Adrenalectomy is an operation in which one or both adrenal glands are removed. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system and are located just above the kidneys.
Description
Adrenalectomy can be performed in two ways. In the "open" surgery, the surgeon makes one large surgical cut to remove the gland. With the "laparoscopic" technique, several small incisions are made. The surgeon will discuss which approach is better for you.
For the surgery, you will be placed under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free).
The adrenal gland is sent to a pathologist for examination under a microscope.
Why the Procedure is Performed
The adrenal gland is removed when there is known cancer or a growth (mass) that might be cancer.
Sometimes a mass in the adrenal gland is removed because it releases a hormone that can cause harmful side effects. One of the most common tumors is a pheochromocytoma. This tumor can cause very high blood pressure.
Risks
With any operation or anesthesia, there is a slight risk of:
Blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs
Breathing problems
Damage to nearby organs in the body
Heart attack or stroke
Infection or bleeding
Reactions to medicines
Wound that breaks open or bulging tissue through the incision (incisional hernia)
Outlook (Prognosis)
It is important to have the procedure done at a center that is experienced in adrenal gland removal.
Before the Procedure
Your surgeon will give you instructions about your diet, including when you should stop eating and drinking. Be sure to have a complete list of your medications so that your surgeon and anesthesiologist can give you instructions about them.
Recovery
As with any operation, there will be discomfort after surgery.
Your health care provider will prescribe pain medications.
You may need stool softeners to avoid constipation.
Your surgeon will give you instructions about restricting your activities.
Complete recovery from the procedure may take several weeks or longer, depending on the type of surgical cuts you have.
Adrenalectomy is an operation in which one or both adrenal glands are removed. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system and are located just above the kidneys.
Description
Adrenalectomy can be performed in two ways. In the "open" surgery, the surgeon makes one large surgical cut to remove the gland. With the "laparoscopic" technique, several small incisions are made. The surgeon will discuss which approach is better for you.
For the surgery, you will be placed under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free).
The adrenal gland is sent to a pathologist for examination under a microscope.
Why the Procedure is Performed
The adrenal gland is removed when there is known cancer or a growth (mass) that might be cancer.
Sometimes a mass in the adrenal gland is removed because it releases a hormone that can cause harmful side effects. One of the most common tumors is a pheochromocytoma. This tumor can cause very high blood pressure.
Risks
With any operation or anesthesia, there is a slight risk of:
Blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs
Breathing problems
Damage to nearby organs in the body
Heart attack or stroke
Infection or bleeding
Reactions to medicines
Wound that breaks open or bulging tissue through the incision (incisional hernia)
Outlook (Prognosis)
It is important to have the procedure done at a center that is experienced in adrenal gland removal.
Before the Procedure
Your surgeon will give you instructions about your diet, including when you should stop eating and drinking. Be sure to have a complete list of your medications so that your surgeon and anesthesiologist can give you instructions about them.
Recovery
As with any operation, there will be discomfort after surgery.
Your health care provider will prescribe pain medications.
You may need stool softeners to avoid constipation.
Your surgeon will give you instructions about restricting your activities.
Complete recovery from the procedure may take several weeks or longer, depending on the type of surgical cuts you have.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Open Cholecystectomy vs Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Cholecystectomy or gallbladder surgery was once the most common treatment for gallstones. Originally, in order to remove the gallbladder, surgeons had to perform open cholecystectomy by making incision on right upper abdominal about 20 cm lenght. A risky open surgery that required at least a week long hospital stay and a month long recovery period.
Later, advances in medicine allowed surgeons to do laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In this procedure, the surgeon makes tiny incisions in your abdomen and inserts a small camera and cutting tools. So that the result is earlier return of bowel function, less postoperative pain, improved cosmesis, shorter length of hospital stay, earlier return to full activity, and decreased overall cost. While this surgery is safer than open cholecystectomies, it still carries the risk of internal bleeding.
Today, gallbladder surgery is seen as a last resort. The gallbladder is an important organ. Without it, the liver will drip bile directly onto the small intestine. This usually results in chronic diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome, requiring life-long changes in diet.
Also, gallbladder surgery does not prevent new gallstones from forming. Even after gallbladder removal, gallstones can still form in the bile ducts. In fact, 40% of patients who have undergone gallbladder removal report continuing gallstone attacks years after their surgery!
See indications and contraindications on Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy used by surgeon to perform surgical procedure below :
Indications for LC :
Symptomatic cholelithiasis
Biliary colic
Acute cholecystitis
Gallstone pancreatitis
Asymptomatic cholelithiasis
Sickle cell disease
Total parenteral nutrition
Chronic immunosuppression
No immediate access to health care facilities (e.g., missionaries, military personnel, peace corps workers, relief workers)
Incidental cholecystectomy for patients undergoing procedure for other indications
Acalculous cholecystitis (biliary dyskinesia)
Gallbladder polyps >1 cm in diameter
Porcelain gallbladder
Contraindication :
Absolute
Unable to tolerate general anesthesia
Refractory coagulopathy
Suspicion of gallbladder carcinoma
Relative
Previous upper abdominal surgery
Cholangitis
Diffuse peritonitis
Cirrhosis and/or portal hypertension
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Cholecystoenteric fistula
Morbid obesity
Pregnancy
Later, advances in medicine allowed surgeons to do laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In this procedure, the surgeon makes tiny incisions in your abdomen and inserts a small camera and cutting tools. So that the result is earlier return of bowel function, less postoperative pain, improved cosmesis, shorter length of hospital stay, earlier return to full activity, and decreased overall cost. While this surgery is safer than open cholecystectomies, it still carries the risk of internal bleeding.
Today, gallbladder surgery is seen as a last resort. The gallbladder is an important organ. Without it, the liver will drip bile directly onto the small intestine. This usually results in chronic diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome, requiring life-long changes in diet.
Also, gallbladder surgery does not prevent new gallstones from forming. Even after gallbladder removal, gallstones can still form in the bile ducts. In fact, 40% of patients who have undergone gallbladder removal report continuing gallstone attacks years after their surgery!
See indications and contraindications on Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy used by surgeon to perform surgical procedure below :
Indications for LC :
Symptomatic cholelithiasis
Biliary colic
Acute cholecystitis
Gallstone pancreatitis
Asymptomatic cholelithiasis
Sickle cell disease
Total parenteral nutrition
Chronic immunosuppression
No immediate access to health care facilities (e.g., missionaries, military personnel, peace corps workers, relief workers)
Incidental cholecystectomy for patients undergoing procedure for other indications
Acalculous cholecystitis (biliary dyskinesia)
Gallbladder polyps >1 cm in diameter
Porcelain gallbladder
Contraindication :
Absolute
Unable to tolerate general anesthesia
Refractory coagulopathy
Suspicion of gallbladder carcinoma
Relative
Previous upper abdominal surgery
Cholangitis
Diffuse peritonitis
Cirrhosis and/or portal hypertension
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Cholecystoenteric fistula
Morbid obesity
Pregnancy
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Top 10 Health Tips for Men
When it comes to health care, we men are like ostriches. We bury our heads in the sand. We are much less likely than women to visit our doctors regularly, take symptoms seriously and live a healthful lifestyle. Maybe that’s one reason why women have a seven-year average survival advantage on us!
Yet it’s obviously important that men of all ages become more proactive about their health. And an easy way to start is to follow these 10 basic steps to maintaining health and vitality.
1. Eliminate "White Foods" from Your Diet. White flour, white sugar and other processed foods are not only devoid of vitamins and minerals, but they’ve also been stripped of their natural fibre. As a result, they rapidly drive up blood sugar levels, which contributes to weight gain, diabetes and a host of other health problems. Avoid breads and baked goods made with white flour, sugar-laden sodas and snack foods. Instead, focus on eating fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
2. Stay Away from Dangerous Trans Fats. While it’s important to reduce your overall fat intake, it’s even more important to watch the types of fat you eat. Deep-fried foods and anything made with hydrogenated oils (margarine, peanut butter, shortening, store-bought pastries and cookies) contain trans fats that raise your risk of heart disease. Eat only healthful fats, such as olive oil and the omega-3 oils found in salmon and other cold-water fish, which actually protect against heart disease.
3. Take a Potent Daily Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement. Although there is no substitute for a good diet, I am convinced that for optimal nutrition, you need to take a high-potency multivitamin and mineral supplement. Even if you are eating right, it’s unlikely that your food contains all the nutrients you need. Poor soil quality, storage, processing and cooking deplete our food of vitamins and minerals. Taking a high quality daily supplement is "health insurance" against possible deficiencies.
4. Include Weight Training in Your Exercise Routine. Aerobic exercise is great for cardiovascular conditioning, but it’s vastly inferior to weight training in attacking the "flab factor." Recent research has shown that as little as once-weekly resistance exercise can improve muscle strength. Even the busiest or laziest among us can find the time and energy for that. Join a gym, consult a personal trainer or ask an experienced friend to show you the ropes.
5. Maintain Your Optimal Weight. Current statistics suggest that half of us are losing the battle of the bulge, but maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for yourself. You’ll look better, feel better and reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and other major killers. I know this is easier said than done, but if you just follow the four steps above, you’ll be well on your way.
6. Drink Alcohol Only in Moderation. You’ve probably heard of the "French Paradox," and that drinking wine protects against heart disease. Repeated studies have shown that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol (all kinds) protects not only against heart disease, but also lowers risk of death from all causes. Remember that moderation is key. While one to two drinks a day are protective, excess alcohol consumption is devastating to health. And for some, one drink is too many.
7. Protect Your Prostate. Around the age of 40, the prostate gland begins a growth spurt that results in symptoms such as frequent nighttime urination. The good news is that this condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, can be prevented or reversed by taking extracts of two herbs: saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and pygeum (Pygeum africanum). Dozens of studies have shown that these herbs work in improving urinary flow without adverse side-effects. Suggested doses are 160 to 320 milligrams of saw palmetto and 40 to 80 mg of pygeum daily.
8. Reduce Your Risk of Prostate Cancer. Experts estimate that 80 per cent of all cancers can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices. Avoid saturated and trans fats, which may fuel prostate cancer growth, and incorporate protective foods, such as soy, green tea and tomatoes, into your diet. Soy contains isoflavones with specific anti-cancer activity. Green tea is rich in polyphenols that inhibit the formation of cancer-causing compounds and block the growth of prostate cancer cells. And tomatoes, particularly cooked tomato products, are an excellent source of lycopene, which is linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. In addition, make sure your daily nutritional supplement contains high doses of the antioxidant selenium (200 micrograms) and vitamin E (800 IU), which have been shown to dramatically lower the risk of prostate cancer.
9. Maintain Vigorous Sexual Function. Most cases of erectile dysfunction (impotence) have a physical cause: You’re just not getting enough blood to the area in question. To improve overall circulation, follow the diet, exercise and supplement recommendations above. If you’re taking drugs, review them with your doctor, as many can worsen erectile function and impair libido. Smoking also significantly impairs erectile function. Several herbs have been shown to improve sexual function. Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow to the penis, and Panax ginseng, oats, horny goat weed, maca and seroctin improve libido.
10. Maintain Close Relationships. Another thing women seem to do better than men is maintain close relationships. Make a point to strengthen ties with your family and friends. Volunteer work, religious ties, even pets–anything that keeps you involved with others–reduces stress and enhances health.
Take charge of your health by incorporating these 10 steps into your life. The rewards of optimal health and well-being will be well worth your efforts.
Men’s Longevity "To Do" List
Eliminate "white foods" from your diet.
Stay away from dangerous trans fats.
Take a daily vitamin-mineral supplement.
Incorporate weight training in your exercise routine.
Maintain your optimal weight.
Drink alcohol only in moderation.
Protect your prostate.
Reduce your risk of prostate cancer.
Maintain vigorous sexual function.
Maintain close relationships.
Yet it’s obviously important that men of all ages become more proactive about their health. And an easy way to start is to follow these 10 basic steps to maintaining health and vitality.
1. Eliminate "White Foods" from Your Diet. White flour, white sugar and other processed foods are not only devoid of vitamins and minerals, but they’ve also been stripped of their natural fibre. As a result, they rapidly drive up blood sugar levels, which contributes to weight gain, diabetes and a host of other health problems. Avoid breads and baked goods made with white flour, sugar-laden sodas and snack foods. Instead, focus on eating fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
2. Stay Away from Dangerous Trans Fats. While it’s important to reduce your overall fat intake, it’s even more important to watch the types of fat you eat. Deep-fried foods and anything made with hydrogenated oils (margarine, peanut butter, shortening, store-bought pastries and cookies) contain trans fats that raise your risk of heart disease. Eat only healthful fats, such as olive oil and the omega-3 oils found in salmon and other cold-water fish, which actually protect against heart disease.
3. Take a Potent Daily Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement. Although there is no substitute for a good diet, I am convinced that for optimal nutrition, you need to take a high-potency multivitamin and mineral supplement. Even if you are eating right, it’s unlikely that your food contains all the nutrients you need. Poor soil quality, storage, processing and cooking deplete our food of vitamins and minerals. Taking a high quality daily supplement is "health insurance" against possible deficiencies.
4. Include Weight Training in Your Exercise Routine. Aerobic exercise is great for cardiovascular conditioning, but it’s vastly inferior to weight training in attacking the "flab factor." Recent research has shown that as little as once-weekly resistance exercise can improve muscle strength. Even the busiest or laziest among us can find the time and energy for that. Join a gym, consult a personal trainer or ask an experienced friend to show you the ropes.
5. Maintain Your Optimal Weight. Current statistics suggest that half of us are losing the battle of the bulge, but maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for yourself. You’ll look better, feel better and reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and other major killers. I know this is easier said than done, but if you just follow the four steps above, you’ll be well on your way.
6. Drink Alcohol Only in Moderation. You’ve probably heard of the "French Paradox," and that drinking wine protects against heart disease. Repeated studies have shown that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol (all kinds) protects not only against heart disease, but also lowers risk of death from all causes. Remember that moderation is key. While one to two drinks a day are protective, excess alcohol consumption is devastating to health. And for some, one drink is too many.
7. Protect Your Prostate. Around the age of 40, the prostate gland begins a growth spurt that results in symptoms such as frequent nighttime urination. The good news is that this condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, can be prevented or reversed by taking extracts of two herbs: saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and pygeum (Pygeum africanum). Dozens of studies have shown that these herbs work in improving urinary flow without adverse side-effects. Suggested doses are 160 to 320 milligrams of saw palmetto and 40 to 80 mg of pygeum daily.
8. Reduce Your Risk of Prostate Cancer. Experts estimate that 80 per cent of all cancers can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices. Avoid saturated and trans fats, which may fuel prostate cancer growth, and incorporate protective foods, such as soy, green tea and tomatoes, into your diet. Soy contains isoflavones with specific anti-cancer activity. Green tea is rich in polyphenols that inhibit the formation of cancer-causing compounds and block the growth of prostate cancer cells. And tomatoes, particularly cooked tomato products, are an excellent source of lycopene, which is linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. In addition, make sure your daily nutritional supplement contains high doses of the antioxidant selenium (200 micrograms) and vitamin E (800 IU), which have been shown to dramatically lower the risk of prostate cancer.
9. Maintain Vigorous Sexual Function. Most cases of erectile dysfunction (impotence) have a physical cause: You’re just not getting enough blood to the area in question. To improve overall circulation, follow the diet, exercise and supplement recommendations above. If you’re taking drugs, review them with your doctor, as many can worsen erectile function and impair libido. Smoking also significantly impairs erectile function. Several herbs have been shown to improve sexual function. Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow to the penis, and Panax ginseng, oats, horny goat weed, maca and seroctin improve libido.
10. Maintain Close Relationships. Another thing women seem to do better than men is maintain close relationships. Make a point to strengthen ties with your family and friends. Volunteer work, religious ties, even pets–anything that keeps you involved with others–reduces stress and enhances health.
Take charge of your health by incorporating these 10 steps into your life. The rewards of optimal health and well-being will be well worth your efforts.
Men’s Longevity "To Do" List
Eliminate "white foods" from your diet.
Stay away from dangerous trans fats.
Take a daily vitamin-mineral supplement.
Incorporate weight training in your exercise routine.
Maintain your optimal weight.
Drink alcohol only in moderation.
Protect your prostate.
Reduce your risk of prostate cancer.
Maintain vigorous sexual function.
Maintain close relationships.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sex Benefits For Skin Beauty
Not merely maintain skin beauty treatments alone. Activity was having sex with your spouse can also make the skin brighter.
It seemed a little strange when connecting sex with a bright skin. But according to expert sexologist, Dr. Gloria G. Bramer, sex can make the skin more flushed.
Quoted from realbeauty, sex can facilitate the circulation of blood and oxygen pumping around your body, making skin brighter. Sex also helps remove toxins and make you a little more thick lips so it looks more sexy.
Hormones are released during sex also makes your nails become brighter. This occurs primarily in pregnant women.
Not only to brighten the skin, sex can also control the growth of acne. Hormone that decreases after you have sex can make the acne does not come easy. The result is a cleaner skin and hair are much healthier you'll get.
Circulation of blood and oxygen to pass a result of the love will keep the skin moisture. But that does not mean sex can replace eight glasses of water a day.
Sex can also clean your pores depending on how hot your activities on the bed. The more you sweat during lovemaking, then increasingly also clean your face. Tersebutlah sweat that made his face clean from dirt, dust and residual makeup.
It seemed a little strange when connecting sex with a bright skin. But according to expert sexologist, Dr. Gloria G. Bramer, sex can make the skin more flushed.
Quoted from realbeauty, sex can facilitate the circulation of blood and oxygen pumping around your body, making skin brighter. Sex also helps remove toxins and make you a little more thick lips so it looks more sexy.
Hormones are released during sex also makes your nails become brighter. This occurs primarily in pregnant women.
Not only to brighten the skin, sex can also control the growth of acne. Hormone that decreases after you have sex can make the acne does not come easy. The result is a cleaner skin and hair are much healthier you'll get.
Circulation of blood and oxygen to pass a result of the love will keep the skin moisture. But that does not mean sex can replace eight glasses of water a day.
Sex can also clean your pores depending on how hot your activities on the bed. The more you sweat during lovemaking, then increasingly also clean your face. Tersebutlah sweat that made his face clean from dirt, dust and residual makeup.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Sports Physiotherapy
Unless you’re an athlete or are close to someone who is, you may not be all that familiar with sports physiotherapy. It isn’t an occupation with which most people have a great deal of personal experience, after all. This article will provide an overview of his very interesting and wide-reaching career field and will outline some of the many things sports physiotherapists actually do.
The Collins English Dictionary (Second Edition) defines physiotherapy as “the treatment of disease or injury by physical means, such as massage or exercises, rather than by drugs [physio- (prefix) physical + therapy]. Thus, sports physiotherapy refers to the treatment of sports injuries by physical means.
That’s a good working definition, but it really only scratches the surface of what sports physiotherapy is really all about. It is true that athletes will consult with physiotherapists about injuries and that they may receive treatment as directed by the physiotherapist as part of their rehabilitation.
Rehabbing sports injuries, though, doesn’t represent the whole of the practice. Many in the field focus their interests on the development of equipment to protect injured athletes from aggravating the circumstances and on the creation of equipment designed to actually improve the rehabilitation process. Sports physiotherapists aren’t just doling out massages to uncomfortable athletes in the locker room, they’re often on the cutting edge of medical improvement.
Working on the development of equipment designed to assist the injured in their recovery isn’t the only non-therapeutic role performed by professionals in the field of sports physiotherapy. Some practitioners focus their attention on creating equipment and protective gear designed to ward off injuries in the first place. You can find physiotherapists involved in the design and testing of new helmets, guards and braces designed to protect athletes from injury.
As you can tell, the field really is wider than the strict dictionary definition would suggest. While treatment of injuries remains at the core of sports physiotherapy, the subject area also encompasses the research and development of equipment used in injury rehabilitation and the of the gear intended to reduce injuries in the first place. This completes the physiotherapy circle, making physiotherapists involved in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of sports-related problems.
This is an area of study and a profession worthy of serious consideration for those with a strong academic interest in biology and related sciences. Sports physiotherapists are in high demand as more and more people make athletics and exercise a regular part of their lives. With the aging baby boomer population remaining more active than previous groups of senior citizens, the likelihood of continued high demand for subject area experts should remain quite high for some time to come. Sports physiotherapy appears to be a wise vocational choice for those with a strong interest in sports and/or medicine.
Here is some more information on physiotherapy and all you need to know on health insurance.
The Collins English Dictionary (Second Edition) defines physiotherapy as “the treatment of disease or injury by physical means, such as massage or exercises, rather than by drugs [physio- (prefix) physical + therapy]. Thus, sports physiotherapy refers to the treatment of sports injuries by physical means.
That’s a good working definition, but it really only scratches the surface of what sports physiotherapy is really all about. It is true that athletes will consult with physiotherapists about injuries and that they may receive treatment as directed by the physiotherapist as part of their rehabilitation.
Rehabbing sports injuries, though, doesn’t represent the whole of the practice. Many in the field focus their interests on the development of equipment to protect injured athletes from aggravating the circumstances and on the creation of equipment designed to actually improve the rehabilitation process. Sports physiotherapists aren’t just doling out massages to uncomfortable athletes in the locker room, they’re often on the cutting edge of medical improvement.
Working on the development of equipment designed to assist the injured in their recovery isn’t the only non-therapeutic role performed by professionals in the field of sports physiotherapy. Some practitioners focus their attention on creating equipment and protective gear designed to ward off injuries in the first place. You can find physiotherapists involved in the design and testing of new helmets, guards and braces designed to protect athletes from injury.
As you can tell, the field really is wider than the strict dictionary definition would suggest. While treatment of injuries remains at the core of sports physiotherapy, the subject area also encompasses the research and development of equipment used in injury rehabilitation and the of the gear intended to reduce injuries in the first place. This completes the physiotherapy circle, making physiotherapists involved in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of sports-related problems.
This is an area of study and a profession worthy of serious consideration for those with a strong academic interest in biology and related sciences. Sports physiotherapists are in high demand as more and more people make athletics and exercise a regular part of their lives. With the aging baby boomer population remaining more active than previous groups of senior citizens, the likelihood of continued high demand for subject area experts should remain quite high for some time to come. Sports physiotherapy appears to be a wise vocational choice for those with a strong interest in sports and/or medicine.
Here is some more information on physiotherapy and all you need to know on health insurance.
Low Back Pain
What is a low back strain or lumbar sprain?
Muscle strains and lumbar sprains are the most common causes of low back pain. A low back muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn. A lumbar sprain occurs when the ligaments, the tough bands of tissue that hold bones together, are torn from their attachments. Differentiating a strain from a sprain can be difficult, as both injuries will show similar symptoms. Many doctors refer to both injuries as a category called "musculoligamentous injuries" of the lumbar spine. In general, it doesn't matter what you call the problem because the treatment and prognosis for both back strains and sprains is the same.
Nearly everyone will experience low back pain at some point in their life--it is the second most common cause of missed days of work in the United States! (Only a common cold causes more missed work). Almost all of these low back injuries are due to injuries of the muscle or ligament. If you don't know the cause of your back pain, you should have it evaluated by a doctor. Some warning signs of a serious injury to the spine include:
Loss of control of bladder or bowels
Progressive lower extremity weakness
Severe, constant pain
As said earlier, most back pain is caused by a muscle strain or ligament sprain. However, there are serious conditions that require more immediate treatment. If you are unsure of the cause of your symptoms, you should be evaluated by a physician.
Why are sprains and strains of the low back so common?
The spine is supported by large muscles called the paraspinal muscles. These muscles both support the spinal column as well as the weight of the upper body. The five lumbar vertebrae are connected by tough ligaments that help to maintain the position of the spinal column.
These muscles, ligaments, and bones all work together to provide control and strength for nearly all activities. The lumbar spine and its muscles are needed for most all movements and activities. For this reason, the lumbar spine is prone to injury, and when an injury has been sustained, we are prevented from performing many activities.
What are the symptoms of a low back injury?
Most lumbar muscle strains and sprains cause symptoms isolated to the low back, usually they do not cause problems in the legs like some other spine conditions. The most common symptoms of a lumbar strain or sprain are:
Pain around the low back and upper buttocks
Low back muscle spasm
Pain associated with activities, and generally relieved with rest
What causes these symptoms of low back pain and spasm?
When the lumbar spine is strained or sprained, inflammation of the soft-tissues results. This inflammation causes pain and can cause muscle spasm. People are often surprised at how painful and debilitating a lumbar strain or sprain can be--these are not small injuries. They often force patients to remain in bed for a day or two, and can cause intermittent symptoms for weeks. That said, over 90% of patients are completely recovered from an episode of lumbar muscle strain or sprain within one month.
Why do some patients tend to have low back strains and sprains more often?
Good question! We do know some factors that tend to influence the development of this type of problem, but often these symptoms strike in unexpected situations. Most commonly, patients who develop a lumbar strain or sprain are doing an activity that places their back at risk. This may be a sudden forceful movement, lifting a heavy object, or twisting the back in an unusual manner. Knowing how to properly lift can help to prevent many back injuries.
Some well known factors that contribute to low back pain include:
Poor conditioning
Obesity
Smoking
Improper use/lifting technique
If you have persistent problems with your lumbar spine, consider these issues. If you smoke, are overweight, or do not perform regular back strengthening exercises, then you have steps that you can take to help control your symptoms.
Treatment of a lumbar muscle strain is important to understand. Once you know the cause of your symptoms, you can proceed with treatment. It is important that if you are not sure of the cause of low back pain, that you are evaluated by a physician. There are low back conditions that require immediate treatment.
Step 1: Rest
The first step in the treatment of a lumbar muscle strain is to rest the back. This will allow the inflammation to subside and control the symptoms of muscle spasm. Bed rest should begin soon after injury, but should not continue beyond about 48 hours. While it is important to rest the injured muscles, it is just as important to not allow the muscle to become weak and stiff. Once the acute inflammation has subsided, some simple stretches an exercises should begin (see below).
Step 2: Medications
Two groups of medications are especially helpful in treating the acute symptoms of a lumbar back strain. The first of these are anti-inflammatory medications. These medications help control the inflammation caused by the injury, and also help to reduce pain. There are many anti-inflammatory options, talk to your doctor about what medication is appropriate for you.
The second group of medications commonly prescribed for the treatment of lumbar strains are muscle relaxing medications. Again, there are several options that you may discuss with your doctor. These medications are often sedating, so they need to be used with care. For patients who have back spasm symptoms, these muscle relaxing mediations can be a very useful aspect of treatment.
Step 3: Physical Therapy/Exercises
Proper conditioning is important to both avoid this type of problem and recover from this injury. By stretching and strengthening the back muscles, you will help control the inflammation and better condition the lumbar back muscles. The exercises should not be painful. Without some simple exercises, the low back muscles can become "deconditioned," or weak. When the low back muscles are deconditioned, it is very difficult to fully recover from low back injuries.
It is also important to understand that even if you are "in good shape," you may have weak low back muscles. When you have a low back muscle injury, you should perform specific exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles of the low back, hips and abdomen. These exercises are relatively simple, do not require special equipment, and can be performed at home.
Step 4: Further Evaluation
If your symptoms continue to persist despite treatment, it is appropriate to return to your doctor for further evaluation. Other causes of back pain should be considered, and perhaps x-rays or other studies (MRI, CT scan, bone scan, laboratory studies) may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
Muscle strains and lumbar sprains are the most common causes of low back pain. A low back muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn. A lumbar sprain occurs when the ligaments, the tough bands of tissue that hold bones together, are torn from their attachments. Differentiating a strain from a sprain can be difficult, as both injuries will show similar symptoms. Many doctors refer to both injuries as a category called "musculoligamentous injuries" of the lumbar spine. In general, it doesn't matter what you call the problem because the treatment and prognosis for both back strains and sprains is the same.
Nearly everyone will experience low back pain at some point in their life--it is the second most common cause of missed days of work in the United States! (Only a common cold causes more missed work). Almost all of these low back injuries are due to injuries of the muscle or ligament. If you don't know the cause of your back pain, you should have it evaluated by a doctor. Some warning signs of a serious injury to the spine include:
Loss of control of bladder or bowels
Progressive lower extremity weakness
Severe, constant pain
As said earlier, most back pain is caused by a muscle strain or ligament sprain. However, there are serious conditions that require more immediate treatment. If you are unsure of the cause of your symptoms, you should be evaluated by a physician.
Why are sprains and strains of the low back so common?
The spine is supported by large muscles called the paraspinal muscles. These muscles both support the spinal column as well as the weight of the upper body. The five lumbar vertebrae are connected by tough ligaments that help to maintain the position of the spinal column.
These muscles, ligaments, and bones all work together to provide control and strength for nearly all activities. The lumbar spine and its muscles are needed for most all movements and activities. For this reason, the lumbar spine is prone to injury, and when an injury has been sustained, we are prevented from performing many activities.
What are the symptoms of a low back injury?
Most lumbar muscle strains and sprains cause symptoms isolated to the low back, usually they do not cause problems in the legs like some other spine conditions. The most common symptoms of a lumbar strain or sprain are:
Pain around the low back and upper buttocks
Low back muscle spasm
Pain associated with activities, and generally relieved with rest
What causes these symptoms of low back pain and spasm?
When the lumbar spine is strained or sprained, inflammation of the soft-tissues results. This inflammation causes pain and can cause muscle spasm. People are often surprised at how painful and debilitating a lumbar strain or sprain can be--these are not small injuries. They often force patients to remain in bed for a day or two, and can cause intermittent symptoms for weeks. That said, over 90% of patients are completely recovered from an episode of lumbar muscle strain or sprain within one month.
Why do some patients tend to have low back strains and sprains more often?
Good question! We do know some factors that tend to influence the development of this type of problem, but often these symptoms strike in unexpected situations. Most commonly, patients who develop a lumbar strain or sprain are doing an activity that places their back at risk. This may be a sudden forceful movement, lifting a heavy object, or twisting the back in an unusual manner. Knowing how to properly lift can help to prevent many back injuries.
Some well known factors that contribute to low back pain include:
Poor conditioning
Obesity
Smoking
Improper use/lifting technique
If you have persistent problems with your lumbar spine, consider these issues. If you smoke, are overweight, or do not perform regular back strengthening exercises, then you have steps that you can take to help control your symptoms.
Treatment of a lumbar muscle strain is important to understand. Once you know the cause of your symptoms, you can proceed with treatment. It is important that if you are not sure of the cause of low back pain, that you are evaluated by a physician. There are low back conditions that require immediate treatment.
Step 1: Rest
The first step in the treatment of a lumbar muscle strain is to rest the back. This will allow the inflammation to subside and control the symptoms of muscle spasm. Bed rest should begin soon after injury, but should not continue beyond about 48 hours. While it is important to rest the injured muscles, it is just as important to not allow the muscle to become weak and stiff. Once the acute inflammation has subsided, some simple stretches an exercises should begin (see below).
Step 2: Medications
Two groups of medications are especially helpful in treating the acute symptoms of a lumbar back strain. The first of these are anti-inflammatory medications. These medications help control the inflammation caused by the injury, and also help to reduce pain. There are many anti-inflammatory options, talk to your doctor about what medication is appropriate for you.
The second group of medications commonly prescribed for the treatment of lumbar strains are muscle relaxing medications. Again, there are several options that you may discuss with your doctor. These medications are often sedating, so they need to be used with care. For patients who have back spasm symptoms, these muscle relaxing mediations can be a very useful aspect of treatment.
Step 3: Physical Therapy/Exercises
Proper conditioning is important to both avoid this type of problem and recover from this injury. By stretching and strengthening the back muscles, you will help control the inflammation and better condition the lumbar back muscles. The exercises should not be painful. Without some simple exercises, the low back muscles can become "deconditioned," or weak. When the low back muscles are deconditioned, it is very difficult to fully recover from low back injuries.
It is also important to understand that even if you are "in good shape," you may have weak low back muscles. When you have a low back muscle injury, you should perform specific exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles of the low back, hips and abdomen. These exercises are relatively simple, do not require special equipment, and can be performed at home.
Step 4: Further Evaluation
If your symptoms continue to persist despite treatment, it is appropriate to return to your doctor for further evaluation. Other causes of back pain should be considered, and perhaps x-rays or other studies (MRI, CT scan, bone scan, laboratory studies) may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
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