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low back pain is a common disorder affecting millions of individuals annually. It is a common musculoskeletal disorder that affects the lumbar segment of the spine, which is the lowest part of the back just above your buttocks. It is one of the most common causes of missing work, and can affect anyone of any age, race, or sex. It is one of the top 10 reasons patients seek care from a doctor.

low back pain is typically classified as either acute or chronic. low back pain is often accompanied by stiffness and difficulty with normal movement, muscle spasms, and pain that becomes worse with any type of straining. If it is particularly bad it may cause pain down the back of your leg, which is called sciatica.

Chronic Back Pain

Chronic low-back pain is a very common problem for which there is currently no universally effective treatment. Chronic back pain is generally defined as pain that persists for more than three months. Chronic pain is much less common than acute pain. It usually has an insidious onset, occurring over a long period of time. It can also occur in people whose work involves heavy lifting, bending, and long periods of standing on a daily basis. It also may originate from an injury, disease or stresses on different structures of the body such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae, or a spinal disc herniation, a vertebral fracture (caused by osteoporosis), or rarely, a tumor (including cancer) or infection. Chronic low back pain can be shooting, stabbing or localised in nature. It can also be referred from another part of the body.

Acute Back Pain

Acute pain is the most common type of back pain. Acute back pain is short term, generally lasting from a few days to a few weeks. Acute pain comes on quickly and often leaves just as quickly. The commonest reasons for acute lower back pain are damaged muscles, ligaments and tendons in the lower back. Acute back pain can also be caused by kidney stones, pelvic inflammation and even some bowel conditions like constipation, inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis may have some back pain associated with it. These are much less common.

Back Pain Symptoms

Symptoms of low back pain depend upon the cause of the pain. Damage to muscles and ligaments causes pain, back muscle spasm, pain on walking, difficulty twisting, stiffness and sometimes pain worse on one side rather than the other. Pain caused by nerve irritation often also causes sciatica. sciatica is pain down the leg or legs caused by irritation to the sciatic nerve in your back. It is often caused by disc problems, arthritis and severe muscle damage and spasm.

Treatment

Treatment for back pain generally depends on what kind of pain you experience: acute or chronic. Treatment options range from basic rest but only for 24 hours, ice or heat and gradually resuming activity to medication, exercise, physical therapy and acupuncture. Using trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS ) with both acute and chronic pain can speed recovery and reduce pain. Acupuncture like TENS is excellent for treating muscle spasms and the trigger points often found in back muscles.

Treatments for chronic back pain can vary greatly depending on the type and source of the pain. Many sufferers find TENS a great help in reducing symptoms. If the problems persist an operation is often required to relieve the pressure on the disc and reduce nerve irritation.

exercises

Having used TENS to reduce pain exercises that increase balance and strength can decrease your risk of further back pain. exercises such as Tai Chi, yoga or any weight-bearing exercise that challenges your balance are good ones to try. String back and abdominal muscles can lessen pain. exercises to reduce low back pain are not complicated and can be done at home without any special equipment.

Andy Duncan is a doctor and freelance medical writer. For more information on pain and TENS machines please visit www.pain-rehab.co.uk

posted by 45193  # 1:52 PM 0 comments

Whether you are a beginner at golf or a professional, you will want the golf ball that suits you and your game best. You will also want to get the best golf ball for your money. This is where golf ball reviews come in handy as a reference tool.

Don't allow yourself to be swayed by what you see your friends or fellow golfers using. First, they may have been golfing longer than you have. Secondly, they may have an entirely different technique than what you have. There are many good golf ball reviews online, in magazines or stores that will be very helpful. It is wise to remember that the most expensive balls may not be what you need. The top-of-the-line name brands that you read about may not be the best for you either. More expensive is not always best- just more expensive.

Golf balls consist of two major types: wound or solid. The wound balls are the conventional balls that have been around for years. The solid ball came into play in the 1980's. Originally, golfers were of the opinion that the solid golf balls offered little control of spin and performed poorly in general. They were used to the wound ball. Technology has now advanced to where golf ball reviews will show the increased popularity and use of solid balls.

Beyond the two basis types, there are one piece, two-piece and three-piece balls. The one piece, made of Surlyn with dimples, is the basic ball for on the driving range or just starting out. You won't get much distance, but they are very durable and inexpensive, which makes them great for practicing. Two-piece balls have the core and a strong covering. Due to the high restitution covering, you will get great distance and durability. Manufacturers are now able to make them "softer" which contributes to greater control. Golf ball reviews have shown that these are very popular for the every day golfer on the course.

Three-piece balls, wound with a liquid center or solid, allow the more experienced golfer the control he wants. The backspin is very good and there is good distance and height. These are more for the experienced golfer who is able to "control" his shots with spin and distance.

There are also four-piece balls, but they are new on the market. They are made of a soft Urethane, are durable and great for distance.

You will be able to choose if you are looking for spin or feel golf balls. Golf ball reviews will help you decide which ball is right for you. Low spin golf balls will lessen the amount of side spin when you shoot, therefore the ball will go straighter in the air. It may not go as far in the air as you"d like, but with less spin it will roll more when it hits the ground. This is a good ball for player that is unable to get a long drive. A mid spin golf balls is the ball most suitable for all players. It combines both distance and feel. High spin golf balls are made to increase the spin when it"s in the air and go farther. They are used a lot by golfers that hit right to left with a draw.

Firm feel golf balls are used for distance, and will feel hard when hit. They are used if distance is more important than spinning onto the green. It's a very durable ball and will go many rounds. Mid feel golf balls act similar to the mid spinning ball in that it is the most suitable for all players. It combines distance with being easily controlled on the green. Soft feel golf balls are balls used by many professional golfers that are able to use spin on short shots. It is not a ball for beginners. It is easily nicked or damaged due to the soft cover.

Ronald Piper is an online researcher who publishes new information on specialized topics. He provides daily, relevant information and updated content on your favorite interests. To view more articles related to this particular subject, please visit this website at: http://golfing.com

posted by 45193  # 4:10 AM 0 comments