Tips for Lower Back Pain Relief

Lower back pain affects millions of people each day. It can range from an ache to a debilitating pain that requires medical attention. If you have a history of lower back pain, you know how uncomfortable it can be. There are some simple things you can do at home to help relieve lower back pain. You don't have to suffer, here are some tips you can use to relieve lower back pain at home.
Over the Counter Medications
NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) help to reduce inflammation in the area causing you pain. They are an effective over the counter choice for treating back pain. Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin), aspirin, and naproxen (Alleve) are examples of NSAIDS you can get at your local store. Be aware however that these medications can cause stomach upset, and if used as a long term solution may increase the risk of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also an effective pain reliever. Acetaminophen works differently than NSAIDS in that it works on the nerves to relieve the pain instead of reducing inflammation. According to the Mayo Clinic acetaminophen is just as effective as NSAIDS for back pain relief. If you're concerned about the risk of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, acetaminophen may be a good choice for you. Check with your doctor if you're unsure which over the counter oral medication is best for you.
Topical Options

Deep heat lotions are a popular choice. They work by heating up the area affected and some people have reported relief from pain from these lotions. Ice packs and heat have also been shown to give relief from back pain. Alternating ice and heat may help to reduce inflammation and relax your muscles to give you relief.
Be careful not to use your heating pad on high to prevent burns. You may want to use a warm damp towel directly on your skin, cover the towel with a sheet of cling wrap and a towel, and then apply the heating pad to the towel. This will give you a moist heat that is very soothing. Also do not place ice directly on your skin. Place the ice in a zippered bag, wrap it in a soft towel, and then place it on your back.
Stretching Exercises
Many people find that stretching exercises help to relive back pain. One example of a stretching exercise if to place your hands on a counter and place one foot out behind you like you're going to do squats. Next bend your leg nearest to the counter while slowly leaning back on the extended leg. Repeat this exercise five or six times, and then change the position of your legs. This exercise stretches and strengthens your back muscles. Take it slowly and check with your doctor about which exercises are best for your condition. Laying with your legs up on a few pillows to stretch your back muscles can also help, as will sleeping with a pillow between your legs if you are a side sleeper.
If you are experiencing lower back pain, check with your doctor to rule out any causes such as a kidney stone or UTI. Most doctors recommend returning to normal activities as soon as possible, and do not recommend more than a 48 hour down time. Try these simple home remedies to see if they help you get relief from lower back pain.

By Kathryn McDowell

Health Benefits of Vitamin E

The health benefits of vitamin E range include skin enhancement, wound healing, immune function, and protection against various diseases. Also called alpha-tocopherol, vitamin E is believed to reduce cholesterol and plaque buildup, reducing the risk of stroke and coronary artery disease (CAD).
Vitamin E is an essential nutrient, which means the body needs it but cannot produce it on its own. However, vitamin E deficiency is rare because it is fat-soluble - it is stored in the fat tissues for up to six months before getting depleted. Common food sources include nuts, poultry, wheat products, and various vegetable oils, particularly wheat germ oil. It is also available as a health supplement. Other health benefits of vitamin E include the following:
Antioxidant
One of the best health benefits of vitamin E is its antioxidant capacity. Antioxidants help remove free radicals - unstable compounds that damage cell structure, increasing the risk of cancer and weakening the immune system. This also protects against eye diseases, diabetes and pancreatic disorders, and Alzheimer's Disease.
Cholesterol reduction
Vitamin E prevents cholesterol from being converted to plaque, which thickens the blood vessels and leads to stroke and heart disease. It also thins the blood and improves blood flow even with plaque buildup on the artery walls. Studies show that vitamin E from foods can reduce the risk of stroke in postmenopausal women, although further studies are needed to support this claim.
Skin care
Skin and lip protection are also well-known health benefits of vitamin E. Vitamin E helps retain moisture in the skin and prevents dryness, itchiness, and chapping. It also protects against UV radiation and speeds up wound healing. It can be applied topically and is a main ingredient in most creams, lotions, and sunscreens.
Anti-inflammatory and pain relief
Studies suggest that vitamin E can both relieve and prevent osteoarthritis. Its effects are similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are traditionally used to relieve arthritic pain. It also improves joint mobility, preventing gout and buildup of waste material in the joints.
IMPORTANT: Vitamin E is considered a dietary supplement, which means it is not as strictly regulated as conventional drugs. Additives in some products (such as starch, silica, and gluten) can inhibit the health benefits of vitamin E and even be harmful to your health. Buy only products that are GMP-compliant and make sure they do not contain any artificial colors or flavorings.

Effective Treatments For Migraine Pain Relief

It is estimated that about 36 million people in the country are affected by migraine headaches. Currently, there is no cure for these intense headaches, but there are several different treatments that help provide migraine pain relief. The goal of treatment is to attempt to prevent migraine attacks from occurring, and to alleviate the pain once a migraine starts. Each person responds differently to treatments so it may take several attempts before finding the treatment that works best. Below is a list of some of the most effective treatments that are used to prevent and provide migraine pain relief.

Preventive Measures

There are several medications that are used to help try to prevent the onset of migraines, including antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, Botox, and cardiovascular drugs. These drugs can be very effective at decreasing the frequency of these headaches, but they do not prevent the headaches all together. Another way to prevent migraines is to identify the triggers that cause migraine attack to occur. The best way to identify these triggers is to start a headache diary that keeps track of the different foods you eat and activities you do, as well as, environmental factors like the temperature and weather. Once you can identify these triggers, you can avoid them in hopes to attempt to prevent a migraine.

Migraine Pain Relief

Once a migraine occurs, it is time to start treating the pain associated with the headache. There are several types of medications that have proven to be effective. Pain relievers such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen are good for the initial onset of the headache and can be effective for mild pain. However, if the migraine is more severe, opioid, such as codeine, are more effective to relieve pain. Triptans, like Imitrex, Maxalt and Axert, are also effective. These work by constricting the blood vessels and blocking the pain from reaching the brain. Ergots, like Migergot and Cafergot, work similar to Triptans but they are not as effective but they do work well for headaches that last less than 48 hours.

Alternative Medicine

Some people choose to use alternative medicine to treat their migraines. Most people turn to these methods because other treatments have not worked or because they do not like taking regular medications. Types of alternative medicines include acupuncture, chiropractic services, biofeedback, massage therapy, a change in diet, or cognitive behavioral therapy. People react differently to these treatments and it make take several attempts to find relief from a migraine.

There are many different treatments available to help fight migraine headaches. Of course, the best course of action is to try to prevent the migraine from happening in the first place. Through trial and error it is possible to create a treatment plan the can at least reduce the chances of having a migraine. In addition, there is both pain medicine and alternative medicines that will help provide adequate migraine pain relief once a headache begins. It is vital that you are proactive in your treatment plan in order to find the right pain relief for you.

By Robert Fogarty

Joint Pain Relief Remedies

Joint pain is one of the most commonly reported medical complaints amongst patients both young and old. Discomfort, stiffness, or pain in the joints can result from a variety of different factors including physical injury, infection, inflammation, and arthritis. Many people's lives are severely disrupted by frequent and reoccurring joint pain. In addition, joint pain can be indicative of a more serious medical condition and should always be taken seriously. However, the good news is that there are a number of pain relief remedies available for those afflicted with this uncomfortable situation.
Light Exercise & Stretching
Mild joint pain may be the result of physical injury. Oftentimes, light stretching of the affected joint can greatly reduce pain and stretching is amongst the most simple pain relief remedies. Living a sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to pain, as lack of use aids in the weakening and degeneration of joints. Beginning a moderate exercise program helps joints regain their strength and elasticity.
Natural Remedies
There are a number of natural pain relief remedies available. Many people have reported that tumeric, garlic, and papaya seed tea greatly reduce discomfort in the joints. A healthy diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, particularly bananas and carrots, have also been known to be effective pain relief remedies. Warm paths, massages, and alternately applied hot and cold packs can help to relieve joint tension and pain.
Pharmaceutical Drugs
Those with particularly painful joints should consider the use of pharmaceutical drugs for relief. While some drugs may be purchased over the counter, many require the authorization of a medical professional. Drugs are one of the most effective and popular pain relief remedies for joints; however, one should take care not to abuse them and always seek the advice of a doctor before using. In addition, the drug taken should be appropriate to the causes and symptoms of the individual's joint pain. For many suffers, a simple dose of aspirin or ibuprofen can greatly reduce pain. However, if the joint pain is caused by an underlying condition, than different pain relief remedies must be taken. For example, pain can be caused by an internal infection. In this case, prescribed antibiotics rather than simple pain relief medicine must be taken. Arthritis is one of the leading causes of joint pain and there are a number of pharmaceutical remedies that can be prescribed to its suffers. Some of most popular drugs for the relief of pain caused by arthritis are Celebrex and Lyrica.
Exercise, natural cures, and pharmaceuticals are just a few of the many joint pain relief remedies available to sufferers. Oftentimes, theses treatments are effectively combined to combat pain. Whether the pain is mild or serious, it is a good idea to consult a medical professional before embarking on a treatment plan. While joint pain can be an uncomfortable and disruptive part of life, sufferers can take comfort in the knowledge that many treatment options are available.

By Michael Stanford