Clinic Wellness Team. A key factor to spine or back pain conditions is staying healthy. Overall wellness involves a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, physical activity, restful sleep, and a healthy lifestyle. The term has been applied in many ways. But overall, the definition is as follows.
It is a conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of achieving full potential. It is multidimensional, bringing together lifestyles both mental/spiritual and the environment in which one lives. It is positive and affirms that what we do is, in fact, correct.
It is an active process where people become aware and make choices towards a more successful lifestyle. This includes how a person contributes to their environment/community. They aim to build healthier living spaces and social networks. It helps in creating a person’s belief systems, values, and a positive world perspective.
Along with this comes the benefits of regular exercise, a healthy diet, personal self-care, and knowing when to seek medical attention. Dr. Jimenez’s message is to work towards being fit, being healthy, and staying aware of our collection of articles, blogs, and videos.
Are you including enough probiotic-rich foods in your diet? Do you know that probiotics are not only essential for digestive health but for overall health?
In this article, we will learn all about probiotics and its benefits for overall health along with some best natural probiotic foods.
Let�s get started�
Probiotics:
Probiotics are the good bacteria (or friendly bacteria) that line your gut and help in the absorption of nutrients from the food and thus boost up your immune system.
Digestive disorders, candida, frequent attack of cold and flu, autoimmune disease, skin problems, etc. are some side effects we will experience due to lack of enough probiotics.
In this modern world, due to unhealthy agricultural practices (little or no probiotics in food) and the intake of antibiotics for every health problem (kill the existing good bacteria). So, we have to include more probiotic-rich foods in our diet.
Types of Probiotics:
There are many types of probiotics that offer�different types of beneficial bacteria to help for the proper functioning of the body. Here are the 7 types of probiotics.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Lactobacillus Reuteri
Lactobacillus Bulgaricus
Streptococcus Thermophilus
Bifidobacterium Bifidum
Saccharomyces Boulardii
Bacillus Subtilis
Health Benefits of Probiotics:
Most people think that probiotics are essential for proper functioning of gut but there are unaware of other health benefits of consuming probiotic � rich foods. Here are some health benefits explained.
It improves digestion by restoring the natural balance of the gut bacteria and aids in getting rid of constipation or diarrhea and other digestive problems.
It strengthens your immune system and thus reduces the recurrence of cold, flu and other respiratory problems.
It is proven to be beneficial for treating candida yeast infection by killing the yeast fungus causing infection and also helps to reset the system for proper functioning.
It aids in weight loss by reducing the cholesterol levels.
It improves eczema and psoriasis to make your skin healthy and free from allergies and infections.
It reduces the abdominal bloating and flatulence (stomach gas) that caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
It increases the energy levels from the�production of vitamin B12. This beneficial bacteria helps to reduce the depression, promotes heart health, boost up your brain and body.
It effectively heals the leaky gut and also clears inflammatory bowel disease.
In some study, it is started that intake of probiotics will alter the mood, stress, anxiety and pain sensitivity.
After knowing about its health benefits, hope we�ll definitely consume the probiotic foods in your diet for grabbing these benefits.
Natural Probiotic � Rich Foods:
Here are the natural probiotic rich foods that have to be included in your diet to enjoy many health and skin benefits. Have a look at these foods.
1. Kefir:
Kefir (means � feeling good) is a fermented dairy product prepared with a unique combination of milk (cow�s or goat) and fermented kefir grains. It has a�tart flavor and slightly acid that has 10 � 34 strains of probiotics.
Kefir is fermented with more bacteria and yeast, which in turn makes it as a best natural product with a�rich content of probiotics. Enjoy kefir (prefer on an empty stomach) or add it to smoothie or cereal instead of milk.
You can also find coconut kefir that made by fermenting the juice of young coconuts with kefir grains. It is a diary free option that contains several strains of probiotics. You can drink it by adding a little of stevia, water, and lemon juice to enhance its favor.
Note: Intestinal cramping and constipation will be experienced when starting the intake of kefir. So, begin with 1/8 cup and gradually increase it to 1 � 2 cups of kefir per day. But it is suggested to take a break of one day after completing each week.
2. Yogurt:
Yogurt with live and active cultures is an excellent source of probiotics. Regular intake of yogurt will help for proper digestion and thereby promotes a healthy balance of microbes in the digestive system.
But be sure while choosing probiotic yogurt that it should be free from high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors or sweeteners. Prefer only plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt) and add some fresh fruits in it while consuming.
3. Sauerkraut:
Sauerkraut is made from fermented cabbage and other vegetables. It is high in organic acids and thus makes the food to taste sour. It has a�variety of probiotics strains that supports the growth of good bacteria and improves the gut flora.
Do you know that intake of 2 ounces of homemade sauerkraut has more amount of probiotics rather than a bottle of 100 probiotic capsules? It is used as a�condiment in raw form without heating or cooking it. Avoid usage of excess amounts, as it causes harm for thyroid functioning.
4. Miso:
Miso is a traditional spice in Japan that used in many traditional foods. It is made by fermenting soybean, brown rice or barley with koji (fungus). This fermentation process takes from few days to few years to complete.
You can use miso to make soups, spread it on crackers or on toast or on freshly cooked corn, stews, use it instead of butter and other cooked dishes. You should use miso in moderation due to its high salt content.
5. Kimchi:
Kimchi is a cultured vegetable made from fermented cabbage and other vegetables (fermented with bacteria). It is a popular side dish in Korea and is served with steamed rice. It is spicy and used as a condiment that added to sandwiches, soups, and stir-fried dishes. Also, remember that not to overcook it, as it may lose the nutrients.
6. Tempeh:
Tempeh is made from fermented cooked soybeans that can be used as a replacement for meat in vegetarian meals. This fermentation process will turn the tempeh into a meaty loaf.
You can use steamed, baked or saut�ed and add it to your burgers, sandwiches, salads, stir fries, etc.
7. Kombucha:
Kombucha will help to restore the gut�s ecosystem and it can be prepared from starter bacteria and yeast. It has rich content of vitamins, enzymes, and organic acids that aids in proper digestion, promotes detoxification, treats arthritis, fights depression, boosts immunity and more.
You can drink 3 � 5 ounces of kombucha tea daily but over intake can result in upset stomach, nausea, yeast infections and allergic reactions.
Note: It is not recommended for the people who suffer from weakened immune system or children less than 5 years of age.
8. Sour Pickles:
Sour pickles which are naturally fermented are the excellent source of dairy free probiotics. You can go through this process to make your own sour pickle.
Take some pickling cucumbers and soak it in ice water for 30 minutes to clear the dirt.
Place it in a quart jar along with few garlic cloves, black peppercorns and a sprig of dill.
Now fill this jar with enough brine (salt water) till it covers the cucumbers.
Cover it with a cloth and let it sit aside for at least 3 days.
When the cucumbers soured properly then refrigerate the jar and check it daily to ensure that cucumbers remain submerged in brine.
Enjoy 1 � 2 ounces of cultured vegetables or sour pickles with each meal.
Note:
Also, use other vegetables like carrots, cabbage leaves, beets, green onions, bell peppers, broccoli, garlic, kale, etc. instead of cucumber.
Remember that sour pickles brined in vinegar don�t offer probiotic benefits.
9. Natto:
Natto is a fermented soybean product that has a�bacterial strain called bacillus subtilis, which helps for boosting your immune system. It is a Japanese dish that is mixed with rice or served with breakfast. It has rich of protein, vitamin K2, and probiotics that are essential for osteoporosis, digestive tract, and cardiovascular health.
10. Olives:
Brine-cured olives have the best source of probiotics why because the brine allows the probiotic cultures to thrive into it. Just like salted gherkin pickles, you have to select organic products and snack on that type of olives or add it to your pizza or salad.
Note: Check that your olives should not contain sodium benzoate.
Other Probiotic Foods:
Other probiotics foods that have to be included in your diet are listed below.
Traditional buttermilk (liquid left after making butter). You can also take milk that cultured with lactic acid bacteria.
Cheese that has live and active cultures (like raw, mozzarella, cottage cheese, Gouda, cheddar, etc.)
Micro-algae are an ocean�s super food that acts as prebiotic foods (which feeds and nourish the probiotics in the internal flora). Add it to your morning smoothies.
Sourdough Bread has lactobacillus that provides probiotics and makes you feel full for a longer time.
Include prebiotics like bananas, asparagus, legumes, oatmeal, honey, red wine, artichokes, maple syrup, etc. in your diet either alone or with probiotics foods.
Kvass is a traditional beverage in Eastern Europe that made by fermenting barley or rye. It has a�mild sour flavor that helps for blood and liver cleansing.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has probiotics. Drink ACV or use it as a salad dressing.
Soy milk products contain probiotics naturally.
Ginger ale, kombucha tea, water kefir soda, etc. will have enough of probiotics.
Dark chocolates help to maintain proper pH of the digestive tract and thereby provide probiotics.
As a last option, you can take probiotic supplements in capsules, powder, tablet or liquid forms. But be sure to consult your doctor before taking these supplements.
Include these probiotic-rich foods in your diet. What is your favorite probiotic food? Did you experience health benefits from taking probiotics? Share it with us in the below comments box.
One of the things I love most about our community at 2020 Fitness is how it cuts across so many demographics. People who may be unlikely to encounter each other in day-to-day life find themselves chatting and having a great time together in class. Chandler and John Moenius are a great example. Here’s Chandler’s 2020 Fitness story in her own words:
Who plans what their fitness activity is going to be in their sixties? Certainly not me. After all, when I was in my thirties, forties and even fifties, sixty seemed light years away. Then, suddenly, I was celebrating my 60th birthday and I decided it was time to get my act together. I always had been active, running when I could fit it in my schedule, even training for two marathons, and attending a bootcamp class for years, but CrossFit? I never dreamed I would set foot in a CrossFit gym, but when I realized my almost 90-year-old mother had lost six inches in height and could barely open a jar without help, I decided it was time to listen to the experts who were saying strength training and flexibility were necessary for successful aging.
I turned to 2020 Fitness since it was close to home, and convinced my husband, John, to go with me. I quickly saw that it was more about doing the workouts with correct form than how much weight I was lifting. While it has been rewarding to increase the weight on my bar and master some moves in the gym, the best part has been my increased flexibility. The coaching staff is so knowledgeable and they give personal attention to everyone in the class. It amazes me how they will remember the sore muscle I had a few days ago or that I struggled with a workout last week and will offer suggestions to work at mastering it the next time. Recently, a lifelong back issue reappeared one Monday morning. I went to class but the coaches quickly pulled me from the workout and had me spend the hour doing mobility exercises instead. I kept with this routine for four days and was able to resume the workout by Friday. Need I say more about the attention and expertise available?
While I’m sure I am pretty close to the oldest female at the gym, I’ve never felt like anyone was singling me out because of my age, and when I need to scale back a workout, the coaches are always willing to provide an alternative. The encouraging atmosphere lets me know that everyone is hoping I will succeed and wants to help me in any way to get there. The camaraderie is outstanding and spills across all age levels from middle school students to my 68-year-old husband. I’ve definitely found my fitness home and I’ve told the coaches many times that I’m not going anywhere. In fact, I plan to be in the pilot class for 90-year-olds in 2044!
We pride ourselves on being able to offer a productive, positive environment for people of all ages. In fact, this summer, we’re hosting a five-week day camp for kids 6 to 10. Check out our website for details and registration information.
This Sponsored Column is written by Jon Rowley of 2020 Fitness. 2020 Fitness provides a positive and fun fitness environment dedicated to improving the lives of its clients.
At 89, Donald Tenbrunsel is a bit of a phenomenon. He surfs the internet with ease, happily converses on a broad range of timely topics, volunteers and reads regularly.
Known as a “SuperAger,” Tenbrunsel was part of a study that helped researchers discover what factors might set these super-sharp seniors apart from their peers.
The secret? Brain scans showed they experience brain aging twice as slowly as average folks their age.
“This suggests the SuperAgers are on a different trajectory of aging,” said senior researcher Emily Rogalski. She is director of neuroimaging for Northwestern University’s Cognitive Neurology & Alzheimer’s Disease Center. “They’re losing their brain volume at a much slower rate than average agers.”
For the study, Rogalski and her colleagues measured brain aging by examining the thickness of each person’s cortex — the outer layer of folded gray matter in the brain.
The cortex is where consciousness lies, and where all of the neurons that fire thoughts and movements are located. It is a critical part of the brain for higher-level thinking, memory, planning and problem-solving, Rogalski said.
Another neurologist explained it this way:
“That is essentially our brain,” said Dr. Paul Wright, chair of neurology at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., and Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y. “Brain shrinkage occurs in the natural progression over time, and when you lose brain volume, you lose function.”
Rogalski noted that previous research has shown that the cortexes of SuperAgers look less worn than their average 80-year-old peers, and about the same as people in their 50s or 60s.
But a question remained — were the SuperAgers born with brains that have more volume, and thus could better withstand the travails of aging? Or are their brains the same size as everyone else’s, and simply aging less rapidly?
To answer that question, the researchers tracked changes in cortex thickness for a year and a half in 24 SuperAgers and 12 average elderly people.
Both groups lost a significant amount of brain volume to aging, but average elderly people experienced a loss more than twice that of the SuperAgers — over 2.2 percent versus 1.1 percent.
“Part of the reason why they may have different brain volumes is because over the decades they’ve been losing their brain volume at a different rate,” Rogalski said.
The findings were published April 4 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Dr. Ezriel Kornel, a neurologist with Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, said that at least part of the brain advantage of SuperAgers is genetic, with some people simply gifted at birth.
But there are likely to be environmental influences that also contribute to healthier brain aging, particularly in the womb and in early childhood, Kornel added. For example, research has shown that children raised in poverty tend to have smaller brains.
“There are so many factors involved,” Kornel said. “It could be that even external stressors in childhood can influence how the brain develops.”
Rogalski said that future research will focus on genetic factors that influence brain aging, which hopefully will provide researchers with anti-aging “targets” that could be manipulated with medications or other therapies.
While there’s currently no proven method to preserve cortex volume, research has shown specific lifestyle changes that seniors can perform to help keep themselves sharp as they age, Kornel and Wright said. These include:
Regular physical exercise, including strength training.
A healthy and balanced diet.
Brain workouts that involve challenging puzzles or tasks.
An active social life.
“Everyone understands they’re going to die, but people don’t want to feel they’re losing their ability to think and be who they are,” Kornel said. “This is the next big frontier in science, to figure out how we can prevent overall deterioration of the brain.”
The Global Health Index results are in, and Italians rank first as the world’s healthiest people, according to Bloomberg.
The secret to their longevity�seems to reside in their approach to nutrition, as a Mediterranean diet�based on pasta, bread, cheese, lean meat, and wine has them living well into their 80s.
The Italians’ high consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits, which make it to the plate every day, also accounts for the nation’s vigorous health and low mortality rates. Another magical ingredient found in abundance in Italian cuisine in olive oil, which has great benefits for cardiovascular health.
Surprisingly enough, although studies have shown a balanced diet can make us happy, Italy didn’t fare so well in the United Nations’ World Happiness Report�for 2017, where the country only managed to rank in at No. 48 out of 155.
The Italians’ unhappy disposition may be caused by their stagnant economy and high youth unemployment rate. Nevertheless, the stress of financial struggles doesn’t seem to affect their longevity.
US Came In At No. 34 Because Of Obesity
The Global Health Index, calculated each year by Bloomberg, assessed population health in 163 countries. The index�bases its ranking on a “health score” that evaluates life expectancy�at different ages, mortality rates due to illness or injury, and survival contingency at critical times.
Each country also received penalty points determined by unhealthy factors – such as smoking, overweight and obesity, and improper childhood nutrition – as well as environmental conditions, for instance pollution�and limited access to potable water.
The overall calculations led to a “health grade.” Italy scored the highest, with a grade of 93.11. The second ranking position was claimed by Iceland with a health grade of 91.21, while third place went to Switzerland, which scored a total of 90.75 points. Singapore and Australia also made it to the top five, managing to accumulate 90.23 and 89.24 points respectively.
At the opposite pole stand Slovakia (65.10), Barbados (64.14), Oman (62.89), and Panama (62.39), while Albania ranked at the bottom of the index, with 62.01 points.
The United States managed to score a total of 73.05 points, ranking in at No. 34. According�to Bloomberg, the nation’s “ranking for prevalence of overweight people�is 67.3 – tipping the scale as one of the world’s heaviest nations.” The country’s health score was also affected by maternal mortality rates, which – although curtailing worldwide – are increasing in the United States.
� 2017 Tech Times, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
6 Food Habits That Keep Italians In Shape, Despite Pizzas & Pasta
You must be wondering how a diet of pizzas, pasta among other indulgent items boasts of being one of the healthiest in the world.� Well, there are certain secrets about the Italian diet that are both, unique and relatable–some of which, have been revealed over the years.Recently voted as the healthiest country on earth by the Bloomberg Global Health Index, Italy apparently has a lot to thank its cuisine for.
But wait, aren’t food items like cheese-laden pizzas contributing towards making nations like America overweight? Not really.�A post shared by Best Food, Chef And Restaurant (@italian_food) on Italian lifestyle is dominated by fresh produce, adequate exercise, authentic cuisine, beneficial oils like canola and olive, besides occasional glasses of red wine. Please pay attention.
The keyword here is, ‘authentic’.Also Read: Italy is World’s Healthiest Country; India doesn’t feature in top 50The skewed form of Italian food served around the world (including in India) barely does justice to its original form. For example, by adding processed meat to a pizza instead of the vegetables Italians use, you’re piling on calories for yourself–the calories Italians choose to ignore.So, here are some things Italians do differently than the rest of the world and ensure their delicious doesn’t make them gain weight.1. According to Mayo Clinic, the
Mediterranean diet comprises of using natural herbs and spices instead of salt for adding flavour.�A post shared by Best Food, Chef And Restaurant (@italian_food). Red meat is a rarity, whereas fish and poultry is consumed at least twice a week.3. Italians also believe in consuming healthy amounts of red wine that contains its fair share of benefits.4. Butter is replaced by oils like Canola and Olive.5. Many Italians replace dessert with fresh fruits.6. Besides laying emphasis on homemade food, Italians are huge fans of fresh vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts–each of which are packed with health benefits.Researches over the years have shown how resorting to the Mediterranean diet might actually keep you away from cholesterol and subsequently, heart diseases. Also linked with a reduced risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, the diet is believed to alter the risk of breast cancer among women.
Turmeric is quickly becoming an “it” superfood. You’ve probably seen the ingredient�all over�Pinterest and Instagram in the form of�golden-hued lattes, soups, and vegan ice cream. It�was even called a “rising star” by Google Food Trends,�since�searches for turmeric jumped�a whopping�56% between November and January.�And as a nutritionist, I’m thrilled, since this healthy food trend is both delicious and backed by research.
Turmeric, a root in the same family as ginger, has�long been used as an anti-inflammatory compound in Chinese and Indian medicine. Its�active ingredient, a yellow compound called curcumin, has been found to have�antioxidant,�antiviral,�and anticancer�properties in lab and animal studies. And although more clinical trials about the benefits�of curcumin for�humans are needed, it’s�been linked to lower total cholesterol levels�and improved liver function�after�liver disease or damage.
I eat turmeric almost every day, and advise my clients do the same�with a few caveats. First, I do not advocate taking turmeric supplements, unless they�ve been prescribed (and will be monitored) by a physician, especially for pregnant women. I also caution my clients against going overboard with turmeric root or powder. Too much has been linked to unwanted side effects, including reflux, low blood sugar, increased bleeding risk, reduced iron absorption, and worsened gallbladder problems.
To reap turmeric’s benefits, here are some simple meal and snack ideas to help you get a healthy amount of the root in your diet.
Turmeric paste is a mixture of ground turmeric, extra virgin coconut oil, cinnamon, and black pepper. It’s used in golden milk lattes�those orange-yellow drinks you’ve probably seen on Instagram�which are�made by�dissolving the paste�into warm almond or coconut milk along with a little organic honey and fresh grated ginger. And while black pepper may seem like an odd ingredient, it actually helps boost turmeric’s absorption from the digestive system into the bloodstream.
Sip On Turmeric Tea
Add a pinch of ground turmeric to warm water along with lemon to start you day. (Note: I�m serious about a pinch�it�s pungent, so too much can be tough to swallow.) Alternatively, you can purchase turmeric tea bags, which can be steeped alone or with other types of tea, such as green, white, black, or oolong.
For a tasty and unique kick of flavor, add a bit of ground turmeric to your morning smoothie. Or opt for fresh, peeled turmeric root, which you�ll find in the produce section, likely near the ginger. A little nub no bigger than the size of your pinky nail�is all you need.
Make It A Seasoning Staple
I love to keep ground turmeric handy to season nearly anything savory, including scrambled eggs, saut�ed veggies, soups, stir frys, and pulses (especially oven roasted chickpeas). You can also fold a little turmeric into nut butter or hummus, whisk it into homemade vinaigrette, or stir it into oatmeal along with coconut milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nuts or sesame seeds. The options are endless! In most dishes, I�ll start with an eighth of a teaspoon and add more to taste, making�sure the turmeric won�t overpower other flavors.
To make homemade vegan turmeric �ice cream,� whip turmeric paste with one cup coconut milk or coconut cream, half of a ripe banana, a few pitted dates, maple syrup, and a little extra fresh ginger. Pour into BPA free pop molds, freeze, and enjoy.
Cynthia Sass�is a nutritionist and registered dietitian with master�s degrees in both nutrition science and public health. Frequently seen on�national TV, she�s Health�s contributing nutrition editor, and privately counsels�clients�in New York, Los Angeles, and long distance. Cynthia is currently the sports nutrition consultant to the New York Yankees, previously consulted for three other professional sports teams, and is board certified as a specialist in sports dietetics. Sass is a three-time New York Times best-selling author, and her newest book is Slim Down Now: Shed Pounds and Inches with Real Food, Real Fast. Connect with her on�Facebook,�Twitter�and�Pinterest.
Many people frequently seek medical attention to treat symptoms of back pain. Approximately three in four adults will experience some sort of back pain throughout their lifetime. Back pain is identified as a painful symptom which originates along the spine.
From acute back pain to chronic back pain, the symptoms can often vary. Acute back pain is characterized as a severe but temporary pain. Chronic back pain generally occurs on a daily basis and can go on for an extended period of time. Some individuals may experience severe symptoms while others may experience mild, deep, achy, burning or electric-like symptoms. These symptoms are typically manifested in conditions such as lumbar radiculopathy.
Back Pain and Other Symptoms
Back pain can also be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms, including tingling sensations, numbness, stiffness, achiness and weakness. Some physical activities may also aggravate back pain. Sitting, walking, standing, bending oveer and twisting at the waist are several types of movements which can worsen symptoms of back pain. Depending on the region of the spine affected and the diagnosis or cause, the symptoms may vary.
Many healthcare professionals specializing in back pain who can help diagnose the source of the individual’s symptoms. The spine is divided into several regions, the thoracic, lumbar, lumbosacral or sacrum. The symptoms of back pain may differ depending on which area of the spine is affected.
The thoracic spine is the upper and mid areas of the back, where the ribs attach to the spinal column.
The lumbar spine refers to the low back.
The lumbosacral is the low back, sacrum, and the tailbone, also known as the coccyx.
The sacrum refers to the part of the spine that located at the back of the pelvis.
The spine is a complex structure consisting of approximately 17 vertebral bones, extending between the upper back and tailbone, joints, the sacrum and tailbone. The spine is also surrounded by fibrous and muscular supporting structures, intervertebral discs, the spinal cord and nerve roots, and blood vessels. An injury such as a back sprain or strain caused by improperly lifting and twisting simultaneously, can often be a cause for back pain.
However, not all forms of back pain are caused by trauma or injury. Many back issues are congenital, meaning they occur at birth, degenerative, age-related, disease-related and they may also be associated with improper posture, obesity or unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking. In some instances, the symptoms of back pain may be worse than the actual injury or condition. More over, when should you seek medical attention for back pain?
If you cannot stand upright.
Fever accompanies pain.
There is loss of bladder or bowel function or control
Leg pain and/or weakness progressively worsens.
And the pain is relentless or worsens.
Many patients with back pain have described feeling afraid and anxious, which is often also a normal symptom that can generally manifest with complications. Most people who experience upper, low or lower back pain, even down into one or both legs, will know when it�s time to seek medical care.
What to Expect from a Healthcare Specialist
Whether your back pain is mild or severe, temporary or chronic, and whether the symptoms require urgent medical core or not, make sure to seek medical attention to receive a proper diagnosis for your back pain. Once you’ve visited your healthcare provider, below is what you can expect from them.
A review of your medical history, including the medical history of immediate family members to determine if they’ve also had back issues. Some back problems, such as scoliosis and osteoporosis, may develop genetically.
Full discussion of when back pain started, what you were doing when pain began, current pain severity and characteristics, how pain may have changed since it began, and other similar questions. Your doctor wants to learn as much about your pain and symptoms before he examines you.
Physical examination evaluates your vital signs, such as your heart rate. It is not unusual for your blood pressure to be elevated as a result of pain. The doctor examines your spine, feeling for abnormalities and areas of tenderness.
Neurological examination will involve assessing sensation and function. The doctor may employ the pin prick test to determine if feeling is the same on both sides of the body. Function, flexibility and range of motion are also evaluated while you walk, bend forward and backward and during other movements. The doctor may also test your reflexes as well.
After a thorough examination, the healthcare professional may be able to determine the source of your back pain and other symptoms. To obtain more information about your specific back issue and to help confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may order an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI. Sometimes lab tests are ordered too. Keep in mind that an accurate diagnosis is essential to a well-developed treatment plan.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Additional Topics: What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic care is an well-known, alternative treatment option utilized to prevent, diagnose and treat a variety of injuries and conditions associated with the spine, primarily subluxations or spinal misalignments. Chiropractic focuses on restoring and maintaining the overall health and wellness of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, a chiropractor, or doctor of chiropractic, can carefully re-align the spine, improving a patient�s strength, mobility and flexibility.
If you are here, I am sure you want to find a long lasting, effective, and natural treatment for scoliosis.
This spinal deformity can be best treated by exercising regularly and staying active. Believe it or not, that constant backache will disappear like magic in few days!
So, here are the top 10 best exercises for treating scoliosis that will correct your posture and of course, bring a big smile on your face.
Why Exercises for Scoliosis?
Exercise is the best way to strengthen and straighten the physical posture and will avoid curvature on one side. But when it comes to scoliosis you have to be a little more mindful about the exercises you choose to do. So, let me first tell you about the common scoliosis treatments that are not very fruitful.
Breathing exercise like taking deep breaths can give you temporary relief but is not effective remedy. Yoga, which does help to make the posture strong and give the muscles some balance, is not the go-to solution in case of scoliosis. Finally, scoliosis bracing is also a temporary solution, as the spinal curve can reappear when you stop wearing the brace.
Good news is, there are non-surgical treatments available for scoliosis. These tested exercises will help rectify your spinal deformity. You can do these exercises either lying down or standing up with the support of a wall. Orthopedic surgeons often advise patients to do these exercises regularly to benefit the most.
The best of all are the Pilates which create a major impact on balancing the muscular structure which helps in directing focus towards the joint stability and mobility, and free movement. The form is specifically designed for the scoliosis related problem and helps in increasing strength within the core muscles. Exercise gives a great relief and is known as the best way to attain good results and a non surgical form of remedy to Scoliosis.
Top 10 Scoliosis exercises are:
1. Bird Dog Stretching:
It�s a form of scolosis exercise which needs a gym ball as a support. It is a very beneficial exercise for beginners as its hurts less and helps attain the perfect posture. It requires one to stretch one�s left arm and right leg, while supporting the body on the other leg; and the hand showing the upper body as a bird and the lower as a dog. To maintain the balance, the ball is absolutely necessary.
2. Pilates � Conforming to the wall:
It�s the starting point of the Scoliosis exercise regime. This can be done lying down and also standing with support of the wall. It helps in building strength and posture. This gives a boost to the resistance power of the patient.
3. Triceps Raise or Row:
Best known as a row raise, but in colloquial language a tricep raise, it helps to work the muscle and maintains a support for the trunk. Free weights are best suited to perform this exercise but if needed, an additional assistance, the machine forms a better mode. During this course, the best way to choose your form will depend on the challenges you face while initially undergoing treatment, as then one can determine which mode will help attain successful results.Take a stretchable string or a pulley and facing the same, pull it in the upper direction. As this challenges the core muscles, the exercise becomes difficult but has proven results.
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4. Hip Roll & Bridge:
Hip Roll and Bridge as an exercise inclines one�s pelvis area � raising your vertebrae to form a full circle; and gives movements to the hip which is a must during Scoliosis. As the circular position is maintained in the opposite direction, the problem gets good outcome after a fully fledged warm up session.[ Read: Height Increasing Exercises ]
5. Plank:
There are several ways of performing planks as it helps strengthen core muscles. However, the recommended one for beginners is the form which requires one�s forearms and toes to face the plank.
6. Spine Release:
This is a position which can be performed either on a bed or floor. Raise your knees to form a T shape and then move it in the either directions. Keep your shoulders flat on the mat as you might be tempted to raise them, and only lower your knees till a comfortable point.[ Read: Aerobic Exercise at Home for Stomach ]
7. Yoga:
Yoga has been one of the oldest practices to cure any ailment and it helps in enhancing overall physical strength. It maintains a balance for the body in case of Scoliosis.
8. Breathing Exercise:
Breathing in the right posture helps blood circulation to develop muscles that fluctuate in the right motion and also a cordial motion with the heart beats.[ Read: Exercise for Biceps ]
9. Stretch Up:
Stretching helps in formation and pulling of muscles which then help in straightening and loosening the core nerves.
10. Schroth Method:
The Schroth Method is one of the best innovations from Germany and has helped many as cure from this dreadful condition.Image source: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5
Caveat: Please consult your doctor before practicing these exercises. Only certain types of curves can be cured by these exercises while others require different procedures.
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