All Bunged Up? Back Pain And Constipation.

OK Constipation and back pain, not a sexy topic, not one you want to discuss with your family and friends but one that does come up.

If it affects you, one you will know can be miserable, painful and make you feel very unwell- the last thing you need on top of back pain and sciatica...Also sometimes being constipated may create pain in the lower back so it is worth taking it seriously.

You will know you are constipated if you do not go as often as you normally do, if you have to strain more than usual and if you have a feeling of not completely emptying your bowels. When you do go the stools may be hard and lumpy smaller or larger than normal for you. On top of that you may also experience stomach pain and bloat, not want to eat and feel sick.

There can be many causes of constipation.If constipation goes on for any length of time and/or you are in pain you should see your doctor. Be prepared to talk with them about your bowel movements and any changes in your health, lifestyle and diet. Clearly you should say you have back pain if they are not aware of that.

One of the reasons you are constipated could be any medication you are taking for your back pain or other health issues/ If you suspect this do not stop taking the medication but get to see your doctor as soon as possible and describe what has happened.

Other causes may be not eating the proper amount of fibre-fruit, veg, cereal and not drinking enough water . It may be that since you developed back pain you cannot do so much exercise or find moving around difficult or painful and lack of exercise may also be a contributing factor. In addition if you find back pain is making you depressed and anxious this may be a factor towards developing constipation as well.
If you have back pain and are constipated you may well find that it aggravates your pain...the act of straining puts pressure on your back and equals pain.

Of course the best thing is not to become constipated in the first place..

If it is already an issue for you you could first try natural methods like prune juice, additional fibre in your diet, getting a little exercise if you can. You might also try putting your feet up on a little stool ( no pun intended!) while you sit on the toilet , this can make it easier to "go". Do not sit for ages trying to go, it will only hurt you more.

What you can do naturally and what you should do all the time to prevent constipation and have regular bowel movements is to:

• Drink enough water ( about 8-10 glasses a day)
• Get some exercise-Whatever you can do with your back pain
• Eat a diet which includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, ideally five or more portions a day.
• Increase your daily intake of fibre., especially fruit, vegetables and cereal and if you also eat things such as wheat bran that will make stools easier to pass.

If constipation does not ease with these methods or you are frequently constipated or have alternate constipation and diarreah, or are in pain you should consult your doctor. They can give further advice and possibly medication and have the cause of the constipation looked into further.More Information on Constipation from this page at NHS DIRECT

If you liked this post do consider joining our Facebook Page Sciatica Solutions.


For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

7 Day Back Pain Cure
This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.

What Can Massage Therapy Really Do For Your Back Pain?

Article courtesy of Steve Hefferon, CMT, PTA and co-founder of "Lose The Back Pain"

If done correctly, massage therapy can work wonders for people with back pain. It may not always be the best choice, and it may not work for everyone. But most people will get great results if the massage therapist has a good understanding of the human body, muscle imbalances, and how to work with them. A word of caution: Massage therapy should never be considered a substitute for proper medical attention.

As a massage therapist for the past 10 years, I have watched massage therapy grow in popularity and credibility to the point where the practice is now commonplace for those who suffer from back pain. There is no denying the positive effects massage can have on the body. Most massage therapists use a variety of techniques during a session, such as energy techniques and stretching, along with traditional massage.

The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami has coordinated over 100 studies that document the therapeutic effects of massage. One study on massage and back pain found that massage decreased back pain and depression while also improving sleep and range of motion for most joints.

What to look for in a massage therapist

As in many other professions, there are varying degrees of training and qualifications a massage therapist can have. It is up to you to find one who is trained in techniques that actually address issues of back pain.

Some of the more popular styles of massage for back pain are: orthopedic massage, medical massage, and something called St. John's Technique. It would also be a good idea to look for a massage therapist who has comprehensive knowledge of muscle imbalances relating to back pain. Good luck finding one, because they are rare.

How does massage therapy provide relief?

You probably have heard that massage improves circulation, right? But exactly what does that mean?

Well, throughout our bodies we have a clear fluid that circulates around the body tissues called lymph. At the same time, we may have inflammation, which is an immune response to injury or infection that causes pain, redness, heat, and swelling in the affected area - in our muscles, around our muscles, even in our joints.

When lymph and inflammation start to accumulate in the body, the excess fluid will put pressure on blood vessels and our circulation will decrease, limiting blood flow to that area.

As the pressure increases, it irritates the nerves, which will cause you to have pain. By helping the body remove excess lymph and inflammation, massage therapy can make your blood flow better, which will reduce the pressure that is irritating the nerves and get rid of your pain.

And as if that were not enough, massage provides a number of other benefits: relaxing the muscles, improved range of motion, improved sleep, and increased production of endorphins, which will improve your mood. Is it any wonder you feel like a million bucks after a massage?

Is massage all you need to get relief?

As helpful as it is, massage has a very limited scope and cannot fully address your condition. It's great for removing inflammation and providing relaxation, but back pain is a physical condition that requires a physical solution. Sure, a massage therapist may stretch your body a little. But that's not a substitute for identifying muscle imbalances and postural dysfunctions and then developing a very specific and very targeted action plan to correct them and restore the body's harmony.

If massage is part of an overall plan that includes working with a trained expert in muscle imbalances and postural dysfunctions, then you may be on to something. Unfortunately, most people don't go this route. In my opinion, the ones who do will get the best and fastest results.

Is massage right for everyone?

Of course not. There are a number reasons why massage might not be right for you. Please review this list as you consider massage as an option.

1 Fever
2 Infectious Disease
3 Recent Operation
4 Skin Diseases
5 Varicose Veins
6 Cancer
7 Pregnancy
8 Cuts or Abrasions
9 Thrombosis

10 Heart conditions
11 Hypertension
12 Edema
13 Angina
14 Epilepsy
15 Bell's Palsy
16 Sunburn
17 Neuritis
18 On prescription meds

---

All massage sessions are one-on-one, which gives you the opportunity to converse with the therapist as well as get the personal attention you need to get results. You can ask questions about how you compare with other people.

Feel free to ask the therapist what approach he or she will be taking so you know what to expect. The massage therapist has many different techniques to use to deal with your back pain, and some are better than others.

Be aware that sometimes a massage therapist can get distracted with other problem areas. It is in your best interest to keep the therapist focused on your back and associated ailments. You may need to try several different therapists before finding the one that works best for you - and with you.

Article courtesy Of Steve hefferon CMY, PTA The Healthy Back Institute

If you liked this post do consider joining our Facebook Page Sciatica Solutions.



Lose The Back Pain System
Lose the Back Pain, is a system of self assessments to determine what physical imbalances you may have that may be causing your pain, then specific and targeted exercises to follow to address the imbalances, along with pain reduction strategies. 

For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

7 Day Back Pain Cure
This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.

Incredible Story Of Courage and Determination.

When I read this story of two people overcoming their difficulties I just had to share it with you...

If you are suffering from debilitating illness , back pain or sciatica I hope that reading this story I link to below will give some hope , some idea that maybe, just maybe physical difficulties can be overcome.

Learning to walk again

It hit a nerve with me as walking was always something I had completely taken for granted until I got back issues. I had walked for miles with my dog and my husband and loved country hiking. Then that all came to an abrupt halt. I could not walk a few yards without tingling, burning pain in my legs and spasms in my back. Sometimes my legs would go completely numb, weird and scary.... sometimes I could hardly walk to the bathroom due to my legs going numb and my back spasms giving me so much pain I could cry. Many of you will be familiar with that sort of pain , I know...

In my "down" moments I felt very sorry for myself and thought why did this have to happen to me? In my more reflective moments I thought ah well at least I was able to do this walking once. At least I have the memories....

Sometimes it made absolutely no difference to me seeing that other people had overcome pain and restrictions due to various conditions.

However, sometimes it spurred me on and gave me hope to see what was possible...and thats why I wanted to offer this link.

It kinda depended on my mood. Low mood tended to immobilize me and I lost the will to fight, but luckily for me, every time I managed to find inspiration from somewhere, push through that and pick myself up again. I knew I could find a way and I knew I must never give up looking for what might work for me.

Now I can walk again pretty much as well as I could before, I just need to be more careful and do my stretches, swimming/water therapy and exercises for the continued health of my back.

I offer this link to you as inspiration only. We are all different and I do know how challenging and downright pain in the *** back pain is. However I think a little inspiration is a good thing wherever it comes from...

I thought this story of these guys was amazing and wonderful. I hope you enjoy reading it as well.

Learning to walk again


I just wanted to pick out two quotes from it which are so inspiring from people who have been through all they have.

"The first thing you have to do is you have to turn a negative into a positive so if you're sure you're not going to get better, it's going to be that way,” said Hurlburt.

"Don't give up, don't ever give up. Cause if there's a will there's a way. And if you have that desire then you can do it,” said Abrams.

If you liked this post do consider joining our Facebook Page Sciatica Solutions.



For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

7 Day Back Pain Cure
This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.

Backcare in the garden.

Hi there,

What are you doing this weekend?

Well I'm planning this weekend on tackling our garden. Due to the flooding in the summer there was little chance of getting into the garden and well nature has kinds taken over! So we really need to do some trimming before the spring.

In the Springtime our shrubs and hedges are completely taken over by nesting birds and it is wonderful :) Our garden is filled with the sound of birdsong and the little cheep cheep of the chicks which we adore....it is so beautiful.

However it does mean we don't like to touch the shrubbery during that time so as not to disturb them. So its a case of getting out there in the cold this weekend!

Now although I do not get back pain and sciatica anymore like I used to, I know due to my conditions that I still need to be sensible and careful. My job is sedentary so I am not used to hard physical work on a regular basis, so I have a plan that will hopefully keep me pain free for this level of physical activity.

Today I am going swimming and will do the full range of water therapy exercises I learnt. I know from my experience that Water therapy is so good for me and my back.

Tomorrow morning I will get up and warm up then do my Lose the back pain exercises. While working I will do 30 mins then rest and do some stretches in between. I will not overdo it, my back health is more important than getting all the work done. I will also let the guys do the heavier stuff.

I will drink lots of water so as not to get dehydrated.

I will wear a heat pad on my lower back to keep the muscles warm to reduce the risk of pulling or straining anything.

After the work I will have a warm bath and a relaxing massage :)

I am looking forward to being out there in the fresh air and working I just know now that I must take extra care now. For me in my experience if I treat my back well and cater to its needs it will treat me well :)

Whatever you are doing I wish you a good weekend :)

If you liked this post do consider joining our Facebook Page Sciatica Solutions.



Lose The Back Pain System
Lose the Back Pain, is a system of self assessments to determine what physical imbalances you may have that may be causing your pain, then specific and targeted exercises to follow to address the imbalances, along with pain reduction strategies. 

For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

7 Day Back Pain Cure
This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.

Do You Need Back Surgery?

Discovered this article in Web MD that is a must read especially if you are considering backpain surgery.

Surgery for Back Pain and Sciatica symptoms has come on a long way but it still can be major surgery. My neurosurgeon told me they do less back surgeries now than they used to, preferring people wherever possible to try non invasive or less invasive methods first.

Do discuss all back surgery options carefully with your surgeon and healthcare providers to ensure if it is indeed a good choice for you and your situation.

Be aware of the Red Flags of back pain as well (things you must see a healthcare provider about urgently) so you can discuss any of them with your healthcare provider.

  Click here to read more on that on post "Red Flags and Back Pain.

I have not had back surgery, though I came pretty close. After using "lose the back pain system" I thankfully did not need to persue surgery. Back pain surgery may be an option but not one to rush into without very careful exploration. Ensure you have a clear diagnosis, a very competent surgeon, appropriate technology and a good aftercare program set up.

Neurosurgeon Dr Aaron Filler of the Institute for Nerve Medicine in Santa Monica, California, discusses the issues surrounding back surgeries to alleviate spine and nerve pain in his book you may like to consider;

"Do You Really Need Back Surgery" Click here to read more.

Take care until next time...

If you liked this post do consider joining our Facebook Page Sciatica Solutions.



Lose The Back Pain System
Lose the Back Pain, is a system of self assessments to determine what physical imbalances you may have that may be causing your pain, then specific and targeted exercises to follow to address the imbalances, along with pain reduction strategies. 

For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

7 Day Back Pain Cure
This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.