Kidney hemorrhages
Because of stress, medications, and high urinary losses, a vitamin-C deficiency can be readily produced during any kidney disease; hence the danger of hemorrhaging is tremendously increased. Even a mild lack causes blood to appear in the urine.
The passing of bloody urine or hemorrhaging have sometimes been quickly stopped when huge amounts of vitamin C and/or "bioflavonoids" have been given to persons with severe nephritis.
Since a cholin or vitamin-E deficiency can also cause hemorrhages, large amounts of lecithin, cholin, and vitamin E should be given with vitamin C the minute kidney disease is diagnosed, and all increased immediately if blood appears in the urine. Kidney hemorrhages have sometimes been stopped by giving vitamin E alone.
Uremia Poisoning
A nitrogen-containing substance known as urea is formed from the breakdown of body cells and from food proteins used as calories. so Since concentrated urea is toxic, if the amount of this substance in the blood becomes excessive, uremia poisoning can result.
A low-protein, high-calorie diet or even a protein-free diet is customarily given to patients threatened with uremia poisoning. The stress of an extremely low protein intake, however, can cause so much body protein to be broken down that more urea is formed than if a high-protein diet is eaten. Because the blood urea usually increases if fewer than 40 grams of protein are given daily; at least this amount should be obtained. Though extremely low-protein diets have proved to be dangerous;they are still being used.
Urea in the blood rises rapidly during a vitamin-B6 deficiency. Giving the amino acid alanine or an excessively high-protein diet, either of which increases the need for vitamin B6, makes uremia poisoning markedly worse. W hen 200 milligrams of vitamin B6 were taken daily by deficient volunteers, the urea level quickly fell to normal; and the blood urea, which is particularly excessive during the toxemia of pregnancy, also dropped to normal after vitamin B6 was given. Such findings indicate that this vitamin should be increased immediately if uremia poisoning threatens.
Low-Salt Diets
Because sodium is usually held in the body during dropsy, ordinary table salt and foods containing baking soda are customarily restricted. Though low-salt diets are relatively unappetizing, foods may be well seasoned with herbs, condiments, and salt substitutes. If the diet can meet all the needs of stress and generous amounts of potassium are obtained from foods and/or supplements, salt restriction may be only temporary.
Deficiencies of salt, or of sodium and chlorine, have been produced in patients by too severe salt restriction; and weakness, muscle cramps, vomiting, and an elevated blood urea has resulted. Such symptoms should be watched for, especially during hot weather. Because a salt deficiency can be dangerous, no fewer than 500 milligrams of sodium should be obtained daily, and a low-salt diet should not be adhered to after dropsy has been corrected. Taking generous amounts of potassium--physicians sometimes give12 grams or more daily--causes salt to be excreted and often makes salt restriction unnecessary.
The Present State of Chaos
The famous urologist Dr. Thomas Addis described the dietary management of kidney diseases as being in an "extraordinary state of disorganization" and "chaos"; and many investigators have pointed out that diets used today for kidney diseases are 40 years behind research findings.
All experimentally produced kidney disease is corrected provided the nutrients needed for repair are amply supplied. The problem is that irreparable damage can be quickly done unless the diet is promptly improved. When the disease is allowed to become serious, so many nutrients are continuously lost through the damaged kidneys that dietary help becomes an uphill task.
Diet for Kidney Diseases
Because each case of Bright's disease varies during the course of the illness, a doctor must determine the amount of protein, salt, and fluid to be allowed daily. As with a diabetic diet, all nutritional improvements must be made within the framework of these allowances. He will emphasize that calories must be kept high at all times to prevent either food proteins or body proteins from being used for energy and the urea formation increased; and that six meals or more must be taken daily.
Despite years of controversy, authorities now agree that protein must be unusually high except when uremia poisoning threatens. It must be sufficient to replace all albumin lost in the urine and feces, and to rebuild tissues, meet the general body needs, and fulfill the demands of stress. Patients able to take 150 to 200 grams of protein daily recover much more rapidly, and kidney biopsies show greater healing than in others obtaining less protein. Persons in charge of feeding nephrotic patients should use the tables of food composition to count both the grams of protein and the calories obtained daily.
If sodium is restricted, ocean fish and proteins from animals which eat salt--meats, eggs, cheese, milk--may be limited. Low-sodium milk and cheeses are available. Tearily yeast is particularly low in sodium, and wheat germ, soybeans, soy flour, nuts, and salt-free nut butters are all excellent and contain far less sodium than animal products. If eggs are limited, use 2 yolks instead of 1 whole egg. When protein is drastically restricted, only egg yolks, liver, yeast. yogurt, milk, and cheese should be used, and incomplete vegetable proteins should be avoided. Pep-up can be prepared with low-salt milk or any fruit juice. Oils should be used for cooking and seasoning instead of solid fats. As long as meat is allowed, fresh and/or desiccated liver may be taken several times daily, especially when anemia is severe.
Supplements should be heavily relied upon to furnish all nutrients not obtained from food. The following amounts! have been given: daily to persons with kidney disease in the studies cited earlier: 3 to 6 tablespoons of lecithin and 1,000 milligrams of cholin, usually as 250 milligrams at each meal and before bed; 30 milligrams of vitamin B6 or more; 50,000 to 75,000 units of vitamin A; 300 to 600 units of vitamin E; and 5 to10 grams of potassium chloride. If little or no milk is allowed, 250 milligrams of calcium should be taken four to six times daily, preferably with magnesium and 10 milligrams of vitamin B2. I feel that the anti-stress formula should be taken around the clock; that the blood cholesterol be known and supplements given accordingly; and because digestion is usually below par, that hydrochloric acid, digestive enzymes, and yogurt or acidophilus milk or culture be taken each time food is eaten. The more liquid the patient is asked to drink, the more carefully the diet must be planned and the larger the amounts of supplements used. When diuretics are given, the situation becomes one of hoping that enough nutrients can be retained in the body to rebuild kidney tissue.
The success of a nutrition program depends largely on how promptly dietary improvement is initiated. If an adequate diet is given from the moment the diagnosis is made, the usual attitude that kidney diseases are "not amenable to cure" appears to be unjustified. If given a chance, our bodies have an amazing ability to heal themselves.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Give a Healthy Gift With Fruit Baskets
All of us get sick somehow no matter how healthy we are. This is because our daily activities, especially if we are in a very demanding work schedule will eventually take its toll on us.
This is unacceptable to us since all of our daily activities will be affected once we get sick. Getting sick means all our work will be piling up in the office and we might be delayed in our payment of bills. He may also not be able to fulfill his duties to his family all because he fell sick. These are only samples of what might happen once you are down with an ailment. No matter how we hate being weak and feeling pain inside our body, it seems like we can't do anything about it.
When one is sick, the world seems to be sick as well. If there's someone in the family who is not feeling well, you would always want to make everything well. There are times when we want to visit a sick friend or relative but we cannot decide what gift to give him during our visit.
When people are sick, they tend to be very emotional and has the tendency to give a negative response to anything that they receive. Hence, it is important that we give careful consideration when deciding what gift to give. Gifts always convey messages, even if we don't have them in our minds while we're giving them. It's ideal to give a sick person something that is sweet, colorful, natural and fresh. Nobody even a sick person can ever resist such gift. But where can we find this kind of gift? The famous traditional red rose does not fit in this picture. But a fruit gift basket surely will. The packaging alone would be colorful. Seeing a gift that is colorful gives a refreshing effect to any sick person. He can either eat the fruits or just probably save them for later and just enjoy the beautiful sight.
However, try to suggest that he eats the fruits. These foods are high in vitamins and minerals which are going to help him recover faster. Besides, fruits also taste very good. And they help to enliven the taste buds of a sick person who usually has no appetite because of the bitterness that stays in his tongue. With fruits, he can taste the different flavors of the fruits and work up an appetite so he starts eating his meals regularly as well.
Nonetheless, if he prefers not to eat the fruits right away, it's still fine. What's important is that you have managed to make him feel special despite your busy schedule. These fruit baskets certainly will leave warm impression to that person.
This is unacceptable to us since all of our daily activities will be affected once we get sick. Getting sick means all our work will be piling up in the office and we might be delayed in our payment of bills. He may also not be able to fulfill his duties to his family all because he fell sick. These are only samples of what might happen once you are down with an ailment. No matter how we hate being weak and feeling pain inside our body, it seems like we can't do anything about it.
When one is sick, the world seems to be sick as well. If there's someone in the family who is not feeling well, you would always want to make everything well. There are times when we want to visit a sick friend or relative but we cannot decide what gift to give him during our visit.
When people are sick, they tend to be very emotional and has the tendency to give a negative response to anything that they receive. Hence, it is important that we give careful consideration when deciding what gift to give. Gifts always convey messages, even if we don't have them in our minds while we're giving them. It's ideal to give a sick person something that is sweet, colorful, natural and fresh. Nobody even a sick person can ever resist such gift. But where can we find this kind of gift? The famous traditional red rose does not fit in this picture. But a fruit gift basket surely will. The packaging alone would be colorful. Seeing a gift that is colorful gives a refreshing effect to any sick person. He can either eat the fruits or just probably save them for later and just enjoy the beautiful sight.
However, try to suggest that he eats the fruits. These foods are high in vitamins and minerals which are going to help him recover faster. Besides, fruits also taste very good. And they help to enliven the taste buds of a sick person who usually has no appetite because of the bitterness that stays in his tongue. With fruits, he can taste the different flavors of the fruits and work up an appetite so he starts eating his meals regularly as well.
Nonetheless, if he prefers not to eat the fruits right away, it's still fine. What's important is that you have managed to make him feel special despite your busy schedule. These fruit baskets certainly will leave warm impression to that person.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Muscle Spasms in Back
A muscle spasm is definitely an unpredicted involuntary contraction of a individual or number of muscle. Unexpected pain generally comes with the appearance of the problem even though it's often benign and might cease following a couple of minutes or days. Several kinds of muscle spasms originate from underlying conditions which might last as long as the difficulties are present. In some instances, the spasms can turn out to be really serious where it brings about much more powerful contractions resulting in damaged tendons and ligaments.
Muscle spasms are also called cramps, and are very typical. Nearly everybody (around 95 percent) experiences a muscle spasm at some point in life. spasms are typical in grown-ups and turn out to be progressively regular with getting older.
The most frequently impacted muscles are:
* Back of lower leg, gastrocnemius.
* Lower Back.
* Back of thigh, hamstrings.
* Front of thigh, quadriceps.
* Feet, hands, arms, abdomen
What can cause Muscle cramps
The precise reason for muscle cramps continues to be unidentified, however the theories most frequently cited consist of:
* Altered neuromuscular control
* Dehydration
* Electrolyte depletion/low levels
* Poor conditioning/fitness level
* Muscle fatigue
* Performing a new exercise
Additional factors which have been related to muscle cramps consist of working out in severe heat. The idea is that muscle spasms are much more typical during physical exercise in the heat simply because sweat consists of liquids along with electrolyte such as salt, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Whenever these electrolytes drop to particular amounts, the occurrence of muscle cramps improves. Simply because athletes are much more likely to have spasms within the preseason, or the evening following extreme or extented physical exercise, many believe deficiencies in conditioning leads to spasms.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bruce_Mills
Muscle spasms are also called cramps, and are very typical. Nearly everybody (around 95 percent) experiences a muscle spasm at some point in life. spasms are typical in grown-ups and turn out to be progressively regular with getting older.
The most frequently impacted muscles are:
* Back of lower leg, gastrocnemius.
* Lower Back.
* Back of thigh, hamstrings.
* Front of thigh, quadriceps.
* Feet, hands, arms, abdomen
What can cause Muscle cramps
The precise reason for muscle cramps continues to be unidentified, however the theories most frequently cited consist of:
* Altered neuromuscular control
* Dehydration
* Electrolyte depletion/low levels
* Poor conditioning/fitness level
* Muscle fatigue
* Performing a new exercise
Additional factors which have been related to muscle cramps consist of working out in severe heat. The idea is that muscle spasms are much more typical during physical exercise in the heat simply because sweat consists of liquids along with electrolyte such as salt, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Whenever these electrolytes drop to particular amounts, the occurrence of muscle cramps improves. Simply because athletes are much more likely to have spasms within the preseason, or the evening following extreme or extented physical exercise, many believe deficiencies in conditioning leads to spasms.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bruce_Mills
Shoulder Pain and Arm Numbness
If you are experiencing pain or muscle spasms in your shoulder or upper back areas, then you might have several compounding factors going on at once. There could also be some issues happening in your neck that are contributing to your pain. In this article, we'll discuss some of the more common issues that are related with this type of pain.
To begin this discussion, it would help to go over a bit of the anatomy or physiology involved in this area to make the explanation more clear. Don't worry, you need not have any formal training or education in gross anatomy or anything to understand what we are going to cover.
The neck and shoulder areas are quite interconnected. In fact, muscles that originate in your neck and others that originate in your upper back and shoulder areas insert into the neck and shoulder regions as well. In other words, these areas are connected with muscles and tendons. They are also connected via ligaments, joints and share common vascular components as well. One of the key connections they share is the nerves.
Your spinal cord travels within a tube formed in the spinal bones from the base of your skull to the tailbone region. There are tissues that protect and anchor that spinal cord within the canal to the vertebrae in specific areas. These connections or anchors are located in the neck and tailbone regions. Because of the way this neural network is arranged, nerves that leave the spinal cord in the neck area, extend into your arms and fingers.
It is because of this relationship that can cause symptoms of tingling or numbness to appear in the shoulder area, arm or hands and fingers from a problem or some other issue originating in the neck. The term for this altered sensation is paresthesia. It is just the medical term for the condition of 'pins and needles' that persists due to nerve compression or irritation.
Depending on the various factors of your life, this could arise from physical causes like an injury from a car accident or something from prolonged postural stresses on the job. You can also get this type of nerve compression issues from having your body being in a state of high mental or emotional stress. This causes your body to respond in a 'fight or flight' mechanism that can further spasm muscles and cause your tissues to be stretched further.
There are various ways that you can try to treat such a condition. One of the more conservative methods is with chiropractic care. There are many approaches within chiropractic that can help you address this issue and others relating to nerve system compression or distortion and tension.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Michael_J_Funicello,_D.C.
To begin this discussion, it would help to go over a bit of the anatomy or physiology involved in this area to make the explanation more clear. Don't worry, you need not have any formal training or education in gross anatomy or anything to understand what we are going to cover.
The neck and shoulder areas are quite interconnected. In fact, muscles that originate in your neck and others that originate in your upper back and shoulder areas insert into the neck and shoulder regions as well. In other words, these areas are connected with muscles and tendons. They are also connected via ligaments, joints and share common vascular components as well. One of the key connections they share is the nerves.
Your spinal cord travels within a tube formed in the spinal bones from the base of your skull to the tailbone region. There are tissues that protect and anchor that spinal cord within the canal to the vertebrae in specific areas. These connections or anchors are located in the neck and tailbone regions. Because of the way this neural network is arranged, nerves that leave the spinal cord in the neck area, extend into your arms and fingers.
It is because of this relationship that can cause symptoms of tingling or numbness to appear in the shoulder area, arm or hands and fingers from a problem or some other issue originating in the neck. The term for this altered sensation is paresthesia. It is just the medical term for the condition of 'pins and needles' that persists due to nerve compression or irritation.
Depending on the various factors of your life, this could arise from physical causes like an injury from a car accident or something from prolonged postural stresses on the job. You can also get this type of nerve compression issues from having your body being in a state of high mental or emotional stress. This causes your body to respond in a 'fight or flight' mechanism that can further spasm muscles and cause your tissues to be stretched further.
There are various ways that you can try to treat such a condition. One of the more conservative methods is with chiropractic care. There are many approaches within chiropractic that can help you address this issue and others relating to nerve system compression or distortion and tension.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Michael_J_Funicello,_D.C.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a fancy name for the pain that runs from the buttocks down the back of the leg. It is caused by a pinched nerve. The sciatic nerve is about an inch long and is situated in the buttocks. It is made of several spinal nerves. The sciatic nerve controls the muscles that run along the back of the knee as well as the lower leg. It provides sensation to the back of the thigh, the sole of the foot and the lower leg. Sciatica is not necessarily a problem with the sciatic nerve per se, rather it is caused by the nerve being pinched by some underlying causes such as a bone spur or a herniated disc.
Problems due to the sciatic nerve being pinched are often diagnosed as "radiculopathy." This means that a disc has protruded from its normal position and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve that connects with the sciatic nerve. This gives rise to the name sciatica.
Direct trauma, pressure on the nerve from other adjacent body structures and prolonged external pressure on the nerve can cause this pain. If the nerve passes through a narrow structure, the pressure on it can cause sciatica. The damage slows down the transmission of impulses through the nerve and results in pain.
Diabetes and other systemic diseases typically damage many different nerves, including the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve can also be damaged due to pressure from tumors or abscesses, or even bleeding in the pelvic region.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Some common symptoms of sciatica include numbness, changes in sensation, burning, tingling, and pain in the buttock region. The protruding disc may also pinch the nerves running down the back of the legs, calf and the sole of the foot causing pain. It also manifests as weakness in the knees, legs and feet. In more severe cases, loss of mobility is also indicated.
Treatment
Traditionally, open back surgery was the treatment procedure for sciatica. But open spine surgery is a very invasive procedure and brings with it its own complications. But now, using minimally invasive laser spine surgery, the problem caused by the protruding disc can be corrected. Foraminotomy, Laminotomy or Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy can be effectively used to treat the problem.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_M_Smith
Problems due to the sciatic nerve being pinched are often diagnosed as "radiculopathy." This means that a disc has protruded from its normal position and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve that connects with the sciatic nerve. This gives rise to the name sciatica.
Direct trauma, pressure on the nerve from other adjacent body structures and prolonged external pressure on the nerve can cause this pain. If the nerve passes through a narrow structure, the pressure on it can cause sciatica. The damage slows down the transmission of impulses through the nerve and results in pain.
Diabetes and other systemic diseases typically damage many different nerves, including the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve can also be damaged due to pressure from tumors or abscesses, or even bleeding in the pelvic region.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Some common symptoms of sciatica include numbness, changes in sensation, burning, tingling, and pain in the buttock region. The protruding disc may also pinch the nerves running down the back of the legs, calf and the sole of the foot causing pain. It also manifests as weakness in the knees, legs and feet. In more severe cases, loss of mobility is also indicated.
Treatment
Traditionally, open back surgery was the treatment procedure for sciatica. But open spine surgery is a very invasive procedure and brings with it its own complications. But now, using minimally invasive laser spine surgery, the problem caused by the protruding disc can be corrected. Foraminotomy, Laminotomy or Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy can be effectively used to treat the problem.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_M_Smith
Relieve Back Pain
Relieve Back Pain with Regular Chiropractic Care. Chiropractic is a means of manually adjusting the joints of the skeleton, to correct skeletal alignment and restore flexibility.
It works on the principle that through either, accident, injury or poor posture, the skeletal frame, and in particular the spine and pelvis can become misaligned and or restricted in its movement. This misalignment or restriction can therefore cause pain and discomfort to the affected areas.
Mc Timoney Chiropractic is a specific type of Chiropractic which was developed by a man called John Mc Timoney. It is a relatively gentle treatment to receive and is a Holistic or Whole body treatment.
Mc Timoney trained Chiropractors therefore assess the person as a whole when they come for treatment, and check the patient's whole body for any joint misalignments and adjust as necessary.
The aim of this Holistic treatment is to facilitate a speedier recovery, back to health, with the minimum amount of visits. On average 4 - 6 treatments are required, to relieve back pain, during which time the Chiropractor will advise the Patient, on Lifestyle, Correct Posture, How to Lift Objects correctly, along with Flexibility and Strengthening exercises.
As with all forms of Treatment and Exercise for back pain, it is important to follow a routine for maximum results, therefore, have regular checkups with your Chiropractor, which is usually every 6 months for maintenance treatment.
Also implement any lifestyle changes or exercise programs into your daily routine, this will enable you to stay fit healthy and flexible.
Due to the Mc Timoney Chiropractic technique's gentle nature, it is suitable for people of all ages, including young babies, pregnant women, and the elderly. Some of the conditions the treatment benefits are as follows:
• Back Pain or Discomfort
• Stiffness relating to the joints and bones, including the back, neck and shoulders
• Muscular aches and pains.
• Most sports injuries including tennis elbow, hand, knee and foot problems
• Cervicogenic headache and migraine
• Whiplash Injury
• Trapped or Pinched nerves
When looking for a Chiropractor, always ensure the Chiropractor you are going to attend is a fully qualified professional, and is registered with their professional body.
Roma Burke DC AMC MMCAI
Roma Burke DC AMC MMCAI - Mc Timoney Chiropractor and Deep Tissue Massage Therapist, working in County Laois in Southern Ireland.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roma_Burke
It works on the principle that through either, accident, injury or poor posture, the skeletal frame, and in particular the spine and pelvis can become misaligned and or restricted in its movement. This misalignment or restriction can therefore cause pain and discomfort to the affected areas.
Mc Timoney Chiropractic is a specific type of Chiropractic which was developed by a man called John Mc Timoney. It is a relatively gentle treatment to receive and is a Holistic or Whole body treatment.
Mc Timoney trained Chiropractors therefore assess the person as a whole when they come for treatment, and check the patient's whole body for any joint misalignments and adjust as necessary.
The aim of this Holistic treatment is to facilitate a speedier recovery, back to health, with the minimum amount of visits. On average 4 - 6 treatments are required, to relieve back pain, during which time the Chiropractor will advise the Patient, on Lifestyle, Correct Posture, How to Lift Objects correctly, along with Flexibility and Strengthening exercises.
As with all forms of Treatment and Exercise for back pain, it is important to follow a routine for maximum results, therefore, have regular checkups with your Chiropractor, which is usually every 6 months for maintenance treatment.
Also implement any lifestyle changes or exercise programs into your daily routine, this will enable you to stay fit healthy and flexible.
Due to the Mc Timoney Chiropractic technique's gentle nature, it is suitable for people of all ages, including young babies, pregnant women, and the elderly. Some of the conditions the treatment benefits are as follows:
• Back Pain or Discomfort
• Stiffness relating to the joints and bones, including the back, neck and shoulders
• Muscular aches and pains.
• Most sports injuries including tennis elbow, hand, knee and foot problems
• Cervicogenic headache and migraine
• Whiplash Injury
• Trapped or Pinched nerves
When looking for a Chiropractor, always ensure the Chiropractor you are going to attend is a fully qualified professional, and is registered with their professional body.
Roma Burke DC AMC MMCAI
Roma Burke DC AMC MMCAI - Mc Timoney Chiropractor and Deep Tissue Massage Therapist, working in County Laois in Southern Ireland.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roma_Burke
Lower Back Sprain Q & A
Sprained ankles are common, but what about a sprained back? Is it possible? Yes it is. Use this quick question and answer article below to learn what a sprained back is and how it can be healed.
Q: What is a sprain anyway?
A: A sprain is a microscopic tear of ligaments, tendons or muscles.
Q: How do I know if I have a sprained back muscle?
A: You will feel pain. But making sure the pain you feel is from a sprain and not a damaged disc or other problem is critical. Generally you will have stiffness, pain that may radiate into the buttocks but does not go into the legs, pain that persists more than two weeks and muscle spasms.
Q: Will my sprained back heal?
A: Yes. Statistics show that well over 90 percent of all sprained back sufferers experience a full recovery.
Q: How long will it take my sprained back to heal?
A: This depends on severity of the sprain, your age and health, and on how well you are able to put yourself into healing-conducive situations. But a sprain can take up to a year to heal. Don't worry though; it is most likely that you will be able to lead a normal active life after the initial healing period.
Q: Initial healing period? What's that?
A: There are four stages of healing after a sprain.
Stage 1 is referred to the Active Swelling stage and occurs during the initial 12-72 hours after the injury.
Stage 2 is called the Passive Congestion stage and begins by day 2 or 3. This is the stage where most of the swelling occurs.
Stage 3 is the Tissue Repair stage. It begins by day 4 or 5. During this stage the body infiltrates the damaged area with scar tissue which is laid down in criss-cross matrix of fibers and is not conducive to normal function.
Stage 4 is the remodeling stage. It starts about six weeks after the Tissue Repair stage begins. In this stage, scar tissue fibers are realigned to a parallel orientation. It generally lasts 3-6 months but can last up to a year. It is during this stage that you can return to an increasingly normal routine.
Q: Is there anything I can do to speed my recovery?
A: Yes there is. During stage 1 stay down and keep movement to an extreme minimum. During stage 2, as pain levels allow, start to become somewhat mobile. But don't push it. During stage 3 increase movement and functionality. You should be able to begin to cautiously return to some normal function albeit slower, and guarded. Avoid lifting or any sudden movement. Then, during stage 4, under your doctor's or physical therapist's guidance, you can engage in stretches and exercise to aid the body in realigning the scar tissue.
In the initial stages anti inflammatory drugs will greatly aid in the reduction of swelling which will allow for quicker healing. Electro therapy devices are also highly recommended.
Q: Should I wear a back brace? If so, when and for how long?
A: A back brace, (a.k.a. a spinal brace) can be very helpful in immobilizing your sprained muscles while allowing you to remain active. In the initial stages, a restrictive or "cinch-tight" brace is ideal. However, especially as you enter the remodeling stage, a flexible brace is a better choice.
In general, braces should be worn no more than 4 hours a day to avoid muscle atrophy, and they can be worn at your most challenging times whether that be while lying, sitting or standing.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_W_Harris
Q: What is a sprain anyway?
A: A sprain is a microscopic tear of ligaments, tendons or muscles.
Q: How do I know if I have a sprained back muscle?
A: You will feel pain. But making sure the pain you feel is from a sprain and not a damaged disc or other problem is critical. Generally you will have stiffness, pain that may radiate into the buttocks but does not go into the legs, pain that persists more than two weeks and muscle spasms.
Q: Will my sprained back heal?
A: Yes. Statistics show that well over 90 percent of all sprained back sufferers experience a full recovery.
Q: How long will it take my sprained back to heal?
A: This depends on severity of the sprain, your age and health, and on how well you are able to put yourself into healing-conducive situations. But a sprain can take up to a year to heal. Don't worry though; it is most likely that you will be able to lead a normal active life after the initial healing period.
Q: Initial healing period? What's that?
A: There are four stages of healing after a sprain.
Stage 1 is referred to the Active Swelling stage and occurs during the initial 12-72 hours after the injury.
Stage 2 is called the Passive Congestion stage and begins by day 2 or 3. This is the stage where most of the swelling occurs.
Stage 3 is the Tissue Repair stage. It begins by day 4 or 5. During this stage the body infiltrates the damaged area with scar tissue which is laid down in criss-cross matrix of fibers and is not conducive to normal function.
Stage 4 is the remodeling stage. It starts about six weeks after the Tissue Repair stage begins. In this stage, scar tissue fibers are realigned to a parallel orientation. It generally lasts 3-6 months but can last up to a year. It is during this stage that you can return to an increasingly normal routine.
Q: Is there anything I can do to speed my recovery?
A: Yes there is. During stage 1 stay down and keep movement to an extreme minimum. During stage 2, as pain levels allow, start to become somewhat mobile. But don't push it. During stage 3 increase movement and functionality. You should be able to begin to cautiously return to some normal function albeit slower, and guarded. Avoid lifting or any sudden movement. Then, during stage 4, under your doctor's or physical therapist's guidance, you can engage in stretches and exercise to aid the body in realigning the scar tissue.
In the initial stages anti inflammatory drugs will greatly aid in the reduction of swelling which will allow for quicker healing. Electro therapy devices are also highly recommended.
Q: Should I wear a back brace? If so, when and for how long?
A: A back brace, (a.k.a. a spinal brace) can be very helpful in immobilizing your sprained muscles while allowing you to remain active. In the initial stages, a restrictive or "cinch-tight" brace is ideal. However, especially as you enter the remodeling stage, a flexible brace is a better choice.
In general, braces should be worn no more than 4 hours a day to avoid muscle atrophy, and they can be worn at your most challenging times whether that be while lying, sitting or standing.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_W_Harris
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