http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/joint-pain-blog.html The joint pain Blog keeps you up-to-date with all additions and changes to joint-pain-solutions.com web site. Click here to subscribe. en-us joint pain Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:09:45 GMT Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:09:45 GMT joint-pain-solutions.com http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/what-is-rheumatoid-arthritis.html What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Learn to to differentiate this arthritis condition with others Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:09:44 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/exercise-for-arthritis.html Learn the best forms of exercise for arthritis to help reduce your arthritis joint pain Sat, 04 Sep 2010 22:12:28 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/index.html Information and solutions for relieving common joint pain conditions. Specific 'how to' advice for reducing your lower back, knee, hip, and arthritis pain. Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:03:10 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/back-arthritis.html Back Arthritis - information and treatment options for this common type of lower back pain Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:12:12 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/joint-pain-blog.html#Is-Spinal-Surgery-Necessary? Has spinal surgery been recommended to reduce your lower back pain? Eighty percent of Americans will at some time experience lower back pain significant enough to see a doctor. If you find yourself among those seeking help, you might be surprised to hear that spinal surgeries are on the rise. Spinal surgery, however, may not be your best option. As health care technology improves, it would appear that the more tests and scans the better the treatment plan. In the case of lower back pain, this is not necessarily the case. Scans can be misleading. By middle age, most people have some spinal deterioration (disc degeneration, bone spurs, spinal stenosis, and minor disc bulges) but do not experience pain. Thus, what shows up on a scan may not be specifically causing your pain. For that reason, MRIs and x-rays are generally not necessary unless pain continues beyond four weeks. Because the cause of lower back pain can vary, so does the treatment plan. There is no magic bullet and no one-size-fits-all program. The one thing that research clearly supports in reducing lower back pain is exercise. But, that being said, it has to be the right exercise program tailored to you and your specific condition. A recent study found that of 38 patients originally recommended for surgery, only three still needed it after a 13 month tailored exercise program. The typical lower back pain treatment plan should follow these general steps: 1. A prescription of anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxers, and/or pain medication. A heavy dose of ice (no heat), physical therapy, and potentially acupuncture. 2. If pain persists greater than four weeks an x-ray and/or MRI is generally ordered. 3. The most common next treatment recommendation once the MRI is performed is an epidural injection. 4. If a series of 3 epidurals and a long course (1 year) of physical therapy is not successful, then surgery may be considered. At most 10 percent of patients are candidates for surgery. Some studies indicate that long term outcomes are the same whether with or without surgery. So what should you expect if youre going to see a doctor with lower back pain? Dont be surprised if x-rays or an MRI is not immediately recommended. Exercise (not bed rest) should be part of the prescription. Ice and not heat should be strongly encouraged. As the right exercise program is a must, a prescription for physical therapy should be expected. If the doctor starts talking surgery early on, seek a second opinion. Spinal surgeries should be a last resort treatment option. Make sure you have exhausted all treatment options before considering surgery. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 03:58:17 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/joint-pain-blog.html#Is-Dr.-Oz-Right-About-Inversion-Tables? In an episode of the Dr. Oz show, the use of inversion tables was touted as an effective alternative medicine treatment option for lower back pain. What is an inversion table? Who might benefit from using one and who should definitely avoid inversion therapy? What is an Inversion Table? Inversion tables are devices which allow the user to attach his or her feet to the base, tilt backward, and hang upside down. Most inversion tables allow you to adjust the angle of inversion thus you can hang anywhere from a 45 degree angle to being completely perpendicular to the floor. The goal of the inversion table is to utilize the weight of your body to help provide traction of the spine. The idea is that for those suffering from sciatica or disc related low back conditions providing for a traction effect of the spine will help reduce a bulging disc, decrease nerve root compression, and possible add to the hydration of the discs. Who Should Use Inversion Traction? Based on the research, inversion traction is an effective means of increasing the space between the vertebrae of the lumbar spine. Studies have evaluated the use of inversion therapy for those with both acute and chronic lower back pain. Although the studies involve a small number of participants, there is evidence that inversion traction is effective in reducing low back pain. Who Should NOT Use Inversion Traction? Although on the Dr. Oz show inversion traction was touted as a means of increasing blood flow to the brain, this may not be a good effect for everyone. Studies have shown that blood pressure consistently increases when using inversion traction. Thus, for those who have high blood pressure, this form of therapy should only be considered under medical supervision. An increase in blood pressure can also have a negative effect on those with a specific eye condition. Those with a history of glaucoma, an eye disease associated with increased intraocular pressure, should also avoid inversion traction as increased pressure to the eyes and head occurs with the use of this type of device. Although the effect of inversion therapy helps to increase the space between the lumbar vertebrae, studies have found it has the opposite effect for the cervical spine in that it slightly adds compression. If you also have a history of a cervical condition, use significant caution as this form of traction can aggravate neck symptoms. Inversion traction does have some benefits in the treatment of low back conditions. The use of this therapy is not indicated for those with a history of high blood pressure or glaucoma. As with the use of any new therapy, consult a medical professional before implementing it into your treatment program. Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:49:07 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/avascular-necrosis.html Avascular necrosis is a potential source of joint pain. Learn what AVN is and treatment options Tue, 10 Aug 2010 01:42:41 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/shoulder-impingement.html Information and treatment recommendations for shoulder impingement syndrome. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:15:47 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/lld-problem-13-weeks-post-op.html I am now 13 weeks post op from a THR and my affected leg is now 1/4 inch (measured by my PT) longer than the other. My OS says that this is the case because Sun, 18 Jul 2010 02:51:30 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/diagnosing-rheumatoid-arthritis.html Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis is not easy. Learn what test and symptoms are used to make the diagnosis. Wed, 14 Jul 2010 04:47:12 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/rheumatoid-arthritis-blood-tests.html Learn what rheumatoid arthritis blood tests are typically used for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:02:29 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/rheumatoid-factor.html Learn how rheumatoid factor is used for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:53:17 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/shoulder-bursitis.html Information and treatment recommendation for shoulder bursitis Thu, 08 Jul 2010 05:15:46 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/shoulder-dislocation.html Information and treatment recommendations for a shoulder dislocation Sun, 04 Jul 2010 15:02:17 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/dupuytrens-contracture.html Information and treatment options for Dupuytrens contracture Thu, 01 Jul 2010 03:42:36 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/knee-pain-treatment.html Want to learn the best knee pain treatment? Use the following information and exercise programs to help you relieve your knee joint pain. Sun, 30 May 2010 04:25:25 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/newsletter.html Joint Pain Solutions Newsletter - Subscribe to the Pain Relief Review Sun, 30 May 2010 04:15:49 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/shoulder-replacement-surgery.html Shoulder Replacement Surgery - Information on what this surgery involves and what to expect for shoulder replacment. Sat, 29 May 2010 22:14:20 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/sitemap.html Use this Sitemap for Joint Pain Solutions to find information on joint conditions Sun, 23 May 2010 17:47:35 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/wrist-tendonitis.html Wrist tendonitis can be a common source of wrist joint pain. Learn about causes and treatment options. Sun, 23 May 2010 17:44:33 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/wrist-arthritis.html Arthritis can affect any joint in the body. Learn more about wrist arthritis and your treatment options. Sun, 23 May 2010 17:40:09 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/scaphoid-fracture.html What is a scaphoid fracture? Learn about this wrist injury what you can do to help minimize your wrist joint pain. Sun, 23 May 2010 16:57:46 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/facet-joint-pain-exercises.html If your back pain is related to facet joints, follow these facet joint pain exercises and start taking control of your lower back pain. Sun, 23 May 2010 16:25:35 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/degenerative-disc-disease-exercises.html If lumbar DDD is causing your back pain, follow these degenerative disc disease exercises to help you find pain relief. Sun, 23 May 2010 16:24:47 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/ankle-joint-pain.html Are you experiencing Ankle Joint Pain? Learn what the cause of the pain and what you can do for it. Sun, 23 May 2010 16:15:37 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/osteoarthritis-treatment.html Use these osteoarthritis treatment recommendations to help you make the best choices for treating your arthritis symptoms. Sat, 22 May 2010 04:23:38 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/meniscus-tear-exercises.html Are you looking for Meniscus Tear exercises? Learn what exercises to do for knee meniscus tears. Sat, 22 May 2010 04:11:09 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/lower-back-pain-exercises.html What lower back pain exercises are right for you? Learn how to incorporate an exercise program for your lower back pain. Sat, 22 May 2010 04:07:50 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/knee-sprain.html A knee sprain is a common type of knee injury. Learn what you can do for reducing this type of knee joint pain. Sat, 22 May 2010 04:03:59 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/knee-replacement-surgery-exercises.html Are you looking for knee replacement surgery exercises? Learn how to start rehabiliatating from your knee replacment surgery. Sat, 22 May 2010 03:58:09 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/elbow-tendonitis.html Elbow Tendonitis is the most common source of elbow joint pain. Learn more about this elbow condition and what you can do to get back to the activities you enjoy. Fri, 21 May 2010 05:36:06 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/elbow-sprain.html Have you suffered an elbow sprain? Learn about this elbow injury and what you can do to relieve your elbow joint pain. Fri, 21 May 2010 05:29:45 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/elbow-dislocation.html An elbow dislocation is a serious injury. If you have experienced this elbow injury youll want to understand your options Fri, 21 May 2010 05:26:11 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/elbow-bursitis.html Is the back of your elbow swollen and inflamed? Elbow Bursitis may be the cause of your symptoms. Learn if it is and what you can do for it. Fri, 21 May 2010 05:23:10 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/knee-cap-pain-exercises.html Looking for Knee Cap Pain Exercises? Learn what to do to relieve your knee cap pain. Fri, 21 May 2010 05:13:42 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/joint-pain-causes.html What are the most common Joint Pain Causes? Discover what they are so you can control your joint pain relief. Fri, 21 May 2010 04:58:21 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/jammed-finger.html Do you have a jammed finger? Learn more about this injury and the best treatment options Fri, 21 May 2010 04:50:13 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/hip-replacement-surgery-exercises.html Are you looking for hip replacement surgery exercises? Learn what exercises to do following hip replacment. Thu, 20 May 2010 16:08:56 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/gout-pain-relief.html Searching for gout pain relief? Learn more about this condition and treatment options to reduce your pain. Thu, 20 May 2010 16:05:19 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/hip-osteoarthritis-exercises.html Are you looking for hip osteoarthritis exercises? Learn how you can treat your hip arthritis pain. Thu, 20 May 2010 16:03:30 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/diet-for-gout.html What diet for gout recommendations should you follow? Learn simple dietary steps to help control your gout pain Thu, 20 May 2010 04:45:54 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/diet-for-arthritis.html What diet for arthritis should you follow? Learn about the best food choices to help control your arhtritis symptoms Thu, 20 May 2010 04:43:05 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/carpal-tunnel-syndrome.html Experiencing thumb and finger pain or numbness? You may have carpal tunnel syndrome. Learn more about this condition and treatment options. Thu, 20 May 2010 04:33:49 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/carpal-tunnel-surgery.html Considering having carpal tunnel surgery? Lean more about this hand joint pain condition and your surgical options. Thu, 20 May 2010 04:31:43 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/bunion-surgery.html Considering having Bunion Surgery for your toe joint pain? Before you do, learn more about when to have surgery and what to expect when you do. Thu, 20 May 2010 04:29:18 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/bunion-pain.html Are you experiencing Bunion Pain? What can you do if a bunion is the cause of your pain? Is surgery the only option? Thu, 20 May 2010 04:26:19 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/rheumatoid-arthritis-pictures.html Use these rheumatoid arthritis pictures to get a visual representation of arthritic joints Sun, 16 May 2010 23:58:13 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/history-of-rheumatoid-arthritis.html What is the history of rheumatoid arthritis? Learn if rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are an old or new phenomenon. Sun, 16 May 2010 19:43:22 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/arthritis-in-fingers.html Arthritis in fingers? Learn causes and solutions for finger arthritis symptoms. Mon, 10 May 2010 00:23:05 GMT http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/natural-remedies-for-arthritis.html Looking for natural remedies for arthritis? Learn information on ways to naturally reduce arthritis symptoms. Thu, 06 May 2010 04:38:25 GMT