Overcoming Back Pain Blog

Oct 10, Dealing with Back Pain

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:45:59 GMT

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, Exercise Guidelines

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:01:24 GMT

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, Extreme Lower Back Pain

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:23:34 GMT

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, Leg Pain

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:10:47 GMT

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, Back Pain Treatment

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:34:32 GMT

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, Easy Stomach Exercise

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:53:36 GMT

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, Getting to Know Pilates

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:50:31 GMT

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, Low-impact Aerobic Exercise

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:02:09 GMT

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!

Oct 1, Back Pain Help

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:44:40 GMT

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

Sep 30, Hand Arthritis

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:52:35 GMT

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, Avoid a Stiff Neck

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:39:58 GMT

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, Lumbar Lordosis 101

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:53:25 GMT

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, Back Muscles

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:27:32 GMT

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

Sep 24, Upper Back Exercises

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:24:28 GMT

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

Sep 23, Health Benefit of Yoga

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:16:47 GMT

Have you ever noticed how most pictures of a man or woman practicing yoga depict someone with a youthful, sleek look?

Well, the truth is, those aren't the only people practicing yoga. Yoga is intended for individuals of all ages, shapes and sizes. And no matter where you fit in, you too can benefit from the health benefit of yoga. How about getting better muscle tone, some stress relief, improved circulation, or weight loss? And the list goes on...

Read more about the health benefit of yoga.

Sep 22, Hip Exercises

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:33:33 GMT

Just because you're sitting at a desk all day doesn't mean that you can't do some good hip exercises. As a matter of fact, the more sitting you do the more your hip joints require movement.

To get started...

1. Stand straight and keep your hips, knees and feet pointing forward.
2. Keeping your knee straight, lift one leg out to the side.
3. Slowly lower your leg back to the starting position.
4. Repeat with your other leg. Do 10 repetitions.

Ready for more hip exercises?

Sep 19, Best Mattress

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:05:41 GMT

How many times have your seen advertisements that offer the 'best mattress" for back pain sufferers?

According to many reports, finding the mattress that is best suited for your back is a very personal matter and there really isn't one product that will work for every body type. It may take a bit of shopping around, but somewhere out there is the right "best mattress" for you!

Check out what else you should consider before buying a new mattress.

Sep 18, Hamstring Muscle Stretch

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:25:55 GMT

Tight hamstring muscles, the muscles that run through the back of your thighs, can limit motion in your pelvis, thus increasing stress to your lower back. Stretching these muscles with exercise can gradually lengthen them and lessen your risk of back pain.

Here is an exercise you can do right in your office:

1. Sit on a chair, placing your feet either on another chair or something of equal height.
2. From this position reach for the toes, stretching one leg at a time.
3. Hold at a comfortable stretch until you feel the hamstring muscle begin to relax.

Ready for more stretch exercise?

Sep 15, Foot Pain Misery

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:08:44 GMT

If you are about to embark on a new exercise routine whereby your feet are involved, ease into it slowly. Until you know how the exercise will affect the 52 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles in your feet, you may want to begin by only doing half of the recommended time. Then, if everything feels okay, slowly build up to a longer routine.

Check out more on painful foot problems.

Aug 21, Chronic Back Pain

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:06:40 GMT

Chronic back pain can be difficult to understand, but knowing a bit about why you have it is an important first step in managing it.

Aug 14, Leg Pain

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:43:58 GMT

The connection between leg pain and back pain, and the more serious conditions that could be causing your legs to hurt.

Jun 16, Easy Stomach Exercise

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:55:22 GMT

Easy Stomach exercise that strengthens abdominal muscles can significantly reduce lower back pain.

Jun 13, Natural Insomnia Cures Include Exercise

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:56:45 GMT

Exercise, with it's stress relieving benefits, is definitely one of the best natural insomnia cures.

Jun 10, Knee Pain Exercise, Knee Injury Exercise, Exercises for Knee Arthritis

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:48:24 GMT

Knee pain exercise is a vital component for knee pain sufferers, those with injuries and arthritis.

Jun 9, Knee Pain Relief

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:17:50 GMT

There are many knee pain relief treatments that your doctor may recommend, including knee strengthening exercise and simple home remedies.

Jun 6, Knee Pain

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:58:38 GMT

Don't ignore your knee pain! If left untreated knee pain can easily cause discomfort in your back, hips, or other areas of your body.

May 16, Prevent Back Pain

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:50:17 GMT

Overcoming back pain by learning to prevent back pain. It may be very easy to avoid your next bout of back pain, with some posture changes and easy exercise.

May 9, Sitting Posture

Fri, 09 May 2008 13:25:00 GMT

By changing your sitting posture and exercising after sitting you may find you have less muscle tension and relief from back pain.

May 6, Back Stretching Exercise

Tue, 06 May 2008 15:53:58 GMT

Relieve lower back muscle pain by getting into a routine of doing back strengthening and back stretching exercise that will provide needed muscle support for your spine.

May 5, Back Pain

Mon, 05 May 2008 16:22:43 GMT

Has back pain found you yet? If you are like millions of others you will experience back pain at some point.

Apr 24, Heat Therapy

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:51:42 GMT

Heat therapy and ice therapy. They both work, but when do you use heat and when do you use ice?

Apr 23, Ice Therapy

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:33:29 GMT

You know that heat and ice therapy are recommended for injuries, but do you know when to use heat and when to use ice?

Apr 21, The Best Mattress for your Back Pain - How do you Choose?

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:58:51 GMT

What's the best mattress for you back pain? Research is finding that the choice is a personal matter and the decision is yours.

Apr 16, The Hip Flexors

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:49:09 GMT

The hip flexors, consisting of a set of muscles, require exercise and stretching to prevent injury and discomfort.

Apr 14, Stomach Muscles: Definition of Rectus Abdominis, Transversus Abdominis, External

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:53:40 GMT

The four groups of stomach muscles: Rectus Abdominis, Transversus Abdominis, External Oblique, Internal Oblique

Apr 9, Laughter Therapy

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:29:29 GMT

Laughter therapy research is suggesting what we have suspected for centuries, laughter IS the best medicine.

Apr 4, Anti Aging Exercise

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:33:19 GMT

Research shows time and again that anti aging exercise is the best defenses against diseases and disabilty as the hands of our body clock continue to turn.

Apr 2, Massage Therapy Benefits

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:17:15 GMT

Massage therapy benefits are extensive and lead not only to better physical health but to a greater sense of well-being.

Mar 31, Deep Vein Thrombosis

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:42:26 GMT

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition with a risk that can be lowered with preventative measures. Know your risk and prevention measures.

Mar 28, Airplane Exercises

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:03:42 GMT

Try these airplane exercises as a way to prevent deep vein thrombosis while sedentary for long periods of time.

Mar 26, Walking for Exercise

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:09:52 GMT

Walking for exercise is one of the most popular exercises for weight loss and stress relief. Start with a few walking tips.

Mar 26, Home Spa Treatments

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:36:18 GMT

Create pampering home spa treatments that will leave you feeling luxurious and stress free.

Mar 19, Stretch Exercise with your Warm Up

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:49:50 GMT

A good warm up and stretch exercise routine is the best way to avoid muscle and joint injuries during more strenuous exercise.

Mar 11, Health Benefit of Yoga

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:36:04 GMT

The health benefit of yoga are tremendous, both for emotional and physical health.

Mar 6, Post Pregnancy Exercises

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:39:59 GMT

Post pregnancy exercises are as important as exercises in pregnancy, but when and how do you get started?

Mar 6, How to do Kegel Exercises

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:22:28 GMT

How to do Kegel exercises, commonly used for exercises while pregnant and as post pregnancy exercises

Mar 5, What are Pilates Exercises?

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:59:25 GMT

Answers to what are Pilates exercises including Pilates exercise move for breathing and for the home Pilates studio.