Preliminary studies suggest that stem cell transplants could be used in the future as a treatment for spinal disc degeneration. This cause of severe back pain is common in older individuals and can be difficult to treat. Recent work suggests that stem cells transplanted into a degenerated disk can survive and help heal the disc,… [Continue Reading]
Stem Cell Transplants Could Heal Disc Degeneration and Back Pain
November 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Transcranial Electrostimulation Reduces Pain Significantly
November 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment
According to a study, a simple, noninvasive technique providing low-level electrical stimulation of the brain produces significant pain-reducing effects in humans. With further research and development, transcranial electrostimulation (TES) could provide a valuable, non-drug approach to reducing pain and the need for pain medications, according to the study. In the study, ultraviolet light was used… [Continue Reading]
Researchers Report Overuse of Narcotics in Chronic Neck Pain Treatment
October 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Researchers report that narcotics and diagnostic testing are overused in treating chronic neck pain. Their findings indicate clinicians may overlook more effective treatments for neck pain, such as therapeutic exercise. According to reviews cited in the study, evidence to support the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise in treating chronic neck pain is good, yet only 53%… [Continue Reading]
Reduction in the Worst Peaks of Pain Experienced With Spike Mats
September 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Spike mats do not alleviate chronic pain. Nor do they lead to a better night’s sleep. But It is the first scientific study of the effects of the spike mat. The spike mat has been touted as a cure for both pain and insomnia. The marketing has been intensive. But there have been no scientific… [Continue Reading]
Alexander Technique and Exercise Program Combination for Back Pain
September 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Alexander technique lessons in combination with an exercise program offer long-term effective treatment for chronic back pain, according to a study. Back pain causes more disability than almost any other condition in Western societies, but very few effective long-term treatments are available to patients. Previous research shows that the Alexander technique and massage may help… [Continue Reading]
Weight Training Most Beneficial Form of Exercise to Ease Back Pain
September 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment
According to a study, people who use weight training to ease their lower back pain are better off than those who choose other forms of exercise such as jogging. The study showed a 60 per cent improvement in pain and function levels for people with chronic backache who took part in a 16-week exercise program… [Continue Reading]
According to Study, Acupuncture Eases Chronic Low Back Pain
September 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment
According to the largest randomized trial of its kind, acupuncture can help people with chronic low back pain feel less bothered by their symptoms and function better in their daily activities. But the SPINE (Stimulating Points to Investigate Needling Efficacy) trial raises questions about how the ancient practice actually works. Compared to the group that… [Continue Reading]
Study Suggests Glucosamine has Little Benefit for Low-Back Pain
September 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Even though it is widely used as a therapy for low back pain, a randomized controlled trial finds that patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) and degenerative lumbar osteoarthritis who took glucosamine for six months showed little difference on measures of pain-related disability, low back and leg pain and health-related quality of life, compared… [Continue Reading]
Attitudes Affect Disability in Patients with Chronic Lower Back Pain
July 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Immune Cell Possible Culprit in Low Back Pain Associated With Herniated Discs
June 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment
An immune cell known to cause chronic inflammation in autoimmune disorders has been identified as a possible culprit in low back pain associated with herniated discs. The finding implicates the cytokine molecule interleukin-17, and supports the burgeoning theory that an immune response plays a significant role in disc disease, says William J. Richardson, an orthopedic… [Continue Reading]