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Neck pain can result from a number of things, such as problems with the spine, impact injuries, poor posture, sleeping in awkward positions, built up tension, and slumping over a computer screen for extended periods of time. Age-related conditions such as spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause pain in the neck.

When you have severe neck pain, the stiff, tight, burning sensation can interfere with your ability to effectively carry out your daily tasks. Sure, you could use over the counter pain relievers to manage the pain. But this is not always the safest thing to do, especially for those who are already taking prescription meds to manage other health conditions.

Over-the-counter medications can have side effects such as stomach bleeding, organ damage, and ulcers. Thankfully you're not doomed to pill-popping just because you suffer from neck pain. Here are some natural treatments you can use to manage this condition. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method that is used to treat all types of conditions. During acupuncture, needles are inserted in the body to regulate the flow of energy and relieve pain. Acupuncture is believed to soothe the sympathetic nervous system, and release natural pain killers in the body.

There are rarely any serious side effects associated with acupuncture, but soreness, bleeding, and bruising may occur as a result of the insertion of needles.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is the one of the most widely used methods of tension relief. Getting a regular massage can relieve built up tension in the neck, relax overused muscles, improve blood flow, and release natural pain killers in the body. You can settle for a massage from your significant other, but a licensed massage therapist will provide the best results.

If you are pregnant, or have health conditions such as blood clots, ulcers, or cancer, talk to a doctor before getting a massage.

Yoga and Pilates

Exercises such as yoga and Pilates can improve flexibility in the spine, relieve tension, improve posture, and strengthen the muscles that are needed to provide stability to the spine. To get involved with yoga or Pilates, contact a local yoga studio, or purchase video tapes to use in the privacy of your home.

Herbal Remedies

Herbs have been used all over the world for centuries to treat painful conditions. Menthol can be applied directly to the site of pain to cool the skin and provide an analgesic affect. And camphor applied to the skin produces a warming affect that increases circulation, reduces swelling, and relieves pain. Consult your doctor before using any herbal treatments for neck pain.

Neck Manipulation

Although highly controversial at times, neck manipulation can release tension, relieve pain in the neck, and improve the mechanics of the spine. Manipulating the neck is a very delicate procedure, and should only be performed by a seasoned chiropractor.

Drugs are not the only way to treat pain in the neck. Acupuncture, massage therapy, herbs, yoga, Pilates, and neck manipulation are all natural ways to kick uncomfortable neck pain to the curb.

We are all familiar with the most common types of headaches: tension, migraine, and combination.  A number of less common headaches cause people endless problems, as well.  They are no less serious or painful than those more frequent, but they can take a bit more detective work when searching for a reason or solution.

<b>Sinus Headaches</b>
For those with allergies or a propensity for sinus headaches, the world can be a miserable place.  Defined by a deep throbbing pain in the front of the face or forehead and often accompanied by nasal discharge, these headaches are typically the result of infected sinus cavities.  The pain is usually amplified by bending over.

The best treatment for this kind of headache is to treat the underlying symptomology.  In other words, treat the infection and the headache is likely to go away.  While you wait for antibiotics to clear the infection in the sinus cavity, you can reduce the pressure by taking decongestants and over-the-counter analgesics.

<b>Cluster Headaches</b>
These unusual headaches only affect a small portion of the population--less than 5%, thankfully.  Cluster headaches are so severe that sufferers are usually unable to sit still and must pace or rock while ongoing.  With the pain centered behind one eye or ear, this headache can produce tearing of the eye, burning sensations, or throbbing. 

A cluster of headaches will appear, one after another in an interval of a few hours or days, and then disappear.  The time of remission is unpredictable which makes it very difficult to anticipate.

If you are "fortunate" enough to get cluster headaches regularly at the same time each year, you may be able to pin down the source and treat it, alleviating your pain.  On the positive side, even though these headaches are extremely painful it is known that they are in no way an indication of brain related problems. 

Treatment includes suppression, oxygen therapy and preventative prescriptions.  In a last ditch effort to deal with constant cluster headaches, surgery is an option.

<b>Hormonal Headaches</b>
These headaches are the result of hormonal changes that occur due to the monthly cycle women experience.  The rotation of fertility, menstruation, and pregnancy can cause headaches for some women.  Chemicals that change and affect the monthly cycle can also cause these headaches.  So, if you are prone to hormonal headaches, you may want to consider alternatives to birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.

Fortunately, most headaches don't signal anything more serious.  Tension and stress is probably the biggest causative factor in developing any type of primary headache.  Finding ways to reduce your stress will help you reduce the number of headaches you experience.  There are classes in stress management and biofeedback that can help.

Since headaches are hereditary, 90% of children who suffer from headaches have parents with the same problem.  Keeping a headache journal listing daily activities and foods may help you and your child pinpoint some of the triggers so you can avoid them.

Headaches are, seemingly, just a part of modern life.  Fortunately, treatments are constantly being improved.  Maybe someday, headaches will be a thing of the past.

If you work in an environment where you are constantly lifting objects, you need to exercise caution and use proper technique.  Unnecessary injuries can occur at your work environment if you fail to follow tips to help prevent injuries at work.  Review the following tips to help prevent injuries in your workplace.

Safe Lifting Technique -

Safe lifting technique should be practiced to ensure you are properly and safely lifting objects.  Improper technique and care can result in injuries in your workplace.

With your feet shoulder width apart, center yourself and stand close to the object.  Bend your knees and squat down to the floor or to the object.  Your back should be straight and your abdominal muscles should be tightened.  Grasp the object securely with both hands.  Using your legs, lift the object by closely holding the object to you and by standing.  Do not twist your body while holding the object.  Next, take small steps until you are in the correct position.  Bend your knees by only using your leg muscles in order to place the object in the appropriate place.

Lifting Tips -

Use a moving dolly for objects which are over 20 pounds.  You also need to remember using both hands to grab the object, and to use your legs primarily in the lifting motion.  Familiarize yourself with The Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) guidelines, which will help you with proper procedure in and beyond lifting objects.

Dressing Safely -

Appropriate workplace attire is also essential for the prevention of workplace injuries.  Hair should be tied and out of the way.  Extra material can get caught in machinery or cause you to trip: do not wear shirts with long sleeves, or oversized, baggy pants.

Shoes are also important to use in conjunction with safety standards.  Shoes with rubber soles can prevent tripping and falling, and can also help with stability when lifting objects.  If you are in a workplace which uses professional attire, do not wear shoes with high heels.

Other Tips -

Ensure your workplace is a safe environment for you and those you work with.  Do not smoke in your workplace.  Ensure flammable or hazardous materials are properly contained.  Make sure your workplace has working smoke detectors, sprinklers, and adequate ventilation.

Chiropractic Care Provider -

Your chiropractic health care provider will be able to help you with tips and advice in order to ensure you are staying safe while in the workplace.  Any other tips which are specific to your workplace will be given to you by your chiropractor.

Speak to your chiropractor regarding your typical work day.  By helping your chiropractor to identify possible risks in your day, your chiropractor will be able to help you prevent injuries and any pain related to your work activities.

In addition to your work safety, your chiropractor will be able to ensure you are keeping your body healthy.  Your chiropractor will also be able to see how your back and spine are handling any lifting you perform in the workplace.

Weight loss is essential for overweight or obese individuals.  Individuals who do not have an ideal body weight have a much better chance or experiencing back pain in their life.  Read further for information regarding weight loss and back pain.

Problems Caused by Obesity -

There are many problems which are caused by obesity.  Back pain is prevalent among one-third of obese Americans, according to the American Obesity Association.  Lower back pain, sciatica, herniated discs, pinched nerves, piriformis syndrome and arthritis of the spine are all problems which may be developed by individuals who are obese.

Extra Weight Causes Strain -

Individuals who are obese commonly experience a range of musculoskeletal and joint related pain.  This is caused by extra pounds adding strain to the muscles and ligaments in the back.  As a result, the back can become tilted and unevenly stressed.  The spine may curve over time and lose proper support which is needed to function.

Know your BMI -

An individual's Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to determine a value to gauge whether a person is obese.  BMI is a formula (BMI=kg/m2) uses the person's weight in kilograms and height in meters to calculate the value.  An overweight person has a BMI in the range from 25 to 29.9.  A BMI of 30 or higher is known to be an obese value.

Weight Loss via Exercise -

Weight loss is crucial for developing a strong spine and for the prevention of future back pain.  Exercise can help a patient lose weight, which will help in the health of the spine.  Additionally, exercise can help strengthen a person's spine and surrounding muscles.  Lack of exercise is a major known cause of back pain.

Weight Loss via Diet and Nutrition -

Keeping track of one's nutritional intake and general diet can help with the weight loss process.  Reducing the number of calories, eating smaller portions, keeping a food log, learning health food preparation methods and choosing meals lower in fat are all standards which should be inherent in a diet.  Hydration and water intake is also crucial for a diet.  Water intake is also essential for a healthy back.

Keeping track of behavioral and environmental triggers is also important for a diet.  These factors, such as stress, boredom, sadness and anger can have a negative effect on an individual's diet.  These changes can affect the diet, portion, and types of food in which the individual consumes.  Keep track of these factors if you are on a diet for weight loss.

Chiropractic Health Providers can help with Weight Loss -

Your chiropractic health care provider will be able to guide your progress if you are an overweight or obese individual.  You may find weight loss and less back pain once you undergo a weight loss plan and appropriate treatment.

You should consult your chiropractor for more information.  Your chiropractor will be able to help you diagnose, treat and prevent back pain which you may be experiencing.  Consult with your chiropractor in order to find relief and in order to prevent back pain and for your general health.

Back pain can be a troublesome condition.  Along with the problems of daily functioning, weight issues, and its general debilitating nature, back pain can uncomfortably find its way between the sufferer and a good night's sleep.  Since this pain can cause insomnia, it may make sufferers feel even worse after a night of sleep.  It is important to be aware of this connection in order to understand how treatment can change the daily life of a sufferer of back pain.

Studies Show that Back Pain Impairs Sleep Further
Studies have shown that the impairment of sleep is more likely to be caused by poor physical functioning, the duration of pain, and age rather than pain intensity and depressed mood.  Physiological studies (Medscape Neurology & Neurosurgery, 2004: 6) have further revealed that chronic back pain causes an arousal disturbance in brain waves during sleep and sufferers awaken with unrefreshing sleep. 

Affection joints and areas of the skin caused from this back pain increases these arousal patterns in the brain.  This causes people to feel worse, which negatively affects a person's sleep in itself and further affects the daily activities of the sufferer.

Does Chiropractic Care Help Eliminate Some Forms of Insomnia?
Poor sleep and increased pain due to sleep are two reasons why sufferers should consider chiropractic care.  Chiropractic care can offer quick relief for sufferers of back pain in many instances.  If the pain is more chronic or unresponsive to the initial treatment, a more comprehensive program or exposure to different methods of chiropractic care can offer the relief needed to sufferers. 

Chiropractic services such as rehabilitation-related care and non-surgical spinal decompression can complement the more typical chiropractic methods exercised by providers.  These types of services represent a powerful method to obtaining relief to allow the sufferer to sleep well and additionally function in other daily activities more easily.

The Results of Chiropractic Care
The result of effective chiropractic care can have a drastic impact on a patient's life.  The physiological disturbances and spinal disorders, which can plague the sleep and life functions of a sufferer, are thus lessened and often eliminated with proper care. 

When this occurs, the sufferer can improve their sleep, which can have obvious and drastic effects on the patient's lifestyle and daily activities.  Once treatment has begun, these related problems stemming from spinal disorders and other conditions that require chiropractic care are alleviated and more importantly prevented with further prophylactic treatment and information from the chiropractic care provider.

Thus, chiropractic care allows a powerful way to alleviate sleep-related problems in particular for sufferers.  Sleep problems can have a dramatic impact on rest and functions throughout the day, and back pain will often cause such problems. 

Those treated by chiropractic care providers often find relief from their problems and are able to sleep better and perform activities throughout the day more efficiently and without pain.  Sufferers of back pain should consider seeing a chiropractic care provider in order to obtain relief for their daily life and overall sleep.

Spinal decompression rejuvenates and replenishes the vertebrae, which house the most important nerves in the body.  This is done by gently stretching the spine using different kinds of apparatuses over the course of several weeks.


1.  Back Tension Relief

If you suffer from stress or tension pain in the back, neck or head, spinal decompression may be able to help.  By aligning the spine properly through decompression methods, you can relieve some pressure on the problematic parts of spine where tension builds up.


2.  Better Posture

Maintaining good posture has many health benefits that are often overlooked.  Think of the spine as the subway system of your body through which signals are routed throughout your nervous system.  With bad posture, portions of the spine are stifled from processing information efficiently, leading to pain, fatigue or even illness. 

The best way to keep a straight back is to be somewhat aware of your posture from time to time.  Eventually you won't need to consciously remind yourself to "straighten up" because you will condition yourself to stand or sit straight naturally.

Another important part of posture to remember is sleep.  We've all woken up with an achy back in the morning, and this can be caused by sleep posture.  Try to sleep on your back or, if not, on your side with knees and ankles touching.  The worst thing you can do is sleep on your stomach.  The pressure this exerts on the spine can, after a night of sleeping, cause major issues.

Better posture makes breathing easier and it puts less pressure on the muscles and tendons.  With a straight back, weight and workload is distributed evenly throughout the body as well, allowing muscles to work correctly and without strain.  Spinal decompression and drastically improve posture in most cases.


3. Herniated Discs

Herniated discs are one of the most common afflictions having to do with the spine.  A herniated disc happens when a disc of the spine slips out of alignment with the discs above and below, causing the bones to pinch down on the nerves in the spine. 

Herniated discs can also cause pain in the joints as well.  This causes pain throughout points in the body that pertain to the specific region of the spine that has a herniated disc.  Much of this trouble can be resolved by committing to spinal decompression therapies.


4.  Chronic Back Pain

Many Americans suffer from severe back pain on a continual basis.  Chronic back pain can be caused by tension in the muscles or by the spine itself, although influences like environmental stress or sleeplessness often exasperate the problem.  Other times, these symptoms (stress and sleeplessness) can also be contributing causes to back pain.


5.  Decompression Promotes General Wellbeing

Because the hub of the nervous system lies in the spine, it's easy to imagine how just one herniated disc can cause many diverse problems.  In fact, each section of the spine has been categorized by what part of the body it is paired with.  For instance, the cervical nerves in the neck are responsible for working the muscles of the diaphragm, along with the Lacrimal Gland in the eyes that induces tears. 

A kink in the communication line that runs the length of the spine will cause the neuron impulses that are sent to that region to slow down and work less efficiently.  Spinal decompression is able to straighten out this problem without the costs of expensive surgical operations or the pangs of painkillers that always follows.  Discuss decompression options with your doctor or health care provider.  You'll be happy you did.

Tension headaches are the most common types of primary headaches.  The tension-related pain can exude from the back, neck, eyes, or other muscle groups in the body.  As these types of headaches can be episodic or chronic, and as tension headaches affect approximately 3% of the population, tension headaches can be a troublesome condition for one to have.  However it is important to weigh the benefits of chiropractic care in the discussion of tension headaches, which can help alleviate the condition.

Tension headaches have a varying set of symptoms and timeframe.  The pain experienced can be anywhere from mild to moderately intense.  The pain is normally characterized as a dully, aching head pain which can produce sensations of tightness or pressure on the forehead, sides, or back of the head.  Also, a tension headache can last anywhere from 15 minutes to one week.  If the headaches persist for 15 days in a month for at least three months, they are considered chronic tension headaches.

Tension headaches should not go untreated if they persist.  These types of headaches can become chronic if episodic headaches persist.  Those seeking to obtain relief should consider professional help if these headaches persist and if the body does not respond to home treatments. 

However, professional help does not necessarily mean that a primary doctor should be consulted first.  Often chiropractic care can alleviate these pains and provide a quicker and more cost-efficient way of treatment.  Also, mainstream medicine often resorts to expensive diagnostic tests and treatments which may not be warranted.  Often these treatments and tests should be considered if a more serious condition is present, which cause tension headaches.

Chiropractic care can be an effective way in treating tension headaches.  Tension headaches can be caused by muscular tension and contraction involving the muscles of the shoulders, neck, and head.  Whether as a result of emotion or physical stress, the muscular tension which results from the cause can create steady tension headaches.  Also, changes in posture and movement as a response to these forms of stress can additionally impact the onset of tension headaches.  These factors are key in how chiropractic care can alleviate tension headaches.

Chiropractic care providers are able to combat the muscular tension which often causes tension headaches.  Chiropractic adjustments and other therapies, such as trigger point therapy and massage, are able to break the cyclical nature of muscle tension-related pain.  By realigning the skeleton and releasing muscular tension these physical stressors are reduced so that further pain is not caused and the condition itself is targeted for treatment.  As muscles relax and as nerve irritation is reduced, patients may often find relief with just a few treatments.

Tension headaches can become a cyclical and debilitating condition.  They can also impede the daily functions and overall quality of life for sufferers.  However, sufferers should consider chiropractic care in order to combat the underlying symptoms of tension headaches.

One of the most common sources of missed work in this country is back problems.  Most adults will experience one or more back injuries during their working lives.  While a majority of these injuries are minor, a strain or sprain, for example, there are some that are very serious.  Proper evaluation and treatment are essential to full recovery.

Strains and Sprains
Often used interchangeably by us common folk, these are actually two different injuries.  A sprain involves a stretched or torn ligament, while a strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon.  Showing off on the basketball court, overdoing it in aerobics class, or helping a buddy out in a move can cause either injury.

The treatment is identical.  Rest, ice, elevation, and compression (RICE) is the best thing for these minor problems.  Complete tears of muscle, ligament or tendon are treated differently, since they may need surgical repair. 

Over the counter analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications help control pain and inflammation that may occur with these kinds of injuries.  Within a few weeks, you should be back to normal.

Herniated Discs
The discs are structures that sit between each pair of vertebrae providing flexibility and cushioning.  The disc is made up of two layers, the outer annulus fibrosus and the inner nucleus pulposa.  When the outer layer is damaged or strained, it can allow the inner, gel-like pulposa to extrude and put pressure on nerves that lie in the same area.  That pressure causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs or back.

Most herniated discs will heal with minimal treatment.  It is estimated that more than half of the people who have a herniated disc aren't even aware of it. 

Conservative options include physical therapy, analgesics and anti-inflammatories, epidural injections of pain killers, and steroids given orally or by injection.  Surgery is now reserved for the most serious cases where conservative treatment has failed or the damage is so severe that no other option exists.

Fractures
Fractures can occur when the back is subjected to blunt force trauma, for example in a car accident or fall.  They can also be the result of degenerative bone disease in the spine.  A frequent cause is osteoporosis, a condition where the bones lose mass and density making them particularly fragile.

If the cause of the fracture is osteoporosis, then calcium supplements and other medications that help reduce the deterioration of the bone are prescribed.  For trauma related injuries hospitalization, surgery, and even immobilization are considered.

Other  More Rare Conditions
There are other, fairly rare, conditions that can cause back pain.  Spodylolethisis, spinal stenosis, tumors and ankylosing spondylitis can all result in back pain.  Each disease has a unique presentation.  Your physician should be able to narrow down the source of your discomfort.  An appropriate course of treatment will be determined.

Back injuries are a nuisance no matter what the source.  With a good diagnostic exam, a solid care plan, and some time, you should be able to get back to return to most or all of your former activities.

There are three basic formulas that people use when engaged in weight loss; low-carb, low fat, and low calorie.  The first two of course can be geared towards being low calorie, but that isn't the focus of the plan, it is a side effect.  Each diet has its supporters and detractors.  Let's take a look at each one.

Low Carb Diets
Made popular by Atkins and South Beach Diet organizations the phenomenon of a low-carb diet hit its peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s.  These planes are based upon the concept that by eliminating carbohydrates from your diet you will force your body into burning fat to compensate.  The fancy name for this process is ketosis.

Ketosis is a state where the body, lacking sufficient blood glucose to supply power, has the liver convert fat in to fatty acids and ketones.  The body uses the ketones to fuel the cells rather than glucose.  Advocates of a low carbohydrate diet believe that the natural state of the body is ketosis and that our new glucose dependent lifestyle is abnormal. 

On a low-carb diet, you will be severely restricted in the amounts of carbohydrates you eat; often to as little as 30g a day.  There are nearly no restrictions upon the quantity of protein or fat you ingest. 

Proponents of the diet state that fats are only a heart risk when combined with higher levels of insulin in the blood caused by carbohydrates.  Research indicates that low-carb diets are just as effective as low calorie or low fat diets at the one-year mark.

Low Fat Diets
Low fat diets have been shown to be no more effective in weight loss than any other type of diet.  Dietary fat is critical to the proper absorption of fat soluble vitamins like K, A, D, and E.  There may be good reason to restrict saturated fats that are strongly associated with heart disease and stroke.

Low fat diets typically end up being fairly low in calories, unless the consumer uses low fat products as a substitute for common sense.  Eating endless amounts of low fat foods is no healthier than overeating regular food.  Although early studies indicated there may be a connection between lower incidence of breast cancer and low fat diets, it has yet to be confirmed.

Low Calorie Diets
There has been much debate over the life increasing properties of severely restricting calories over long periods of time.  Some research suggests that there may be a connection between the lower levels of insulin in those who maintain very restrictive diets and their rate of planned cell death.  Nothing has been conclusively proven.

What is known in the weight loss field is that reducing caloric intake, reasonably, is effective in assisting weight loss.  It is essential that caloric levels aren't dropped too low and generate the body's starvation mechanisms.  Those metabolic changes are hard to combat and reverse.

Weight Loss Conclusions
Weight loss is difficult.  Our bodies are designed to maintain a certain weight, even if it is an excessive weight.  Lifestyles have changed dramatically in the last century and food is often processed and altered beyond recognition.  Any weight loss program, be it low-carb, low fat, or low calorie will work if followed strictly.  The verdict on how effective any diet is over the long haul is still out.

If you've ever experienced the pain associated with a herniated disc, it's not a sensation you ever want to ever feel again. But unless you take measures to improve the condition of your back and spine, your next painful bout with a slipped disc may be just around the corner.

Herniated discs happen when everyday wear-and-tear puts excess or unnatural pressure on the spine. Some things that can cause this wear-and-tear include poor posture, obesity, heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and falls. Age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia can also make you more prone to a herniated disc in the back.

While there is no guarantee you won't suffer from a herniated disc, there are ways you can safeguard the health of your spine to minimize the risks.

Strengthen Core Muscles

The core consists of several muscles in your midsection that work together to provide a firm base of support for your back and spine. When these muscles are weak, the spine becomes unstable and more vulnerable to herniated discs. Core muscles can be strengthen with regular exercises such as yoga, Pilates, aerobics, swimming, biking, walking, and jogging.

Practice Good Posture

Whether you're sitting, standing, or sleeping, good posture is important to keep the spine properly aligned and to prevent excess strain on the back. When you're sitting, keep your back straight and your shoulders back. Let your butt touch the back of the chair, and keep your feet flat on the floor. Stand up periodically to stretch the muscles in your back, and neck.

Place a pillow between your knees when you sleep on your side. And when you sleep on back, put a pillow under your knees to relieve excess pressure. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as this position places strain on the spine.

When you stand up, keep your feet shoulder-width apart, shoulders straight, and your head centered above them. If you are standing for long periods of time, shift your weight periodically to prevent standing still too long.

Maintain Flexibility in the Spine

As you age, the discs in the spine dry out and start to lose flexibility. For this reason, herniated discs are more common in people over the age of 35. Not only are yoga and Pilates excellent for overall strengthening of the core, these exercises are great for improving pliability and range of motion in the spine. 

Lose weight

Being overweight places excess stress on the spine and makes the discs more vulnerable to rupturing. So if you are overweight, make the necessary lifestyle changes to shed a few pounds. If you have health conditions, talk to your doctor provider about the best course of action for you to lose weight.

Quit Smoking

Cigarette smoke increases your risk of a herniated disc by robbing the discs in your spine of the ability to absorb nutrients properly. This makes them brittle and more prone to damage.

There is no guarantee that you'll never suffer a herniated disc, but by strengthening the core, practicing good posture, dropping a few pounds, improving flexibility in the spine, and nixing that nasty cigarette habit, you'll significantly reduce your risk.

Suffering from a headache is no fun -- they are uncomfortable, painful, and can interfere with your ability to concentrate on your daily tasks. But all headaches are not the same. They can manifest for a number of different reasons. Tension and migraine headaches are the two most common types of headaches that affect people. Here’s how to tell the difference between a migraine, and a tension-related headache. 
Causes of Migraine and Tension Headaches
There can be a variety of physical, and emotional stressors that trigger the onset of tension headaches. Anything from attending a family reunion to getting laid off from work can lead to stress-related headaches. 
Migraines are caused by enlarged blood vessels, and chemicals that are released from the nerve fibers. This results in inflammation, and enlargement of the artery. This type of headache can be triggered by poor sleeping habits, bright lights, low blood sugar, too much caffeine, decreased estrogen levels, and certain types of foods. 
Migraine and Tension Headache Symptoms
Tension headaches cause mild to moderate pain, and a tightening pressure in the head. The pain from a tension headache can be felt in the forehead, base of the skull, scalp, and the temple of the head. Tension-related headaches can also cause tenderness in neck, and shoulders.
Migraine headaches cause pounding in the head. The pain from a migraine can be mild, or so severe that it interferes with daily activities. In addition to debilitating pain, migraines can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, blurred vision, and cold hands and feet.
Migraines don’t discriminate; they can affect both children and adults. And each migraine episode can last anywhere from a few hours to three days.
Treatments for Migraines and Tension Headaches
Tension headaches can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain killers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. If over the counter medications are taken properly, they can typically be used without incident.
Also, a few adjustments in your lifestyle can help reduce, or prevent tension headaches. Some of these changes should include frequent exercise, stress management techniques, and getting plenty of rest.
Mild migraines can be managed with the same types of over-the-counter medications used for tension headaches. But moderate to severe migraine headaches may require treatment with prescription Triptans. These drugs stop migraine headaches by constricting the blood vessels, and reducing inflammation. Overuse of medications for headaches can reduce their effectiveness over time.
Lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, exercising, drinking plenty of water, avoiding smoking, avoiding flashing lights, and minimizing stress can also help manage migraine attacks.
If you have existing health problems, or are taking other medications, contact a doctor before using over-the-counter meds. And never give aspirin to children as this medication can lead to a condition known as Reye’s syndrome. 
In rare instances, headaches can be caused by serious health conditions such as brain tumors, aneurism, and meningitis. So if you have moderate to severe migraines, or your tension headaches are accompanied by vision or speech problems, contact a doctor immediately.

Headaches are more than a pain in the neck.  They disrupt your life and can even stop you from spending time with your loved ones.  When a headache comes, you want treatment now!  You do not want to make an appointment to see a doctor and wait a few days.  You want someone who can see you now.

Why See a Chiropractor?
When most people think of chiropractors, they think about the back.  But chiropractors work with the entire body including the neck. Considering the human head weighs 12 pounds, it is no wonder that neck pain and headaches occur.

Chiropractors can make adjustments to realign the neck and spine, relieving some of the tension and strain.  There are 20 vertebrae in the spine.  Any one of those can slip a little and cause headaches. 

Can the Chiropractor See Me NOW?
HealthSource chiropractors have a triple pledge for satisfaction.  If you do not get a same day appointment then the first treatment is free.  If their staff does not greet you cheerfully, then the treatment is free.  Finally, if you find a better pledge, then they will give you one week of treatment free.

A chiropractor can see you fast and begin treatment fast.  In addition, research has shown regular chiropractic treatments have significantly reduced the intensity and frequency of chronic headaches.

Can the Chiropractor Give Me a Massage?
Yes and no. Many times the chiropractor works with a team that includes a massage therapist.  Therefore, while a massage may very well be part of your overall health plan, the chiropractor will not do it. This is why it is important to find the right chiropractor to visit.

How to Find a Good Chiropractor:
First, look for the triple pledge.  You want someone who can see you today and promises to be cheerful.

Next, ask questions about the practice. 
"    Does the chiropractor work alone or with a team?
"    Does the office support nutritional guidance and overall health?
"    Can you receive massage therapy?
"    Do they offer Progressive Rehab?
"    How often is treatment recommended?  Treatment length will vary based on problems.  However, if the chiropractor wants you to pay for a year's treatment in advance, then be a little weary.

Last, make sure you are comfortable talking to the chiropractor and the staff.  If you do not feel you are being heard or understood, then please find someone else.  Communication is the most important part of any treatment.  If you can't talk to the chiropractor, then you cannot receive proper treatment.

What to Expect from Your 1st Visit
On your first visit, expect a long consultation.  A good chiropractor will want a full medical history along with when symptoms started. 

You may be asked to rate the pain on a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being the worst pain in your life.  You will also be asked to describe the pain.  Does the pain throb, pulsate, burn, stab, or tingle?  Is the pain constant or does it come and go?

Call Your Chiropractor Now for Relief
Simply put, the sooner you call the sooner you will start feeling better.  A chiropractor should get you an appointment today and have you on the road to healing in no time.

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As you get older, the discs that cushion the spine dry out, lose pliability, and become more vulnerable to damage. And when constant pressure is placed on the spine, the damaged discs will eventually rupture, pinch the nerves, and cause pain in the back. If the herniated disc puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain not only in the lower back area, but in the hips, back of the legs and calves as well.

Causes of Herniated Discs

Putting extensive pressure on the spine can be done inadvertently through your everyday activities. Things such as lifting heavy objects, poor posture, sleeping on an old mattress, slumping in your chair, and repetitive bending and twisting motions can all contribute to the gradual wear-and-tear of the spine.

Traumatic injury to the spine caused by the impact from a fall or accident can cause discs to suddenly slip. And health conditions such as osteoarthritis can lead to deterioration of the discs in the spine, and make them more vulnerable to damage.

Back Pain Prevention

The overall physical condition of your body plays an important role in herniated disc prevention. So it’s important to exercise regularly to keep the muscles in the abdominals, back, thighs, and glutes strong enough to support the spine. Gentle stretches can help maintain flexibility in the spine, and reduce the risk of injury.

Do not bend at the waist, or use your back when you are lifting heavy objects. Instead, bend your knees, squat, and lift with your legs. Hold the object close to your body to prevent any unnecessary straining.

Obesity can put excessive pressure on the spine. So if you are overweight, talk with your healthcare provider about some of the things you can do to lose a few pounds. 

Invest in a mattress that supports the natural curve of the spine. If you sleep on your back, put a pillow under your knees to take some of the pressure off your lower back. When you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees so that your spine stays properly aligned. Also, avoid fluffy pillows, as they can compromise the alignment of the spine, and place your neck in an awkward position.

Practicing good posture when you sit and stand can keep excess strain off your spine. If your job requires you to sit at a desk all day, invest in a chair that supports your back. And adjust the chair so that your desk is elbow height. Also, smoking increases your risk of herniated discs, so put out the cigarettes.

A doctor can diagnose a herniated disc by doing an examination, and asking you a series of questions about your symptoms. If your healthcare provider deems it necessary, he may also do a CT scan, or MRI.

A herniated disc can be very painful, so the best thing to do is to prevent it from happening in the first place. And simple things like staying in shape, lifting properly, avoiding smoking, practicing good posture, and losing weight will reduce your risk of damaged discs.

Everyone remembers their injuries as a child because they were terrible and you were so sure the end of the world was coming…that is until your mom washed it, put on antibiotic cream, a band-aid, and then kissed it all better.  As a parent, you know that not all of the injuries that your child suffers are that simple to deal with.  How will you know what to do when your child gets hurt? 

Quick Fix to Childhood Injuries

All children fall down, suffering from scrapes, cuts, and bruises.  For these types of basic injuries, your mother's instincts are best.  These should be cleaned up with soap and water to eliminate any foreign matter that may be present.  Then apply a liberal amount of a quality antibiotic ointment and cover with a band-aid. 

These steps help the wound to heal without becoming infected.  Then, of course, kiss it and make it all better.  This is for the child.  Because every child knows that moms and dads have kisses with magic to help them feel better.

When a Kiss Won't Work

If, however, the cut seems to be unusually deep or around the face, stitches may be necessary to promote proper healing.  Often cuts on the face stand a better chance of not scarring if they are properly stitched up in a timely manner. 

Other cuts, depending upon where on the body they are or how deep they are will also benefit from being closed with stitches.  This is something your doctor will need to be involved in.  They will be able to tell you if the stitches will be required.

If the fall is the result of riding a bike or climbing a tree, the injury could be more serious.  Often these types of falls result in sprains or breaks.  If the break isn't an obvious compound fracture (when the bone has broken through the skin), it can be hard to decipher if the bone is actually broken and requires medical attention or if it is a sprain that can be treated at home.

Sprains and Fractures

If the child's crying does not subside after a normal amount of time (this is different for each child), if the child is complaining of pain and can't put weight on the injured limb, or if the point of impact begins to swell, please seek the advice of a medical professional. 

Often times, children will be diagnosed with a "green tree" fracture.  These types of fractures will have bent the limb, but not broken the bone completely…as if you were to bend a green tree limb, the outside doesn't necessarily give way.

This used to be called a sprain, and was treated by simply wrapping the area for a while.  X-rays will be required to diagnose a fracture, after that point, your doctor will work with you to determine if the area requires a cast, a splint or just to be wrapped up.

It is very important that any of these childhood injuries are treated correctly and watched closely.  If they aren't, they could easily be the cause of adult issues such as spinal column problems, back pain and other issues that may require the assistance of a doctor or chiropractor.


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For those suffering with back pain, any solution offered can seem promising.  The latest in a long line of treatments offered is spinal decompression.  Similar in many ways to previous traction treatments, decompression offers more specificity and potentially better control.

The Types of Two Machines used in Spinal Decompression
There are two machines used in spinal decompression that you are most likely to hear about.  The VAX-D and the DRX9000 are the names you are going to hear when you contact providers about the procedure.  Both machines do essentially the same work. 

Spinal decompression machines are essentially split tables that are programmed to provide cyclical traction to a specific area of the back.  The intensity of the stretching is increased over the course of the treatment allowing the muscles to stretch more easily and with less discomfort.  With good positioning, the practitioner can specify a single disc or joint.

The Goals of Spinal Decompression
The goal behind most spinal decompression is to create a negative pressure within a disk that has herniated and cause the material that has extruded to return to the center of the disk.  A secondary claim is made that the stretching process encourages fluid and nutrients to come to the area and speed healing. 

Evaluation and Treatment for Decompression Therapy
Before attempting decompression therapy, a patient should have a complete physical exam by their attending physician.  X-rays should be used to rule out counter-indications such as osteoporosis, vertebral fractures, and spondylolisthesis.

Treatment protocols often call for 20 sessions over the course of a month, with the patient coming in daily for decompression.  Decompression therapy is rarely covered by insurance and can be quite expensive.  It isn't unusual to hear of patients paying in excess of $100 per session; and remember, this is out of pocket.

Trouble in Paradise
A lawsuit is currently ongoing in California because decompression practitioners have been making unsubstantiated claims about the efficacy of the DRX9000.  Despite several warnings, one clinic was fined $25,000 for false advertising.  They were unable to produce any evidence for their claims of success and results.  Be wary of any practitioner that claims he/she can fix anything with a spinal decompression protocol.

Does Decompression Work?
Well, there lies the rub.  In general, studies don't seem to find this treatment any more effective than traditional traction.  What may work for one person may not for another.  If other methods of treatment have not done anything for your back pain, spinal decompression is certainly worth trying out.

Take into consideration that many insurance companies will pay for traditional traction partially or fully, but not for decompression.  There are conditions that are worsened by decompression therapy.  So if you are not improving, or worse, are deteriorating, stop the treatments immediately.

Spinal decompression may be a viable option for those who have had no success with other, more traditional, treatments for back pain.  Make sure to request referrals from your practitioner and have everything explained thoroughly and carefully, and make sure that you can stop the procedure at any point if your condition isn't improving.

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Are you prone to injuries?  Not just stubbing your toe on the step into the garage or banging your hip on the corner of the kitchen table every time you get anywhere near it.  That kind of thing happens to most of us and means we either need our lens prescription upped, to pay better attention, or, if worst comes to worst, turn on the lights.

However, if you find that you are actually hurt--not necessarily in the wild trip to the ER sense, but doing something that causes pain and interferes with being ambulatory or your day-to-day tasks in some way, it might be something you're doing wrong. 

This doesn't mean that it's your fault or that you deserve to be limping around the kitchen, having pulled whatever it is in your hip that gets pulled and causes you to limp.  It may mean that if you talked to a professional like a chiropractor.  They could tell you why it keeps happening and help you figure out a way to stop it.

There are many reasons for being inclined to injuries.  Sometimes we're just clumsy and really just need to learn be more careful.  On the other hand, we have poor posture, stance, or other aspects of our body mechanics that cause us to move in ways leading to accidents or other inexplicable pain.

It is also possible to have insulted, stressed, strained, or otherwise damaged a disc, nerve, ligament, or cartilage at some point in the past.  If this initial injury wasn't treated (or wasn't treated properly), it is much easier to aggravate the problem area--especially once it starts feeling good enough to forget about being careful--thereby causing pain or weakness to rise to the surface again and interfere with our lives.  This would be a literal way of adding insult to injury.

Surprisingly, another cause of chronic injuries is treating an insulted body part too gingerly.  We do this by shifting the strain experienced when walking or lifting, etc., to another part of the body - e.g., limping - leaving our stances off-balance, putting extra strain on the other knee, and also not doing appropriate activity to strengthen the injured member. 

This is where someone like a chiropractor or other traditional healer comes in handy.  For starters, they will not provide you with narcotics, which may only mask the symptoms without doing anything in the realm of healing.  Secondly, they can determine where your body mechanics have gone off-kilter and help you to resume better positioning in order to not over-stress any single body.

Last, but not least, they can address the injury itself.  It is surprising how often pain in the leg or arm actually originates in the back and how, as a result, an adjustment to the part of the back that is initiating the pain signals, will improve everything quite quickly.  The nice part about an immediate surcease of pain is that it enables you to feel that much more able to engage in the needed and appropriate movements to avoid reinjuring yourself.

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It's usually a good idea to go visit a chiropractor when you've sustained exercise-related injuries.  They're quite good at putting joints back into alignment to relieve pain and avoid excess stress on muscles, tendons, ligaments and other body parts.  This treatment is also good with preventing reinjuring the insulted area. However, if you want to avoid avoidable injuries, there are things you can do beforehand.

One of the ways to keep from hurting yourself when you work out is to make sure you're doing it right.  Improper and efficient body movement during exercise will not only prevent you from getting the most benefit from whatever you're doing, but it is also far more likely to cause you to stress, strain, sprain, pull or even break something.  Sprains can actually be worse as far as damage and healing time than a clean break, but neither is good for getting strong, fit, and healthy.

Proper stance and body movement are very important when you work out.  This is true whether you're lifting weights, running, swimming, or even just walking.  We know it matters in things like aerobics and jujitsu, and try to pay attention to our instructors so that we get the most skill as well as the best workout, but it applies in all disciplines.  Efficient body movement makes the most use of every movement, and maintaining a proper stance means you aren't putting your body under any further stress than excessive exercise already is.

Another and equally important way to avoid injuries is to check your equipment.  You wouldn't dive into an empty pool, assuming that there'd be water there by the time you hit, in the same way, you want to make sure whatever you're using is in proper condition. 

Your bike tires should be fully inflated--and stay that way for more than a few minutes--the chain should be secure, pedals attached, etc., and if you've taken more than a few tumbles, it may be worth checking the condition of your helmet.  Hint, one with a great big crack down the middle is not going to give you a lot of protection if you go down.

The final area of importance in avoiding injuries is not over-doing it.  If you haven't worked out for a while--or ever--it's probably best not to start with the marathon or the heaviest weights.  Being fit is a very good thing.  Killing yourself or pulling all your muscles because you try to do too much too soon, is not.  Push your limits, but a little at a time. 

Even being sensible, you can still sustain injuries.  Accident and mistakes both happen--a mistake is avoidable, an accident isn't--and that's where you need someone to help pull you back together. 

Depending on the severity of your injury, you may also need nutritional counseling on the best foods to help you heal quickly.  You should also seek advice on how to get back into working out slowly enough not to hurt yourself again, but with sufficient intensity not to lose everything you gained before you mistook kilograms for pounds on the weight machine.

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There are many types of decompression.  You can get decompression sickness when you come up too fast from diving.  You can feel sick because the pressurized aircraft you're in is experiencing decompression. 

Decompression can also make you feel better.  At the end of a long workday when you slump into your favorite chair with a bag of popcorn and watch something mindless, you can feel yourself decompressing, that is, letting all the pressure out.  The worries and pressures of the day wash away, and you feel human again.  This is good.

Decompression of pinched back nerves feels even better.  Your spine, that thing that runs the length of your back, is surrounded by vertebrae and is responsible for sending nerve signals and muscle commands throughout your body is supported by discs as well as vertebrae, muscles, ligaments and all the other accoutrements.

These discs are basically fluid-filled sacs situated between each of your vertebrae as cushioning, so that the bones do not rub up against each other.  That would reduce support, wear the bones down, and hurt like the dickens.  Because of these discs, we are all a little taller in the morning than we are at the end of the day.  When we lie down in bed, it takes the vertical pressure off our bodies and enables them to refill with the fluid that gets squeezed out during the day through the pressures of sitting and standing. 

Unfortunately, sometimes there is a little more pressure on these discs, or something else goes wrong and a herniation takes place.  This means that there is a tear in the skin of the discs that allows the softer, inner portion to bulge outward to some degree.  The immediate result is pain. 

This condition is called, in the vernacular, a slipped disc.  The disc has not actually slipped, but it certainly feels like things that shouldn't be rubbing together, such as your vertebrae, are.  Sometimes this condition can be serious enough to require surgery, but that should only be tried as a last resort, as there are times where the cure is worse than the condition.

Often herniated discs will clear up on their own, but due to the severity of the pain, treatment may be advised.  The chiropractic treatment of decompression helps to alleviate the pressure, get things back where they should be and reduce or eliminate the pain.  A chiropractor can also recommend stretches or other exercises that can help speed up the healing of the ruptured disc. 

They will also tell anyone suffering from this condition that the most likely cause is poor body mechanics.  Especially poor body mechanics over the long term.  You can increase the stress and strain on the discs cushioning your vertebrae through actions such as prolonged sitting and persistent lifting with your back rather than your legs.  If the disc has been strained, or weakened, even a small movement can lead to a rupture.

The other thing that is important to remember, is that once you have experienced this problem and even after decompression has made you feel so much better, you are more prone to it happening again.  Therefore, it is wise to take your chiropractor's advice to avoid a repeat incident. 

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At some point in our lives, 80% of all Americans are going to experience back pain. Back pain is becoming a common complaint heard by doctors, health practitioners and in emergency care facilitates all over the country.  Back pain can occur when you least expect it, and for what appears to be an ordinary incident.

One would think that a slight sneezing fit or a cough to clear your throat is innocent enough, but the simple act of sneezing or coughing or just bending over to pet the cat can cause muscles to strain or sprain and cause extreme pain. Regardless of how you hurt your back, the pain can be unbearable. 

There are two types of pain; chronic and acute.  Back pain can occur with both. Chronic back pain is often described as a deep, aching dull pain in one area of the back and comes on slowly. People who suffer from this type of back pain have often reported a tingling or numbness sensation that at times will travel down the legs.  Chronic back pain tends to last for long periods of time, and because it sometimes resists standard medical treatments, it can make life miserable for those who suffer from it.  They find every day activities very difficult or nearly impossible to perform. 

Acute pain is the result of over stretched or strained muscles and ligaments.  Acute back pain comes on suddenly, is sharp in nature and attacks more than one area of the back. And like certain injuries it happens fast and it's painful.   Acute pain is severe immediately after an injury and may worsen during the first few hours of an injury. Acute back pain can happen at any time, but unlike chronic pain, acute pain is not resistant to standard medical treatments. In many people with back pain their acute pain will eventually become chronic pain.

There are a few things you can do, in addition to what your doctor recommends, to help lessen or alleviate your back pain. First take your back pain seriously, don't ignore it and if it persists after an injury for more than 24 hours, see a doctor. In everyday life practice good posture, especially if you work at a desk all day. Always stretch before doing any activity as this will loosen your muscles and ligaments and get them ready to work for you. Even a daily half hour walk around your neighborhood three times a week will help to straighten your spine and align your posture.

Whether it's acute or chronic, back pain can disrupt everyday life.  Being in constant pain, be it a dull ache or a sharp stab, can take the joy out of life. However, it can be treated with attention to the initial injury, doctor recommended treatments, physical therapy and patience. Be careful out there.

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It should not be said that to have a decent quality of life you have to model-thin, or even very thin, but if you are concerned about your weight, your self-image, or even spending a lot of time getting on and off the scale, weight loss can make an appreciable improvement in your quality of life.  That is if it is done safely and healthily.  Starving yourself will only cause more problems in the long run.

Even a small amount of weight loss can help you feel better about yourself if it's something you've felt you needed to do.  And that small kick from losing five or ten pounds can not only bolster your sense of self through accomplishment, but can help you feel good enough to get on the road to a healthy weight, if where you are is problematic.

Weight loss and weight management can do a number of helpful things for your body.  You may look in the mirror and hate the way your stomach hangs over your pants.  Attractiveness aside, that overhang is putting added stress on your back, which can lead to back pain, which can lead to you moving less, which can lead to more weight gain, which can put more stress on your back…

This can be said systemically.  Excessive weight -- as opposed to being a few pounds away from the ideal bikini body -- adds stress to all parts of your body, both internally and externally.  Studies have also shown some possible connections with depression, another problem that is actually helped by the simple act of becoming more active.

Losing weight in and of itself is simple.  Eat less and exercise more.  Burn more calories than you consume.  And there you are, thin and fit and happy.
Well, okay, so it's simpler in theory than in practice.  In practice, we run into issues like chocolate cake and overdoing it on the exercise bike, so that we wake up the next morning hurting in places that we didn't know we had places.  Not to mention that we didn't enjoy the overdoing it in the first place, and we don't really know what to eat to help us reach our goal.  Or even what our goal should be.

Fortunately, there are people who want to help.  There are as many ways to lose weight and get healthier as there are reasons for gaining the weight in the first place.  This is where you really need to begin with your weight loss.

Say you gained weight because of an injury.  This can happen through lack of activity or not eating the right foods to help you heal correctly.  You can't just randomly start working out without risking aggravating your original condition.

The same goes if you simply haven't exercised in a long time, or ever.  You could really use a professional to help you in both your nutritional needs and finding or creating an exercise program that will work best with your body's current conditions.  This is why a trainer at a gym isn't always the most helpful because they aren't always geared toward people's limits.  You need someone to counsel you through the rough times and set backs.  With advice and support, you can get to a healthy point.

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