Oct 10, 2008, Dealing with Back Pain

Dealing with back pain can seem overwhelming, but if you have access to some good resources for overcoming back pain you are more likely to find relief.

Oct 10, 2008, Exercise Guidelines

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued its first ever Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

According to their website - "The guidelines describe the types and amounts of physical activity that offer substantial health benefits to Americans."

You may want to check out the guidelines at:
www.health.gov/PAGuidelines

The amount of recommended exercise may seem a bit overwhelming, so in case you need them, here are a few tips on getting motivated to exercise.

Oct 9, 2008, Extreme Lower Back Pain

It doesn't get much worse than extreme lower back pain, or a burning lower back pain. If a medical condition has not caused it, exercise may be your remedy.

Oct 8, 2008, Leg Pain

Do you have leg pain?

If so, it may be coming from your lower back.

Read more about the correlation between leg pain and back pain, and the other reasons why your leg may hurt.

Oct 6, 2008, Back Pain Treatment

When you've had back pain as long as you can remember, and you have yet to find a cure, it can be downright discouraging.

But don't give up too quickly...

Have you really looked into all of your back pain treatment options? If not, you may still be able to discover some magic.

Oct 3, 2008, Easy Stomach Exercise

If you do exercise to help relieve back pain, are you including exercises that will firm your abdominal muscles?

You probably should be...

The stomach muscles are part of what are referred to as the core muscles - muscle that work together to support the spine by providing it with strength and balance.

Adding some easy stomach exercise to your routine can help ensure that you are maximizing your efforts.

Oct 2, 2008, Getting to Know Pilates

When Joseph Pilates developed his physical fitness system in the early 20th century I wonder if he had any idea how popular and mainstream it would become.

What are Pilates? They are a combination of exercise movements designed to strengthen the core postural muscles, in turn improving support to the spine. A great way to prevent back pain!

Oct 1, 2008, Low-impact Aerobic Exercise

Not in the mood for high-impact aerobics today? That's okay...

Instead, try some low-impact aerobics like walking, swimming or using an exercise bicycle

Low-impact aerobics need to be done for a longer period of time to be as beneficial as a more vigorous workout. However, even doing them for 15 to 20 minutes is still much better than taking the day off!

Read more about aerobic exercise.

Oct 1, 2008, Back Pain Help

Resourceful back pain help through a combination of exercises and creating pain relieving approaches to your daily activity.

Sep 30, 2008, Hand Arthritis

It may be difficult to eliminate the pain from hand arthritis, but with hand arthritis exercises you may be able to increase finger flexibility and relieve some of the pain.

If your hands are particularly stiff, try soaking them in water while doing exercises. As with all exercise - stay within your comfort level and don't do them if they are causing additional pain.

Try doing several repetitions, alternating hands. Begin each exercise by holding your hand upright with fingers straight.

1. Bend your fingers at the mid-knuckle and slowly return upright.
2. Spread your fingers wide, leaving spaces between them, including your thumb.
3. Move your thumb away from your hand. One at a time, touch each finger to the tip of your thumb.

Another great hand arthritis exercise - buy yourself a squeeze ball to use several times a day.

Want more arthritis exercise tips?

Sep 29, 2008, Avoid a Stiff Neck

Do you do a lot of reading at your desk and end up with a stiff neck because of it?

If so, you may want to invest in a slant board. Using a raised, tilted surface to elevate your reading material may significantly help reduce strain on your neck and shoulder muscles. Slant boards are often found at your local bookstore, or just do an online Google search.

Read more about what you can do for your stiff neck.

Sep 26, 2008, Lumbar Lordosis 101

What in the world is a lumbar lordosis?

It's simply the natural forward curve in your lower back. But, when that curve is either lost or over exaggerated by poor standing or sitting posture, it can cause all kinds of havoc to your lower back.

Find out more about your lumbar lordosis and standing and sitting posture.

Sep 25, 2008, Back Muscles

Avoiding spasms and injury to the back muscles with exercise and posture awareness.

Sep 24, 2008, Upper Back Exercises

Upper back exercises for stretching and upper back strengthening are a great way to relieve muscle pain and prevent back pain.

Just in case you missed it...
Some of the most popular bloglets have been archived on the Back Pain Help page.