Thursday, April 21, 2011

Alternative Therapies for Treatment of Back Pain

Now-a-days back pain is most common problem which affects the people of all age groups. In America, above 26 million people suffer from back pain at least once in their life. Back pain is 5th most prevalent reason for which people visit to a doctor. People try various methods to get rid of back pain. People can use alternative therapies along with medical treatments as they are very effectual. There are many alternative therapies that help to get relief from back pain. To know some of the alternative therapies for treatment of back pain read the article.

There are many types of back pain such as herniated disk, musculoskeletal pain, piriformis syndrome, spondylolisthesis, sacroiliac joint derangement, spinal stenosis and arthritis. Herniated disk happens when the disk (rubbery cushions) between the bones (vertebrae) slips or damage while musculoskeletal pain occurs when the tissue of muscles damage by doing daily activities. It is the short term pain and it is very prevalent. Piriformis syndrome is a mixture of nerves and muscles which occurs when piriformis muscle irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve.



Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra slips backward or forward from alignment. Sacroiliac joint derangement occurs when misalignment is caused in iliac bones and sacrum; as well as spinal stenosis takes place while the spinal canal becomes too narrow in the lumbar area. Arthritis is joints inflammation that causes swelling, pain, stiffness, and limited movement. Back pain can be acute or chronic. Acute pain goes away after some time but chronic pain lasts for many weeks or months.

Alternative Therapies for Back Pain:

 

Feldenkrais Therapy


Feldenkrais therapy is developed by “Moshe Feldenkrais” and it helps to decrease back pain. Feldenkrais therapy teaches a person how to move the body correctly. It also teaches the effects of movement on the body. Feldenkrais therapy has 2 techniques Awareness Through Movement (ATM) and Functional Integration (FI). To get the results any one technique can be used. Feldenkrais therapist teach the person basic movements like lying in bed, standing, sitting, and the effects of movement on the body. In “Awareness Through Movement” the therapist directs the movement sequences verbally to the person while in “Functional Integration” is hands-on technique in which the therapist guide the student to rearrange the body and actions to become more functional.

McKenzie Therapy

McKenzie therapy is developed by “Robin McKenzie” and it is performed under the supervision of a specialist. McKenzie Therapy is also recognized as “Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy”. Simple exercises that an individual can do itself are included in McKenzie therapy. The total program includes three parts such as assessment, treatment and prevention. The therapist monitors the reaction of the body to these mechanical movements and plans an exercise program which will help the person to alleviate pain. The therapist also guides the person how to stay away from future back pain bouts.

Alexander Technique


Alexander technique is planned to decrease chronic back pain. Alexander technique helps the person to improve posture and movement in daily activities. Proper Kinaesthesia is taught in the Alexander method, which means correct moves are taught to the person to avoid health problems and to treat subsisting conditions. The use of suitable amount of effort for a particular activity is also taught in the method. This method helps the individual to learn a new equilibrium in the body by discharging needless tension.

Yoga Therapy:

Yoga is safe and efficient way to reduce back pain. Yoga helps to improve flexibility and strength of the muscles. It also maintains the balance between the muscles’ flexibility and strength. Many types of yoga are there for back pain sufferers. Hatha yoga style is best for back pain sufferers. The people suffering from back pain can try yoga poses such as corpse pose, wind relieving pose, sage twist, fish pose and cat pose. If you are beginner then do the yoga under the guidance of a professional instructor.

Massage Therapy:

Massage therapy is great for the people suffering from back pain. Massage therapy enhance blood flow to the muscles, decrease swelling & inflammation, calm stiff sore muscles and provide pain relief. Massage therapy also helps to decrease the level of blood pressure, depression, stress, anxiety, and pain perception. It also brings relaxation. Many types of massage such as deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, myofascial release, trigger point & myotherapy, shiatsu and reiki are there that helps to relieve back pain.

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is traditional Chinese method in which small needles are inserted to different depths into precise points on the body to get relief. This method has no side effect. The inserted needles are very thin. Chinese consider that there is vital force or inner energy named "QI" which is above synapsing neurotransmittors and vibrating molecules. To stop pain Qi and blood is stimulated to eliminate stagnation and unblock the channels.

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More