JUNE 2009 NEWSLETTER

In the next few newsletters,
we will look at the different
Spinal Conditions and Problems.
Offering solutions to help you
deal with the everyday pain and
discomfort.

Degenerative disc disease:

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc, often called "degenerative
disc disease" (DDD) of the spine,
is a condition that can be painful
and can greatly affect the quality
of one's life. While disc degeneration is a normal part of aging and for most people is not a problem, for certain individuals a degenerated disc can cause severe constant chronic pain.

Causes:

Trauma, such as a simple lifting accident, is the most common cause of disc degeneration. After trauma, the discs in the spine dehydrate and lose their ability to act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. There is minimal blood supply to the discs, so they lack the ability to heal or repair themselves.

Understanding disc pain:

After an injury, some discs become painful because of inflammation. Some people have nerve endings that penetrate more deeply into the annulus fibrosus (outer layer of the disc) than others, making discs more susceptible to becoming a source of pain. The scientific community has the opinion that the healing process involved in the repair of trauma to the outer annulus results in the innervation of the resultant scar tissue, and subsequent pain in the disc, as these nerves become inflamed by nucleus pulposus material. Degenerative disc disease can lead to a chronic debilitating condition and can have a serious negative impact on a person's quality of life. When pain from degenerative disc disease is severe, traditional nonoperative treatment is often ineffective.

Treatment options:

Often, degenerative disc disease can be successfully treated without surgery. One or a combination of treatments such as physical therapy, chiropractic manipulative therapy (CMT), osteopathic manipulation, anti-inflammatory medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chiropractic treatments, traction, or spinal injections often provide adequate relief of these troubling symptoms.

Surgery may be recommended if the conservative treatment options do not provide relief within two to three months. If leg or back pain limits normal activity, if there is weakness or numbness in the legs, if it is difficult to walk or stand, or if medication or physical therapy are ineffective, surgery may be necessary, most often spinal fusion. There are many surgical options for the treatment of degenerative disc disease.

References:

"Degenerative Disc Disease - When Surgery Is Needed". http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article4029.html.
Retrieved on 2007-06-26.

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This Months Recommended Product:

Lumbar Extender by SMC Innovations

The Lumbar Extender by SMC Innovations is a back stretching tool designed to make stretching your back easy, safe, affordable and enjoyable. Unlike many other stretching devices available, the Lumbar Extender is adjustable, lightweight, compact and completely portable!

Use to help relieve chronic back pain, correct postural imbalances, restore the natural curvature of the back and improve flexibility in shoulder and back muscles.

The Lumbar Extender has won the support of health professionals, back problem sufferers and people with strong, healthy backs.

The Lumbar Extender has 3 levels of stretching that help relieve muscles and ligaments that have been overstretched due to poor posture or excessive activity.

Benefits and Features:

• Stretch your Back
• Improve Posture
• Enhance Flexibility
• Relieves Muscle Tension
• Helps Spinal Decompression
• 3 Levels of Back Stretching
• Can be Used Anytime
• Compact, lays flat for Easy Travel or Storage
• Cost effective

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Endorsed and Recommended by:

• Chiropractors
• Fitness Experts
• Massage Therapists
• Physical Trainers
• Physicians
• Professional Athletes

Specifications:

• 2.25" x 16.5" x 10"
• Weight 3 lbs.
• Weight Capacity 300 lbs
• High Density Polyethylene
• 5 year limited manufactures warranty

Recommended Use:

• Twice Daily for 5 minutes at a time
• Consult your physician before using the Lumbar Extender

Helpful Links about the Lumbar Extender

• 3 Levels
• Instructions
• Users Guidelines