Overcoming Back Pain Blog

Feb 5, Pillow for Stiff Neck - Neck Support Pillows

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:32:35 GMT

A good pillow for stiff neck may help you relieve one of the major stiff neck causes. But how do you purchase good neck support pillows?

Feb 3, Printable Exercise Log Sheet

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:19:42 GMT

Download a free printable exercise log sheet and see how using it regularly can help to increase motivation to exercise.

Jan 22, Overcoming Back Pain Newsletter

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:08:45 GMT

I hope you received the Overcoming Back Pain Newsletter from ThePamperedBack.com, a couple of days ago. If not, and you would like to receive the next issue, just sign up over in the right hand column.

Jan 6, Chiropractor Adjustments - Do Chiropractors Work?

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:33:36 GMT

Although chiropractor adjustments are very common, do chiropractors work? Through an understanding of chiropractic are you can better decide for yourself.

Jan 4, Exercise Log Sheet

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:35:06 GMT

Do you use an exercise log sheet to help keep track of what works and what doesn't work?

Dec 3, Instructions for Water Aerobics - Water Aerobics Workouts

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:10:51 GMT

Easy instructions for water aerobics include different water aerobics workouts for beginner to advanced levels that can be done at your own pace.

Nov 17, Back Pain Guide - Information on Back Pain

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:48:29 GMT

Where do you find a good back pain guide, or information on back pain? As a long-term back pain sufferer I have a few recommendations for you.

Nov 10, Symmetrical Movement for Good Posture

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:18:00 GMT

How symmetrical are you in your body movements? Are there daily activities that you perform by repeatedly using the same side of your body?

Long-term, one-sided activities can strengthen muscles on the side most often used, while allowing muscles on the other side to become weak. Beware, as over time this can have a negative effect on posture.

Nov 9, Chronic Back Pain Relief Research

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:50:33 GMT

There is much being done in chronic back pain relief research, including clinical trials. For information about back pain clinical trials, and others, visit clinicaltrial.gov.

Nov 2, Muscle Spasms Symptom - What Causes Muscle Cramps

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:37:54 GMT

A muscle spasms symptom may simply be a painful tightness or knot in a muscle. Find out what causes muscle cramps and what can you do for treatment.

Oct 19, Treatment for Muscle Spasm

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:28:19 GMT

Treatment for muscle spasm and relieving muscle cramps may be as simple as relaxing muscles with stretching exercise and using your own massage therapy techniques.

Oct 13, Neck and Back Massagers

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:03:15 GMT

Personal neck and back massagers may provide many of the same benefits as a traditional massage. But, how do you know which one will work best for you?

Oct 12, Chair for Back Pain

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:04:25 GMT

Find out what to look for in selecting the best ergonomic chair for back pain, for your workplace and home.

Oct 9, Body Image Approved with...

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:43:26 GMT

An article in the October 9, 2009 issue of Medical News Today reports that a University of Florida study found that exercise, regardless of the physical outcomes, improves body image.

That in itself should be good motivation to exercise!

Oct 5, Frozen Shoulder Exercises

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:35:26 GMT

As painful as it may sound frozen shoulder exercises are often used in treatment for frozen shoulder. What is frozen shoulder and what causes it?

Oct 2, Nonspecific Back Pain

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:08:05 GMT

Perhaps one of the most frustrating types of back pain, and the least understood is "nonspecific back pain".

According to the Mayo Clinic, back pain that is due to an unknown cause is referred to as nonspecific and can appear with symptoms of:

low back pain
pain in any portion of the back
back pain that radiates to the buttocks or upper legs

However, before assuming back pain is nonspecific, a health care professional should be consulted to determine that other medical conditions are not present.

Sep 30, Painful Foot Problems

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:28:49 GMT

Today's issue of Medical News Today has an article about a recently published study that concludes "Women Who Make Poor Shoe Choices At Risk for Foot Pain Later in Life".

What are poor shoe choices?

"Shoewear was classified as good (low risk shoes including athletic and casual sneakers), average (mid risk shoes such as hard- or rubber-soled shoes, special shoes and work boots), and poor shoes (high-risk shoewear that lack support and sound structure, including high-heeled shoes, sandals, and slippers)."

Read other ways that you can avoid painful foot problems that can lead to increased back pain.

Sep 29, Water Aerobics Routines

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:10:25 GMT

Do you wish you could find a no-impact way to get aerobic exercise? Why not grab your bathing suit and head off to the nearest "Y" or gym with a pool.

Since water aerobics routines rely on the buoyancy of the water for resistance, they are a great way to get aerobic exercise without wear and tear on joints.

Sep 28, Chronic Back Pain

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:23:55 GMT

Although light exercise is often recommended for minor back pain, and it is often suggested that long periods of inactivity be avoided...

...a bit of occasional rest can do wonders to help relieve the day to day frustration that can accompany chronic back pain.

Laying on a flat surface - where you have enough room to spread your arms outward and upward - for around 10 minutes a day, may be all you need to rejuvenate yourself.

Sep 24, Pilates Workout Video Free!

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:57:41 GMT

The September 23rd issue of USA Today featured an article about Pilates in its Life section. Titled "At the core of a new movement", the article talks about the many benefits of Pilates and how popular Pilates videos have become.

The Healthy Back Institute offers a FREE video Pilates Made Easy, The Basics.

Sep 23, Ankle Exercises

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:14:02 GMT

Problem free feet, as well as strong ankles and legs, all contribute to a healthy, pain free back. But how do you keep your ankles strong? With easy ankle exercises.

Sep 21, Hip Flexors

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:10:03 GMT

If you spend much of your day sitting, having just a bit of knowledge about your hip flexors may prevent quite a bit of hip pain.

Sep 16, Orthopedic Back Brace - Lumbar Back Brace

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:49:27 GMT

Is an orthopedic back brace right for YOUR back pain? Because of the manner in which they restrict mobility a low back brace, an upper back brace and full back braces are not intended for everyone.

Sep 15, Can Yoga Help with Back Pain?

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:40:10 GMT

According to HealthScout.com, a new study has found that practicing yoga can help relieve chronic lower back pain and that after six months those participating in the exercise reported less discomfort and depression.

Is yoga right for you?

Sep 14, Natural Insomnia Cures

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:31:24 GMT

As reported in MySleepCentral.com, a new study published in the journal Sleep has found that "people who suffer from insomnia may also have heightened nighttime blood pressure".

Did you know that the exercise you do to relieve back pain may also be useful as a natural insomnia cure?

Sep 7, Quick Workday Exercises

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:13:20 GMT

Workout For The Workaholic... A great article in Medical News Today, featuring ideas for cardiovascular, strength and flexibility exercises that can be done with just a few minutes interruption to the work day.

Sep 3, Dealing with Back Pain

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:36:23 GMT

Dealing with back pain can certainly be a challenge. But, educating yourself as to its causes and potential cures can be an important first step in defeating it forever.

Read about dealing with back pain and back pain reduction tips...

Aug 31, Avoiding Knee Pain

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:45:24 GMT

As reported in a Medical News Today article, dated August 28th, 2009, a recent study found that...

"Women with the strongest quadriceps muscles appeared to be protected against the development of knee osteoarthritis symptoms."

Good news for women who have already developed strong thigh muscles, and a great exercise incentive for those who want to help avoid future knee pain.

Aug 28, Free Back Pain Cure Book

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:16:46 GMT

If you suffer from any type of back, neck or sciatic pain, you may want to grab a copy of, Jesse Cannone's new book, The 7-Day Back Pain Cure.

For a few more days it's free...

You can also buy it on Amazon, but if you grab one of the free copies from his website he is going to donate $2 to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Habitat for Humanity - you choose the charity!

In his book Jesse shows you:

Why traditional treatments fail to deliver lasting relief.
The 7 mistakes most people make that keep them in pain.
How to identify the real, underlying causes of your pain.
Which treatments work, which ones don't and how to know which is right for you<./li>

So, if you have ever suffered from back pain, or are currently dealing with it, I recommend you grab a copy of the book - why not, it's free for a couple of days!

Aug 26, Motivation to Exercise

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:13:45 GMT

According to an August 21st, Reuters article, "even modest exercise may extend lifespan". But where do you find the motivation to exercise?

Aug 25, Extended! Hi-Ho "Back to Work" We Go

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:57:24 GMT

You now have until September 9th, for the SBI! Hi-Ho "Back to Work" special. Last year I took advantage of one of these specials and...

...as a result I now have two new website businesses, Great-Maine-Vacations.com and another - yet to be unveiled.

Find out how you too (or you and a friend) can have fun getting your own website business off the ground at a sale price.

Aug 24, Painful Foot Problem

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:02:16 GMT

Since the way we walk has a big influence on balance and the way we stand, a painful foot problem can easily contribute to back pain.

Today's edition of Medical News Today has an interesting article, "Three Steps for Healthy Feet", which outlines some of the most prevalent foot problems and suggests measures that can be taken to prevent foot pain.

Aug 20, Aerobic Exercise for Back Pain

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:27:06 GMT

When people think about exercise for back pain, aerobic exercise is not what usually comes to mind. However, this type of exercise, which raises the heart and breathing rates, can be beneficial in relieving pain.

Ask your doctor - they may agree that some form of aerobic exercise might help reduce your back pain.

Aug 13, Exercise Log Sheet

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:19:07 GMT

What is one of the best ways to make sure that you maintain a healthy exercise routine during the winter months? Start keeping your own exercise log sheet now, and use it as a reference AND a motivator in the upcoming months.

Aug 11, Backpacks and Back Pain

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:01:17 GMT

For many kids, back to school can mean back pain. What's the culprit?

It may be a poorly fitted backpack that is causing their back problems. Be sure to select a pack carefully and do NOT overload it when worn!

Aug 10, Anti Aging Exercise

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:40:10 GMT

Many experts agree that by the age of 25 biological changes in our bodies begin the aging process. Ouch!

But, with some good anti aging exercise we can often forestall many of the aches and pains that are almost inevitable later in life.

Jul 31, How's Your Balance?

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:54:10 GMT

Feeling a little tipsy? It could be that you need some balance exercises to help strengthen leg and hip muscles. Improved balance can lead to better posture, which in turn may result in less back pain!

When doing this exercise assume you will need some support. You may be surprised otherwise!

With your feet slightly apart, stand straight, holding onto a table or chair.
Slowly lift your left leg 6 to 12 inches out to the side. Keeping the rest of your body straight, hold this position for around 5 seconds.
Slowly lower your leg and repeat on the opposite side. Do around 10 repetitions, or less if you experience discomfort.

Jul 30, Chair Ergonomics

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:04:42 GMT

Are you sitting ON, or IN, your chair?

Your answer may say a lot about whether or not you have back problems caused by improper chair ergonomics.

Jul 24, Avoid Back Pain Epidemic

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:30:29 GMT

According to "to your Health", the best "Four Ways to Avoid Back Pain Epidemic" are...

Regular exercise
Avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits
Chiropractor adjustments, and
Proper ergonomics

Do you practice any of these?

Jul 21, Back Pain Products

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:37:58 GMT

Know what you're buying!

With all of the back pain products that are on the market, it's easy to end up spending LOTS of money without getting significant relief.

How do you know which ones might be for you? Asking yourself a a few questions might help you decide.

Jul 15, Fitness Ball Workout

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:11:07 GMT

A fitness ball workout can help add tremendous variety to your exercise program. And, when used properly, the fitness ball can be very beneficial in strengthening the core muscles that help support the spine.

Want to read more about using a fitness ball workout for balance, flexibility and strengthening?

Jul 10, Hot Weather Yoga and Pilates

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:25:56 GMT

Although most people get more exercise in the warmer weather, it can often get too hot to think about doing anything but sitting and sipping a cold brew.

When that's the case you may want to think about doing simple yoga or Pilates exercise to ward off the aches and pains caused by inactivity.

Jul 9, Office Chair Exercise

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:18:27 GMT

Do you get a little restless sitting at your desk on gorgeous summer days? A few simple office chair exercises can be a great way to break up boredom and relieve fatigue.

Jul 7, Back Pain Inversion Table

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:57:15 GMT

Can a back pain inversion table help solve your back problems?

It seems to depend on who you talk with...

Jun 26, Hamstring Stretches

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:53:11 GMT

Have you done your hamstring stretches today? They can be very important for both back pain prevention AND back pain treatment - especially if you've been sitting all week!

Jun 24, Knee Stretching Exercise

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:10:16 GMT

With the warmer weather, most of us become more physically active which translates into an increased use of our muscles and joints. Are your knees up to it?

You may find that some simple knee stretching exercise can help loosen your stiff knee joints.

Jun 19, Preventing Back Pain

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:45:50 GMT

Will you be someplace today where you can lay flat on your back for a few minutes?

If so, you may want to try stretching out at least a couple of times during the day. Doing so not only helps relieve spinal tension, but it can also be a great tool for preventing back pain.

Jun 15, Airplane Exercises

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:14:30 GMT

Will summer travel find you on an airplane? If so, airplane exercises may help not only reduce fatique, but also protect you against the dangers of deep vein thrombosis, known as DVT.

Jun 12, Correct Posture for Swimming

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:49:24 GMT

Depending on what part of world you are in, you may soon be heading to a pool or beach. Did you know that correct posture is important even when in the water?

When possible, try to avoid swimming in a position whereby your neck and head are tipped upward. Swimming on your side or back can be a great alternative, as can swimming the breathe stroke using proper breathing techniques.

Enjoy your dip!

Jun 10, Stress and Sleeplessness

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:57:17 GMT

Medical News Today reports that a research abstract will be presented today at the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies linking chronic stress and sleep disorders.

The interesting finding in the study is that there is a bidirectional relationship between sleep and stress, with both enhancing the likelihood of the other.

Are you doing everything that you can to ensure a good nights sleep?