Age: The first attack of low back pain typically occurs between the ages of 30 and 40. Back pain becomes more common with age.

Fitness level: Back pain is more common among people who are not physically fit. Weak back and abdominal muscles may not properly support the spine.

“Weekend warriors”—people who go out and exercise a lot after being inactive all week—are more likely to suffer painful back injuries than people who make moderate physical activity a daily habit. Studies show that low-impact aerobic exercise is good for the disks that cushion the vertebrae, the individual bones that make up the spine.

Diet: A diet high in calories and fat, combined with an inactive lifestyle, can lead to obesity, which can put stress on the back.

Heredity: Some causes of back pain, such as ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that affects the spine, have a genetic component.

Race: Race can be a factor in back problems. African American women, for example, are two to three times more likely than white women to develop spondylolisthesis, a condition in which a vertebra of the lower spine—also called the lumbar spine—slips out of place.

The presence of other diseases: Many diseases can cause or contribute to back pain. These include various forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and cancers elsewhere in the body that may spread to the spine.

Occupational risk factors: Having a job that requires heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling, particularly when this involves twisting or vibrating the spine, can lead to injury and back pain. An inactive job or a desk job may also lead to or contribute to pain, especially if you have poor posture or sit all day in an uncomfortable chair.

Cigarette smoking: Although smoking may not directly cause back pain, it increases your risk of developing low back pain and low back pain with sciatica. (Sciatica is back pain that radiates to the hip and/or leg due to pressure on a nerve.) For example, smoking may lead to pain by blocking your body’s ability to deliver nutrients to the disks of the lower back. Or repeated coughing due to heavy smoking may cause back pain. It is also possible that smokers are just less physically fit or less healthy than nonsmokers, which increases the likelihood that they will develop back pain. Smoking also increases the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that causes weak, porous bones, which can lead to painful fractures of the vertebrae. Furthermore, smoking can slow healing, prolonging pain for people who have had back injuries, back surgery, or broken bones.

Methyl Salicylate (oil of wintergreen) is used to cause dilation of the capillaries and an increase in the blood circulation, that results in pain relief by a counterirritant effect.

Capsaicin is the active component of chili peppers. Capsaicin is used to relieve the pain of peripheral neuropathy such as post-herpetic neuralgia caused by shingles. It may be used in concentrations of between 0.025% and 0.075%. It is used as a cream for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, simple backache, strains and sprains.

Camphor is readily absorbed through the skin and produces a feeling of cooling similar to that of Menthol and acts as a slight local anesthetic and a antimicrobial substance.

Arnica Montana is used for strains, sprains, and bruises. Commercial arnica preparations are frequently used by professional athletes. Arnica preparations used topically have been demonstrated to act as an anti-inflammatory and assist normal healing processes by facilitating transport of blood and fluid accumulations through a dilating action of subcutaneous blood capillaries

MSM has been used for the treatment of Osteoarthritis. Patients who used MSM had significantly reduced pain, and improved physical functioning. It occurs naturally in some primitive plants and is present in small amounts in many foods and beverages. Clinical evidence for the usefulness of MSM consists of published studies on both animals and humans. These studies of MSM have suggested some benefits, particularly for treatment of Osteoarthritis.

Clinical studies conducted by Dr. Tony Perez, shows that sensitive receptors in the skin respond to cold in 65% of the patients, and to heat in 45% of the patients. Some of the fibers respond to both, cold and heat. As a result of these studies, Advanced Pain Therapy Cream was formulated to affect all of the sensory receptors, hot and cold, thus producing the therapeutic effects and benefits that promote pain relief and healing.

Although it may take several weeks before back pain completely disappears, if you don’t feel some improvement within the first 24 hours of self-care, it’s time to call a doctor. The following are some of the warning signals that a call to a doctor is needed:

• You feel back pain after an injury…or…recent accident
• You feel back pain now, and have a history of back pain
• Your back pain has lasted more than a few days
• You have back pain and are older than age 50

One solution to your low back pain may be Chiropractic Care. Chiropractic medicine is perhaps the most commonly used alternative therapy in the United States. It’s based on the belief that certain illnesses and conditions result from a pinched nerve in your spine.

To relieve mild to moderate back pain and reduce or eliminate the negative effects on your nerves, chiropractors manipulate and massage your spine and back muscles. Spinal manipulation can effectively treat uncomplicated back pain, especially if you’ve had the pain for less than a few weeks.

“A 1992 policy statement from the American Medical Association permits physicians to work with chiropractors — and physicians believe that chiropractic treatment offers a clear benefit for your low back pain. Although chiropractors use many standard medical procedures, they don’t prescribe drugs or perform surgery.”

Some clients reply that their experience has been life changing. They tell us about getting relief from their pain that they just could not get without Advanced Pain Therapy Cream. Frankly, I really have no idea what it is like to have pain on an on going basis. I am one of the lucky ones that do not experience pain…yet. But I can tell you there is nothing quite like reading about how someone has gotten the relief they have been desperate to find. It warms the heart!

Others reply that they “Only applied the cream a couple of times and the pain has stopped…so I guess it works”.

We really don’t care if you are moved to sending us a testimonial, or simply wonder where your pain went. We just want you to experience the pain relief that can be yours when you apply Advanced Pain Therapy Cream.

R.B.

Low back injuries are a very common cause of work disability. And even though back pain is rarely life-threatening, the yearly cost in terms of

1) lost productivity       

2) medical expenses

3) workers’ compensation benefits

runs into the tens of billions of dollars every single year in the United States.

Although low back pain is common, it’s also possible for you to prevent most back problems with simple steps such as exercise, and adopting new ways to sit and stand. Even if you’ve injured your back before, you can learn new ways to help avoid recurrent injuries.

There are seven major factors that contribute to your lower back pain. In addition, poor muscle tone, excess weight…especially around your middle…and improper or heavy lifting should also be considered. Also, poor posture and sitting  (or standing) in one position for a long time puts extra stress on your spine.

1.       Muscle strains. Strained muscles, tendons, ligaments or inflamed joints may cause low back pain…and result in you missing work. Muscle strains usually result from accidents.

2.       Spasms. Muscle spasm is a common response to injury. The muscle spasm is designed to immobilize the painful area and prevent further damage. Some spasms are so severe that you can’t move!

3.       Osteo low back pain. This degenerative joint condition affects nearly everyone past age 60. Overworking, injuries, and aging can slowly cause deterioration of cartilage, the protective tissue that covers the surface of the joints of your vertebrae. Even though we all call this “low back pain”…it still hurts!

4.       Sciatica. Pain may occur in your leg due to inflammation or compression of nerves in your lower back. If sciatica goes untreated, you may end up dragging your leg around!

5.       Osteoporosis. This condition causes brittle bones, which leads to a gradual weakening of bones. The result can be painful vertebral compression fractures. People older than 50, particularly women, are prone to osteoporosis.

6.      Herniated disk. This condition occurs when normal wear and tear or exceptional strain causes a disk to rupture. Bulging disks are common and often painless. It becomes painful when excessive bulging  or fragments of the disk herniate or break-off and place pressure on nearby nerves. Some doctors call this a “swollen disk”, or a “bulging disk”.

7. Fibromyalgia. This chronic syndrome produces achy, tender and stiff  muscles and joints where tendons attach to your bones. Pain is usually worse after inactivity and improves with movement and exercise.

With a little care and attention, you may be able to avoid an aching back in the first place. Getting in better physical condition may help prevent back pain.

To keep your back healthy and strong:

• Exercise. Regular aerobic activities that don’t strain or jolt your back can increase strength and endurance in your lower back, allowing your muscles to function better. These aerobic exercises may include walking, swimming or biking.
• Build muscle strength and flexibility. Conditioned abdominal and back muscles work together like a natural corset for your back. Flexibility in your hips and upper legs allows for proper pelvic bone alignment, which improves how your back feels. Doing several simple exercises on a regular basis can help support and align your back.
• Stand smart. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. If you must stand for long periods of time, alternate placing your feet on a low footstool to take some of the load off your lower back.
• Sit smart. Choose a seat with good lower back support or place a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back to maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level.
• Lift smart. Let your legs do the work. Move straight up and down. Keep your back straight and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously.
• Sleep smart. Lie on a firm mattress. Use pillows for support, but don’t use a pillow that forces your neck up at a severe angle.

First we’ll take a look at some arthritis diets where there’s little or no evidence that they actually make a difference.  One of the most common arthritis diets is to eliminate potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and most peppers.  While the diet won’t do any harm, it hasn’t been proven to affect arthritis at all.  Another arthritis diet seeks to reduce the acids in one’s body eliminating sugar, coffee, red meat, most grains, nuts, and citrus fruits.  It’s intended to be followed for just one month.  People may feel better because they lose weight which reduces the stress on their joints, but again there is no evidence to support this.  It also excludes many sources of vitamin C which is essential in fighting arthritis.  Drinking green tea has been shown to reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis in mice, but there are no conclusive results on human studies yet.  Shark cartilage is supposed to relieve arthritis.  Animal and lab studies show promise, but there are no human studies to support this yet. 

Not let’s take a look at some arthritis diets that have been shown to work.  Switching fats can reduce inflammation.  Eating fats found in red meat and poultry have actually been shown to increase inflammation.  Switching to cold water fish can help reduce the inflammation.  Using corn, safflower, and sunflower oils also helps.  Another arthritis diet is the ASU (avocado-soybean unsaponifiable).  It has been shown to relieve osteoarthritis, stimulate cartilage repair, and lessen a patient’s need to NSAIDs to control pain.  Ginger has been shown to ease pain and inflammation as well as protect the stomach from gastrointestinal effects from taking NSAIDs.  Glucosamine is a supplement that relieves pain in some patients with osteoarthritis.  It helps the body rebuild cartilage, but can take up to two months to see the effects.  If you are allergic to shellfish, check with your doctor before taking this as it is derived from crab, lobster, or shrimp shells.  Before taking any supplements talk with your doctor as some can interfere with or worsen side effects from your medications.     

Of course the best arthritis diet is a good old-fashioned well balanced diet.  Eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables, and go easy on fats and cholesterol.  A heart healthy diet is especially important to patients with rheumatoid arthritis as studies have shown a link between this disease and heart failure.  Vitamin C is good for repairing body tissue.  Vitamin D helps absorb calcium, build bone mass, and prevents bone loss.  Calcium helps strengthen your bones.  If you are on medication, ask your doctor if he/she recommends taking vitamins.  Some medications can create vitamin or mineral deficiencies.  When choosing your arthritis diet, be sure to talk with your physician as different types of arthritis have different needs.

There are many back pain issues that have been caused from poor posture. Posture has increased for many since computers are now more relied on. While you are at your desk be sure that you have proper posture and take many breaks to walk around, this increases circulation.

Poor lifting practice is another reason why so many people are suffers of back pain.  When you need to lift anything that is heavy you should always have help and you need to bend your knees. By bending your knees before you lift it prevents all of the weight from being put on your back.

Backs need to be exercised and stretched. Having a back that is not active for a long period of time can get weak and therefore there will be more pressure put onto bone joints which can cause some very painful situations. 

There is a great number of physiotherapists who claim that muscle imbalances are in fact the biggest cause of back pain. Back pain that is chronic or severe had been treated by relieving the imbalances of the muscles that support the spine and the pelvis.

The good news about back pain. Back pain could be stopped way before it will become a big problem. Stop any stress that you will put onto your back. It can save you a lifetime of uncomfortable, painful living.

 When you do find yourself in pain, apply Advanced Pain Therapy Cream directly on the source of the pain and quickly find relief.

1. creams that produce a sensation of cold and hot
2. creams made from Capsaicin
3. creams made with Salicylate referred to as topical analgesics
4. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory gels
5. local anesthetic patches

What to look for:

If you need tempory relief from muscle pain, counter-irritant creams might give you relief. These substances normally have a strong odor which is derived from substances such as wintergreen or menthol. If you have significant pain in your joints, you might benefit from capsaicin type creams as they specifically work on depleting the neurological substance associated with pain. Capsaicin is one of the trade names for these chili pepper derived creams. For individuals that respond well to aspirin, topical analgesic creams reduce joint inflammation. However, individuals that have an allergy to aspirin or are taking other blood thinners such as Coumadin should check with their physician prior to use.

R.B.

www.advancedpaintherapycream.com