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Wednesday, August 27, 2008
 Latest
Back Pain Medical and Health News Headlines
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Back Pain Medical and Health News Headlines
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All Recent Back Pain Medical Condition News Headlines |
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Patients taking cymbalta® experienced reduced chronic low back pain in new study
Data from a new study suggest that Cymbalta (duloxetine HCl) 60-120 mg once daily significantly reduced chronic low back pain, as measured by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) 24-hour average pain score, compared with placebo. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)...
POSTED 08/26/2008 at 05:00 AM --
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Alexander technique helps back pain
SOUTHAMPTON , England, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- A personalized approach to help patients with back pain develop self-care skills, exercise and massage is effective for back pain, British researchers said. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)...
POSTED 08/25/2008 at 04:55 PM --
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Radiographic lumbar spondylosis is highly prevalent in elderly patients
A Japanese population-based cohort study shows that lumbar spondylosis is highly prevalent in the elderly and that disc space narrowing may be a risk factor for low back pain. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)...
POSTED 08/25/2008 at 04:00 PM --
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Lilly depression drug eases back pain in study
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Eli Lilly and Co's Cymbalta depression treatment significantly reduced chronic low back pain in a relatively small clinical trial, the company said on Monday. (Source: Reuters: Health)...
POSTED 08/25/2008 at 10:17 AM --
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Faster back pain relief
Each year, 40 to 60 percent of adults in the United States suffer from chronic back pain and more than one million of these people seek spinal surgery procedures. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)...
POSTED 08/25/2008 at 12:00 AM --
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Alexander technique: the great curer of back pain
A new study has proved the technique works best for relieving tension, reports Maria Fitzpatrick. (Source: Telegraph Health)...
POSTED 08/24/2008 at 07:01 PM --
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Upright positional mri of the lumbar spine.
Upright positional MRI of the lumbar spine.
Clin Radiol. 2008 Sep;63(9):1035-48
Authors: Alyas F, Connell D, Saifuddin A
Supine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely used in the assessment of low back pain and radiculopathy. However, imaging findings often correlate poorly with clinical findings. This is partly related to the positional dependence of spinal stenosis, which reflects dynamic changes in soft-tissue structures (ligaments, disc, dural sac, epidural fat, and nerve roots). Upright MRI in the flexed, extended, rotated, standing, and bending positions, allows patients to reproduce the positions that bring about their symptoms and may uncover MRI findings that were not visible with routine supine imaging. Assessment of the degree of spinal stability in the degenerate and postoperative lumbar spine is also possible. The aim of this review was to present the current literature concerning both the normal and symptomatic spine as imaged using upright MRI and to illustrate the above findings using clinical examples.
PMID: 18718234 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Radiology)...
POSTED 08/24/2008 at 05:03 AM --
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Trial finds alexander technique helps reduce backpain
The results of an Alexander technique study suggests the method can provide long-term benefit for people with chronic or recurrent low back pain, one of the most common conditions seen by general practitioners. The results are published in the British Medical Journal. Until now there has been no solid evidence that the Alexander technique can help to alleviate back pain. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)...
POSTED 08/24/2008 at 02:00 AM --
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Femoral neck stress fracture in a male runner
David A. Krause, Karen L. NewcomerA 37-year-old male, referred to physical therapy by his physician, presented with a recent onset of left anterior hip and groin pain. Radiographs of the pelvis, left hip, and left femur were negative. After 2 weeks of rest and physical therapy, the patient was referred back to his physician for further investigation due to lack of improvement in symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed findings consistent with a stress fracture on the inferior (compression) side of the femoral neck. Stress fractures of the femoral neck can be difficult to diagnose, since standard radiographs are typically not diagnostic in the early stages. It is not until the healing phase, approximately 3 weeks after onset, that the stress fractures may become apparent on standard radiographs. Given the potential for dire outcomes, especially with superior (tension) side stress fractures, early diagnosis is paramount.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;38(8):517. doi:10.2519/jospt.2008.0408KEY WORDS: femur, magnetic resonance imaging, radiographs (Source: The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy)...
POSTED 08/23/2008 at 03:55 PM --
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Iodine-131 iodomethylnorcholesterol: chest discomfort, back pain, hypertension and flushing: 2 case reports.
Page: 23 (Source: Reactions Weekly)...
POSTED 08/23/2008 at 05:12 AM --
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The mind-body connection: our thoughts can heal us (pt 2)
(NaturalNews) The "new biology" is challenging many long-held beliefs that affect us in the areas of psychology,
physiology, and spirituality. As the quote below indicates, mind-over-matter was an idea advocated by
Kabbalists of the 18th century, but it came to be regarded as a fantasy, a theory that received very negative reviews in "modern" times. Once DNA was discovered, genetic paradigms gained influence over every phase of our lives. When a large number of illnesses and disorders were blamed on genes inherited from parents, it provided an excuse for our distress."The basic cause of illness is unhappiness; therefore the great healer is joy."(Rabbi Nachman, late 18th century)There was a time recently when many doctors would imply to their patients that their illness was all in their heads. Patients did not like this, as it put the responsibility for maintaining health on the person's own shoulders. Many thought their doctor said this only because he or she could not figure out the source of symptoms. Now, however, science is making strides in brain studies which are providing proof that our thoughts can indeed affect our brain chemistry and thus our physical and mental health.We have learned that negative emotions such as fear and stress not only make our bodies more susceptible to disease, but can actually cause the disease. Conversely, the same biochemical mechanisms that work against us may also be utilized to work for us.The placebo effect has been shown to heal a fair percentage of patients whose belief in the cure was enough to actually rid their bodies of disease. This effect works by the power of suggestion; patients have believed they had surgeries for cancer when they have not had any and the cancer cleared up, or they have been given sugar pills that cured them.The new biology takes this further. It is not just the power of suggestion, but the actual thoughts and words chosen by the person which changes brain chemistry. We have 50 trillion cells in our body which communicate through neurochemical and vibration signals. Bruce H. Lipton, PhD, has done a large amount of work in this field, which is called epigenetics.The word epigenetics literally means "above the genes", i.e., the mind controls the genes. Dr. Lipton says our minds can re-write our genes. He compares the cell to a computer chip, as each is a bit of information. Both can receive information through different routes and cause a reaction.Epigenetics changes our paradigm of control. The old physics believed the universe is based on matter. The new biology is based on the idea that the universe is governed by energy.Even though the programming of the cells begins in infancy or before birth, they can be reprogrammed to act differently. The process which the information goes through to affect the cell determines the programming of the cell. Cells become cancerous because they are instructed in some way to do so. If we realize this and change our beliefs, thus changing our messages to our cells, Lipton says we can heal ourselves.With genes off the hook as the cause of cancer, for example, people won't have the negative worries and thoughts about cancer that plague them just because their mom, dad or other relative had it. This in itself should eliminate a large number of incidences of cancer.However, this is still not all of the power of the new biology. The main chemicals which play a role in our brain chemistry are Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine and Endorphins. Each of these affects a different area. Most recreational runners know the endorphin effect, or runner's high. Messages sent to the brain tell it to produce more or less of a certain chemical, depending on what the body needs at the time.These messages can be stimulated by bodily processes which tell our mind what we need, or mental processes by which our thoughts originate the signaling message.It is the thought-as-originator concept which is harder for people to understand. Consider these examples:* We know how easily our emotions, and resulting chemical changes, can be manipulated by visuals from TV or movies;* Even reading a suspenseful novel will elicit changes in our brain chemistry;* Consider how a coach gets adrenalin pumping in his football players before taking the field.If we subject ourselves to a heavy menu of negative stimuli, we will probably suffer from stress-induced illness. When the mind is stressed, the level of immune protective cells goes down. The opposite is also true: when the emotional state is relaxed, the number of protective cells goes up. So if a person practices meditation, positive thinking and other methods to create a relaxed mood, immunity against disease improves.Tipping the scales toward peaceful relaxed moods should keep the chemistry in balance and ensure a more healthful physical environment for cells.These positive mental practices help to change confidence levels -- by first changing chemical levels.
Repeating the same words over and over can create new paths between chemicals. Once the new paths are
created, new thought patterns become habitual. For example, to provide more will power, a person can change "I will never lose this weight." to "I can lose weight."Since the 1960's, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a form of psychotherapy, has developed based on the premise that thoughts can change behavior and overwrite the cell's memory. Learning new rational, self-counseling skills are the focus of the client, under the teaching of the therapist. This type of counseling can achieve results quite quickly, but it is necessary that the client be able to articulate his thoughts and feelings and be willing to change them.Comparisons have been studied by mapping brain activity in patients taking antidepressants and in patients undergoing the CBT. With CBT, brain changes occurred in later-evolving regions of the brain, those that deal with cognition, memory, and planning, such as the hippocampus and frontal cortices.The pharmacological treatment appeared to alter the brain regions associated with the basic functions of breathing and gross motor control, such as the brainstem and cerebellum. So it appears that similarly felt changes in behavior and mood are caused by the different mechanisms of drugs and therapy without drugs.It is a great advance that we now have this information, which was not known by science in the 18th century. Yet the techniques of meditation and visualization to improve healing were being taught. Meditation, the conscious control and direction of one's thoughts, has been shown to be effective in many diseases. Avraham Greenbaum states in his book, The Wings of the Sun:"A number of studies have indicated that regular meditation can reduce hypertension (high blood pressure), which is implicated in the vast majority of heart attacks and strokes, and that it can also lower abnormally high levels of cholesterol in the blood..."Other studies indicate that regular meditation may substantially increase blood levels of certain important immune-system hormones, while reducing levels of the stress hormones that have been linked to many diseases. In addition, meditation is said to be of benefit for migraine, various kinds of back pain, digestive disorders, arthritis, diabetes and thyroid problems."In visualization, the patient vividly imagines the outcome he or she wishes to achieve, such as the white blood cells swallowing up the attacking bacteria or virus cells. It is believed that the imagination actually influences the physiological processes, some of which include salivation, muscle tension, respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, gastrointestinal activity, blood glucose levels and blister formation.Rabbi Nachman emphasized "Thought can bring about many things... When thought is intensely concentrated it can exert great influence. Every faculty of the mind, both conscious and unconscious, down to the innermost point, must be focused without distraction. To accomplish this, the concentrated thought must spell out every step of the desired result in detail."He even described how a patient could speak to his body parts to affect change. According to Greenbaum, "There is indeed evidence that for certain types of physical conditions, sounds or vibrations of various kinds can be used to promote healing. Sounds, chants, prayers and music play a role in many healing traditions. Sound waves may well have a direct effect on certain aspects of bodily functioning."The human body is a wonderful thing, and now we know that the mind is even more incredible! What mystics knew two hundred years ago, we now know evidentially: the mind has the power to bring mental, emotional and physical healing. Changing thought patterns is not always easy ,- in fact, it can be excruciatingly hard. But if one is able and determined to improve his or her health, methods are now close at hand that are free without nasty side effects. Upgrade thought ,- upgrade health!Resources:(http://www.azamra.org/wings.shtml) Wings of the Sun , online version(http://www.brucelipton.com/)(http://counsellingresource.com/quizzes/emotional-memory/part-2.html)(http://www.jfinternational.com/psy/positive.html)(http://www.trans4mind.com/news/mind-body.html)(http://www.infinityinst.com/articles/cell_conscious.html)(http://www.longleaf.net/ggrow/Healing/Mental.html)About the authorCathy Sherman is a freelance writer with a major interest in natural health and in encouraging others to take responsibility for their health. She can be reached through www.devardoc.com. (Source: NaturalNews.com)...
POSTED 08/23/2008 at 02:00 AM --
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Chronic widespread pain in patients with occupational spinal disorders: prevalence, psychiatric comorbidity, and association with outcomes
Occupational spinal disorders are often associated with pain and may include psychiatric components. Study authors evaluate how these factors affect rehabilitation and return to work outcomes.
Spine (Source: Medscape Psychiatry Headlines)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 04:14 PM --
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[emergency casebook] neck pain and minor trauma: normal radiographs do not always exclude serious pathology
A 37-year-old woman presented following a trampolining accident with neck pain and paraesthesia of the left arm. Cervical spine radiographs were normal and a provisional diagnosis of whiplash was made. Three hours later she developed rotational vertigo and then cerebellar signs. Magnetic resonance angiography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain confirmed the diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection (VAD) with cerebellar embolic infarcts. She was anticoagulated and symptoms resolved over one week. VAD is a relatively common cause of posterior circulation stroke in young people. It usually presents following (often minor) trauma, with headache, neck pain, cerebellar, sensory and cranial nerve signs. However, it remains a diagnosis that is frequently missed or misdiagnosed. (Source: Emergency Medicine Journal)...
POSTED 08/21/2008 at 11:00 PM --
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Eculizumab.
Eculizumab.
Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2008 Sep 1;65(17):1609-15
Authors: Davis J
PURPOSE: The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, indications, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, drug interactions, and dosage and administration of eculizumab are reviewed. SUMMARY: Eculizumab, a recombinant, humanized, monoclonal, immunoglobulin G antibody produced from murine myeloma cells, is the first agent to be approved for labeling by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Eculizumab works by inhibiting the complement cascade. It binds specifically to complement protein C5 and inhibits cleavage to C5a and C5b, resulting in the prevention of terminal complex formation and therefore cell lysis. In clinical studies, the effect of eculizumab on hemolysis was measured by a reduction in serum lactase dehydrogenase levels. The effect on hemolysis was evident after one week of treatment. The safety and efficacy of eculizumab were evaluated in a series of three trials. Results from the trials indicated that eculizumab reduces hemolysis and improves symptoms such as the number of paroxysms, dysphagia, and abdominal pain. The most frequent adverse reactions reported in the clinical trials included headache, nasopharyngitis, back pain, and nausea. The recommended i.v. dosing regimen is 600 mg weekly for four weeks, followed by a 900-mg dose at week 5, and 900 mg every 14 days as a maintenance dose. The manufacturer recommends that patients who have not received meningococcal vaccine be vaccinated at least two weeks before starting therapy because eculizumab is associated with a high risk of meningococcal infection. CONCLUSION: Eculizumab represents a major advancement in the treatment of PNH. While clinical experience is limited, long-term studies in patients with PNH have supported the safe and effective use of eculizumab with few serious adverse effects.
PMID: 18714106 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP)...
POSTED 08/21/2008 at 11:57 AM --
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Community back pain clinics 'can manage vast majority of patients'
A GP-led clinic can manage as many as 84% of patients with low back pain without the need for hospital referral, an audit reveals. (Source: Pulse)...
POSTED 08/21/2008 at 11:23 AM --
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Nice to consider alexander technique back pain findings
NICE is set to consider ‘unusually good’ results from a landmark trial finding the Alexander Technique has dramatic benefits for chronic back pain. (Source: Pulse)...
POSTED 08/21/2008 at 10:48 AM --
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Sex differences in presentation, course, and management of low back pain in primary care.
Page: 578DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e31816ed948Authors: Chenot, Jean-Francois MD, MPH *; Becker, Annette MD, MPH +; Leonhardt, Corinna PhD ++; Keller, Stefan PhD, MSc ++ [S]; Donner-Banzhoff, Norbert MD, PhD, MSc +; Hildebrandt, Jan MD, PhD [//]; Basler, Heinz-Dieter PhD ++; Baum, Erika MD +; Kochen, Michael M. MD, PhD, MPH *; Pfingsten, Michael PhD [//] (Source: The Clinical Journal of Pain)...
POSTED 08/21/2008 at 04:26 AM --
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Fear-avoidance beliefs, physical activity, and disability in elderly individuals with chronic low back pain and healthy controls.
Page: 604DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e31816b54f6Authors: Basler, Heinz-Dieter PhD *; Luckmann, Judith MSc *; Wolf, Udo MSc +; Quint, Sabine PhD * (Source: The Clinical Journal of Pain)...
POSTED 08/21/2008 at 04:26 AM --
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The associations between pain intensity, psychosocial variables, and pain duration/recurrence in a large sample of persons with nonspecific spinal pain.
Page: 611DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e3181726248Authors: Demmelmaier, Ingrid RT *; Lindberg, Per PhD *; Asenlof, Pernilla PhD *; Denison, Eva PhD * + (Source: The Clinical Journal of Pain)...
POSTED 08/21/2008 at 04:26 AM --
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Bone health and back pain: what do we know and where should we go?
Abstract
Summary Bone health is generally not considered in patients who present with chronic back pain. Nonetheless, bone health and back
pain share common genetic and environmental correlates suggesting a co-dependence. Evidence exists for a relationship between
back pain and impaired bone health. Here we present the evidence, theoretic framework and clinical relevance.
Bone health and back pain are important determinants of musculoskeletal health. Back pain experienced in youth is a risk factor
for future back pain, while suboptimal bone health during development increases the risk of skeletal fragility in later life.
Generally, bone health is not considered in patients with chronic back pain who do not demonstrate other well-recognised bone
health risk factors or associated conditions. Nonetheless, evidence suggests that back pain and impaired bone health share
common environmental and genetic correlates, indicating that bone health ought to be considered in the context of back pain
in otherwise healthy individuals. This review describes the likely mechanisms explaining the relationship between back pain
and impaired bone health, evidence concerning the relationship and suggestions for future research. A narrative literature
search was conducted using CINAHL, Medline, PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases. A history of back pain is associated
with decreased bone mineral density in adults, yet this tends to be site-specific. No studies were identified examining this
association in youth, yet the negative effects of childhood skeletal trauma and obesity on bone and spinal health provide
indirect evidence for an association. Further research is required to clarify the impact of back pain on bone health at different
lifespan stages using prospective cohort designs.
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ReviewDOI 10.1007/s00198-008-0719-7Authors
A. M. Briggs, Curtin University of Technology School of Physiotherapy Perth AustraliaL. M. Straker, Curtin University of Technology School of Physiotherapy Perth AustraliaJ. D. Wark, University of Melbourne Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital Parkville Victoria 3050 Australia
Journal Osteoporosis InternationalOnline ISSN 1433-2965Print ISSN 0937-941X (Source: Osteoporosis International)...
POSTED 08/21/2008 at 04:23 AM --
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IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional
medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a
qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
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