The Ultimate Low Back Pain Program (Phase 1)

Hi there to all my friends and clients. 

Here is my free online Yotube video, The Ultimate Low Back Pain Program in 5 parts or in the complete version slightly more than a half hour. 

Enjoy, feel good, and please send me comments. 

GUEST POST: Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease affecting the joints of the body. The most common form, Osteoarthritis is characterized by a breakdown and loss of cartilage with pain, swelling and reduced mobility of the affected joints. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the hands, toes, spine, hips, knees and can cause lower back pain.

 

What are the causes of Osteoarthritis?

There are several identifiable causes of Osteoarthritis including trauma, excessive use, postural deficits and the wear and tear of aging. Another major cause is obesity, which stresses the lower back, hips and knees. Many of these things can be either prevented or mitigated so that joints remain healthy even into old age.

Various degenerative changes can occur in affected joints. In the neck or lower back, bony spurs may develop where nerves exit the spine creating an irritation that causes numbness, tingling and radiating pain into the arms or legs. For some people the neck and lower back pain can be debilitating. Symptoms can come and go, ranging in intensity from minor to severe.

How can Osteopathy help lower back pain?

Patients who consult with me for hip, knee, neck or lower back pain due to Osteoarthritis undergo a thorough postural evaluation.  Misalignment of the skeletal system due to accidents, repetitive strain or other causes will shift the center of gravity off the central axis of the body. Consequently, certain joints that are designed to carry the weight of the body in a particular way no longer do so and are unduly stressed. This can cause accelerated wear and tear of cartilage. The aim of treatment is therefore to re-centre the body, evenly distributing the body’s weight, maximizing biomechanical efficiency and minimizing mechanical stress on weight-bearing joints.

What else can be done to help my lower back pain?

Lose weight: Osteoarthritic pains can be alleviated or diminished by losing weight reducing mechanical stress on weight-bearing joints.

Avoid high-impact activities such as, excessive jogging or other activities which tend to injure joint cartilage and can cause lower back pain, hip or knee pain.

Exercise is very beneficial because it strengthens surrounding muscles of affected joints and helps to support, stabilize and protect joints.  Also, physical activity will improve and maintain joint mobility and helps with losing weight.

Here are some of the types of excise I routinely recommend to my patients: Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates, Step Machine, Cycling, Aqua-Fitness, Swimming, and Light Weights. Make sure you balance your exercise program to include, cardio, stretching and strength training.

Nutritional advice on alleviating or reducing Osteoarthritic lower back pain


Dr. Andrew Weil MDis an advocate of certain foods and supplements which may help to alleviate or reduce Osteoarthritic pain. Regularly eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, walnuts and ground flaxseed. The spices ginger and turmeric are considered beneficial as they may help to reduce inflammation. Also, Dr. Weil recommends foods rich in antioxidants found in most fruits and vegetables as they may help reduce tissue damage caused by inflammation. I believe that organic fruits and vegetables are probably your best bet as they are free of harmful pesticides and herbicides.

In terms of other dietary supplements, Dr. Weil recommends the use of Glucosamine Sulfate derived from shellfish which may help to improve and maintain healthy cartilage. Condroitin may also protect cartilage and Evening Primrose Oil is believed to modify inflammation. Other foods recommended that contain anti-inflammatory compounds are: holy basil, green tea and rosemary.

Eddy Basch B.Sc.,D.O.