There can be a wide variety of causes for lower back pain. For instance, repetitive injuries at work, improper lifting techniques, and poor posture are but a few of the more common ones. There are also other things that can be causes of lower back pain such as various illnesses and diseases.
Kidney infections are one of the prime causes of lower back pain that often go undiagnosed, ultimately resulting in disastrous consequences. An undiagnosed kidney infection can cause severe damage to a persons kidneys. Once a kidney is scarred or otherwise damaged, its impossible to heal. If too much damage is done, it can cause a kidney to stop functioning entirely. If a kidney stops functioning, a person will be on dialysis for the rest of their life or will need a kidney transplant. Anytime you have lower back pain thats accompanied by a fever, you must see a doctor immediately in order to rule out a kidney infection as the culprit.
Pinched nerves are also one of the causes of lower back pain. When discussing nerves, its important to note that nerve pain and muscle pain feel different. Nerve pain is typically a sharp, stabbing, or shooting pain. Muscle pains are more aching, throbbing, or tearing pains. Knowing the differences in the two kinds of pains should help you determine exactly what is causing the pain to begin with. If its a pinched nerve, you will need to seek treatment at a doctors office. Various tests can be done to determine which nerve is pinched and what is causing it to become pinched. From there, a treatment plan can be discussed. A pinched nerve can become permanently damaged so its important to get treatment for it right away to prevent that from happening.
Perhaps the most obvious causes of lower back pain are muscle related injuries. They can happen in a wide variety of ways. Muscle strains and sprains are perhaps the most common. Active sports, using improper techniques when lifting or exercising, pretty much anything you do that requires use of a muscle in the your back can cause lower back injuries and pain. Its important to be aware at all times of what youre doing and how youre doing it if you wish to avoid injuring your back. If you have any questions about a particular exercise or lifting technique or need any help whatsoever with lifting an item or exercising, dont hesitate to ask. It just may mean the difference between a healthy back and a serious injury.
While there are certainly many different causes of lower back pain, they can be easily treated with the proper mix of rest, exercise, and occasionally medication. If at all possible, its best to avoid an injury to your lower back entirely to begin with, however thats not always possible. At the very least, now that you know more about the causes of lower back pain, you know how to handle it better.
Tag: Muscle Pains
A Quick Look At Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating disorder that is characterized by a condition of extreme exhaustion and fatigue that lasts for extended periods of time usually six months or more. Doctors have yet to uncover what exactly causes this disorder but it is widely believed that a number of factors trigger its onset. These factors include stress, viral infections, hormone levels and lack of adequate sleep.
Poor diet and lack of exercise are also considered as factors that strongly contribute to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. Because there is no known exact cause of CFS, doctors find it difficult to diagnose if a patient is indeed suffering from CFS or if the symptoms are actually of another ailment.
The NIAMS (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) says that in order for a patient to be diagnosed with CFS, he must be suffering from severe chronic fatigue for six months or beyond and at the same time, should have four or more of the following symptoms: impaired short term memory, prolonged feeling of extreme exhaustion, muscle pains, swelling and tenderness of multiple joints and the lymph nodes, recurring sore throat, severe headache and un-refreshing sleep.
Since the exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is yet to be determined, there is no known cure for it at present. Treatments for CFS are meant to relieve the symptoms and improve the patient’s bodily functions. Doctors recommend a combination of medications and non-drug therapies. Dietary restrictions and nutritional supplements are also used to help suppress the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition to therapy, lifestyle changes are also highly recommended.
Although it might seem contradictory, regular exercise is also a good way to help treat chronic fatigue syndrome. However, doctors should carefully supervise any physical activity that the patient does to avoid aggravating the symptoms. Mild exercise for 10-15 minutes followed by 30 minutes of rigorous physical activities such as tennis, swimming, brisk walking and others. Such activities help make the heart stronger and healthier to promote better circulation.
Aside from these, individuals afflicted with chronic fatigue syndrome can also do stretching and other relaxation exercises to help manage stress. A doctor should approve any exercise routine to avoid injury or worsening of the CFS symptoms.
Many doctors also recommend herbal remedies because they are natural and effective. There are a number of herbal medicines that CFS victims can take. Echinacea root is known for its ability to boost the immune system. Since viral infection is one of the factors that trigger chronic fatigue syndrome, using Echinacea strengthens the immune system to fight of viruses and eliminate their harmful effects.
Ginseng root, long used in the orient as a herb to restore vitality and energy, can be taken in capsule or tablet form to help keep the body active and strong. Licorice is primarily known for its ability to purge toxins from the body and can help keep the immune system resistant to attacks by viruses.
Aside from herbal medications, just living a healthy life and having a balanced, healthy diet can help the individual overcome the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Fruits and vegetables provide the body with the important vitamins and minerals to keep the immune system strong.
The Damaging Nature Of Chronic Fatigue
At first glance, you would think that the term “chronic fatigue” says it all. In medicine, any disease, disorder or illness that has the word “chronic” attached to it means that they persist for more than 6 months, either recurring or not. However, chronic fatigue means more than that.
While it seems pretty straightforward, there is actually so much more to this disorder (or disorders) than what its name suggests. It could mean anywhere from persistent headaches, flu-like symptoms or fatigue that goes on for weeks and months. Some even have to suffer for over a few years. Some never really fully recovered.
Patients normally have to suffer from flu-like sickness that does not subside from medications or rest. Also, there is some degree of debilitating exhaustion that limits one from functioning well. Many patients describe this exhaustion as being worn out even before getting up in the morning. In fact, chronic fatigue is not resolved simply by taking a nap or a longer sleep.
The reverse is often true- the lesser activities a patient performs, the higher are the chances that the illness will get worse. With chronic fatigue, a person is also constantly plagued with foggy thoughts and unstable concentration. As if to make it much worse, the person also simultaneously feels joint and muscle pains, disturbed sleep, sore throat, and general sense of absurd health.
But that is not the end of it. For some, these symptoms develop psychological stress that in turn develops anxiety, depression and irritability. These conditions pose great risks of becoming full-blown disorders if appropriate interventions are not administered.
The sad fact is, people who are affected with chronic fatigue syndrome used to be very healthy, very active individuals. They used to lead very normal lives that were free from any of the aforementioned symptoms. This makes one wonder how a perfectly healthy person in fact one who probably had led a very active, if not exceptionally energetic life turn into someone who is perpetually sick? Good question, but one that is difficult to answer.
There are actually no clear answers as to why chronic fatigue syndrome develops in one person and not to another. Current studies and clinical evidence however suggests that chronic fatigue syndrome can develop after contracting a serious infection or after experiencing extreme levels of stress. Having said that, there are numerous medical cases that purport to these theories, so to speak.
There are, for example, valid estimates where 96% of people who develop chronic fatigue used to actively exercise prior to the onset of the disease. Majority of the patients were also at the prime of their lives when they developed the disease. It is not surprising therefore that this disorder is coined as the “yuppie disease”, because it occurs at the time when a person is supposedly healthy and full of life.
After the onset of the disease, the lives of these people are changed drastically. They get stuck in their beds and quit their jobs because it is very taxing to get up. They had to abandon their roles and obligations because they do not have even enough energy to take care of themselves. In fact, they had to live a very sedentary and weak life because they are exhausted all the time.
Indeed, life for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers is hard, oftentimes debilitating.
More Herbal Remedies For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
It is widely believed that chronic fatigue syndrome is linked with viral infections despite the fact that doctors have yet to determine the exact cause of this debilitating ailment. In fact, most of the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome such as extreme exhaustion, muscle pains, tenderness in the joints, severe headache and lack of energy are also symptoms found in various viral infections such as flu.
Thus, to help combat the symptoms of CFS, it is important to stop the progress of these viruses and keep the immune system strong to help prevent future viral infections.
When it comes to boosting the immune system, one of the best ways is to go natural meaning, to turn to natural alternative remedies such as herbs. Aside from Korean ginseng, astragalus, ginkgo biloba, echinacea and licorice root, there are several other herbal remedies that individuals suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome can try.
Most of these herbal remedies are easily available. Here are some of them:
Siberian ginseng This herb increases the body’s resistance to stress and fatigue as well as several diseases. It is also widely praised for its efficacy in increasing mental alertness. It also has strong antioxidant properties. These make Siberian ginseng a recommended herbal remedy for the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. However, it is important to use a standardized Siberian ginseng extract that contains 0.5% eleutheroside E and take 100-200 milligrams two times daily since the herb has its optimal potency at this dosage. It is best to take Siberian ginseng once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
Garlic Since ancient times, garlic has been known for its antibiotic properties. It contains the chemical alicin, which helps kill many types of bacteria and viruses. Garlic also has antioxidant effects. Garlic can be taken either raw or cooked. If you don’t like the taste of garlic, you can also choose supplements that have high garlic content.
Burdock A type of thistle, burdock is known for its diuretic and diaphoretic properties. It is also known as a blood-purifying agent. Taking burdock is an excellent way to flush away the toxins that cause several disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine, the greater burdock is also used extensively especially for treating dandruff and hair loss.
Carrot juice with kelp and bee pollen This combination creates an excellent tonic drink that is perfect for boosting your energy level whenever you feel the effects of fatigue wear you down. This combination is highly recommended as a perk-me-up for individuals with low-blood pressure.
Goldenseal This herb is used widely to control infections. In cases of sore throat, goldenseal extracts are recommended to help soothe it. All you have to do is to take a few drops of goldenseal extract the alcohol-free variety and hold it in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing. However, it is advised that goldenseal should not be taken on a daily basis for more than a week. Pregnant women should also not sue goldenseal. For individuals with history of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, it is important to consult your doctor first and use goldenseal under your doctor’s supervision.
Cat’s claw This herb is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Ideal dosage is 250 mg of standardized cat’s claw extract taken thrice daily with gradual increases in dosage over a period of four weeks until you reach a thousand milligrams taken three times per day.
Cat’s claw is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers. Individuals using anticoagulant are also advised to use cat’s claw with caution.