Smoking causes cancer, lung disease and heart attacks, and disrupts body chemistry in such dangerous ways that a host of other ailments can result. So it's not surprising that even back problems might be caused by nicotine and smoke ingestion. Indeed, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) says smoking diminishes the blood supply to the bones, and saps them of calcium, both of which increase the possibility of the onset of osteoporosis. Suggestive of the relationship between smoking and back issues, one's chances for success after back surgery improve dramatically if one is a nonsmoker or has ceased smoking.
Continue reading: Smoking's Link to Back Problems
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Exercise in workplace and community environments is excellent in halting low-back problems, while a variety of other popular interventions have little if any beneficial effect, according to a recent review of a number of high-scientific-quality clinical trials. Continue reading: Only Exercise Found to Prevent Low-Back Problems
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Injecting painkillers into the thin layer of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord can be effective in relieving pain and restoring function, but there are many risks associated with the procedure, which should be used only as a last resort, specialists said.
The physicians, who spoke at a meeting of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, criticized the freewheeling use of pain medications and technologies, which include implantable, programmable pumps and catheters to deliver the drugs.
Continue reading: Doctors Cautiously Endorse Cerebrospinal-Fluid Pain Therapy
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U.S. scientists have created a device that enables the brain cells of paralyzed monkeys to circumvent simulated spinal cord damage and use motor abilities well enough to partake in a computer game. Led by Chet Moritz and Eberhand Fetz, University of Washington researchers used computer-controlled technology to stimulate chemically paralyzed muscles. Continue reading: Progress Made in the Quest to Overcome Paralysis
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Spinal Decompression has had many technological milestones. Some early tables were just straight pulley tables which were slightly more advanced than traction because they were software driven, yet they would only allow a set amount of pressure. Over time, spinal decompression tables were developed to have a ramp up and ramp down speed of distraction - making for a much smoother experience for the patient. Later advances followed in the form of belting and improved patient comfort.
Continue reading: The Progression of Spinal Decompression
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Treating and preventing chronic neck pain can often be successfully accomplished by something as simple as adopting correct posture while waking and sleeping. While the pain sufferer can treat the symptoms of frequent neck "cricks" with neck stretch exercises, painkillers or ice applications, the symptoms' root causes must be dealt with differently. These root causes often involve some kind of poor posture, says Dr. Brian Bruel, an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation on the one hand, and anesthesiology and pain management on the other, at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Posture violators might crouch over a desk all day long, slouch on a sofa while watching TV, or contort themselves while reading.
Continue reading: One Simple Solution to Neck Pain: Good Posture
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