Preventing Back Pain In Children

Preventing Back Pain In Children

Back pain in secondary school-age children has been linked to heavy schoolbags and ill-fitting classroom seating. Nearly half of all teenagers in the UK have had occasional backache from poor posture, carrying overloaded bags, and leading an unhealthy lifestyle.



The best schoolbag for your child is a well-designed backpack.
This should be worn over both shoulders to balance out the weight. A heavy satchel or shoulder bag can put stress on your child's spine.

Encourage your child to exercise regularly or plan joint activities, such as a walk in the countryside or a trip to a swimming pool.

Back pain is a very common condition, affecting about 80% of people at some point in their lives. A physiotherapist demonstrates some simple back stretches to help prevent aches and pains.

Warning Over Co-Codamol Tablets

The stronger version is a prescription-only drug

The UK medicines regulator has issued a warning after the wrong strength of tablets was put into some packets of the painkiller co-codamol.





Some packs in batch LL11701, expiry date of September 2014, which should contain 8mg/500mg strength tablets have the higher strength 30mg/500mg tablets.

Wockhardt UK Ltd, which makes the medicine, is recalling the batch.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said there may have been a manufacturing error.

The medicine is used as a painkiller for the short term treatment of acute, moderate to severe pain which cannot be relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone. It contains codeine.

The MHRA has issued a drug alert to health professionals.

The different strength tablets can be identified by their markings.

The 8mg/500mg tablets are marked on one-side only as "<AB>" - these can be bought over-the-counter.

However the higher strength 30mg/500mg tablets - marked on one side as "CCD30" and marked as "CP" on the second side - are a prescription-only medicine.

Packs, which contain 32 tablets, from the affected batch were first distributed on 30 December 2011.

Just under 39,000 were distributed to pharmacists and wholesalers for onward sale in the UK.

Ian Holloway, MHRA head of the Defective Medicines Report Centre said: "If you have a packet of the affected medicine, return it to your pharmacist who will replace it.

"If you think you have taken the wrong strength tablet, and in the unlikely event that you feel unwell, speak to your pharmacist or GP promptly."

Neal Patel, pharmacist at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: "Patients who may have taken a larger dose of codeine than anticipated may feel more drowsy so should not drive.

"Other possible side effects include confusion, headaches, nausea and vomiting.

"People with pre-existing long term conditions, the elderly or those taking other medicines may be particularly vulnerable to adverse effects and should speak to their pharmacist for advice. However for most healthy adults if only a single dose has been taken there should not be any long term problems."

People with concerns about an affected packet can also speak to the Defective Medicines Reporting Centre on 0203 080 6574.

Original Story bbc.co.uk/news

Paget's Disease

Paget’s disease is a condition where the normal cycle of bone renewal and repair is disrupted. In some cases, this can cause the affected bone (or bones) to become weakened and deformed.

Bone pain is the most common symptom of Paget’s disease. It most commonly affects the pelvis or spine and it is usually worse when lying down.
However, in many cases Paget’s disease does not cause any noticeable symptoms, and it is only diagnosed during tests for an unrelated medical condition or when an affected bone is fractured.

There is no cure for the condition but the symptoms can be controlled by painkillers and a range of medications that help regulate bone growth.

Following treatment for Paget’s disease many people will have long periods of remission (where symptoms disappear) provided that the disease is picked up at an early stage. If the disease has progressed to an advanced stage by the time it is discovered, treatment is much less effective.

Complications of Paget’s disease are uncommon, but they can be potentially serious.

They Include:

• Fractured bones
• Deformed bones
• Deafness
• Bone cancer

How Common Is Paget's Disease?

After osteoporosis (brittle bones), Paget’s disease is the second most common type of bone disease.
Paget’s disease occurs among people of white British descent, possibly due to genetic factors. It is very rare among other ethnic groups, such as Asians and Africans.
Paget’s disease is most widespread in Britain and it is also relatively widespread in countries where there have been high levels of migration from Britain, such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, and to a lesser extent the USA.

There is also a marked variation in the number of cases of Paget’s disease in different regions of Britain. For example, the condition is less common in the south of the country, where an estimated 1 in 100 people over the age of 55 is affected, and it is more widespread in the north, particularly in the county of Lancashire where 1 in 50 people of this age may be affected.

Who Is Affected By Paget’s Disease?

Paget’s disease is an age-related condition. It is estimated that 1-2% of white adults aged over 55 have the condition. This figure increases to about 7% for white people who are over 80 years old.
Paget’s disease is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Stem Cells:The Cure?

Chronic back pain could be cured by a revolutionary treatment which allows patients to "grow" a new spine.
Scientists have discovered how to regenerate the damaged discs in the back which cause agony to sufferers.

The condition, common among older people, occurs when the discs between the vertebrae wear away, leaving them to rub against each other.
Until now few treatments have been available other than surgery — which has a high failure rate — or a lifetime on painkillers.

Doctors feared it was impossible to repair the cartilage in the discs and have written off many patients as no-hope cases. 

But now researchers have found that stem cell therapy could help the discs to self-heal. Stem cells are the body's building blocks and possess a unique ability to repair damaged tissue and bone.

Scientists do not fully understand how they function and are busy exploring their potential as a cure for several conditions.

In the latest study at Gothenburg University in Sweden, researchers found there were areas on the edge of the discs which have similar properties to stem cells.
Their experiments on animals showed healing in the discs and they hope to repeat the results in human tests.

Chief researcher Helena Barreto-Henriksson said: "It is generally believed that cartilage has very little or no capacity to heal. "Our study found the transplanted stem cells survived and that there was a certain degree of healing in the disc." She added: "The advantage of such treatment over today's surgical approaches is that it would be a much simpler and less serious procedure for the patient."

Sciatica

Sciatica is the name given to any sort of pain that is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from the back of your pelvis, through your buttocks, and all the way down both legs, ending at your feet.
When something compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve, it can cause a pain that radiates out from your lower back and travels down your leg to your calf (see Sciatica – symptoms for more information). Sciatic pain can range from being mild to very painful.
A slipped disc is the most common identified cause of sciatica, but in some cases there is no obvious cause (see Sciatica – causes for more information).

Types of sciatica

There are two types of sciatica:

• Acute sciatica, which lasts up to six weeks
• Persistent (chronic) sciatica, which lasts longer than six weeks

Most cases of acute sciatica will pass without the need for treatment. A combination of self-help measures such as over-the-counter painkillers, exercise and hot or cold packs can usually relieve the symptoms.

For persistent sciatica, you may be advised to try a structured exercise programme under the supervision of a physiotherapist. In very rare cases, surgery may be needed to control the symptoms.

Outlook

Most people find their sciatic pain goes away naturally within a few days or weeks. However, see your GP if:

• you experience any other symptoms together with your back and leg pain, such as weight loss or loss of bladder or bowel control
• You experience increasingly more pain and discomfort
• Your pain is too severe to manage with self-help measures
• In these cases, your GP should check whether there is a more serious problem causing your pain.

How The Spine Works

 Your spine extends from your skull to your pelvis. It is made up of 24 individual bones called vertebrae, which are stacked on top of each other.

• The front of each vertebra is solid and is called the vertebral body. Behind the body of each vertebra is an arch of bone called the lamina. 
• The arches form a hollow channel known as the spinal canal or vertebral canal, which protects the spinal cord and nerves. 
• A pair of spinal nerves branch out (one to the left and one to the right) from each vertebra. 
• These nerves are called nerve roots and pass through gaps in the arches where they join up to provide sensation and movement to parts of the body. 
• The gaps are called foramens. 
• The vertebrae are separated by soft pads or discs that act as shock absorbers. 
• Each vertebra also has two sets of joints called facet joints which, with the discs, allow the spine to bend. The nerve root foramens are covered by the discs at the front and the facet joints at the back. 
• The vertebrae are also held together by tough bands called ligaments. 
• Together with the spinal muscles, these give the back its strength.

Can Exercise Help Back Pain?

Make sure you're doing the right kind of activity to help protect your spine.

Keeping Fit

Gentle exercise can build strong back and stomach muscles to support your spine and maintain flexibility.

Walking and cycling are easy to incorporate into your daily lifestyle. Swimming is particularly good for backs, because it strengthens the muscles while supporting the body with water. However, some strokes may not be suitable, so get professional advice.

Getting Started

Following a regular exercise routine is a good idea, but if you have a bad back you should consult your doctor or physiotherapist about what exercise is safe.

Try to get a personal assessment - a qualified physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor can give you an exercise routine tailored to your own needs.

If you go to an exercise class, check it's run by a qualified teacher and that the teacher knows you have a bad back. A lot of commonly performed exercises may not be suitable for you.

Exercise Dos And Don'ts

When exercising, make sure you do:

• Choose exercises suitable to your level and work up gradually
• Take things at your own pace
• Drink water before, during and after exercise
• Do gentle warm-up stretches before and after exercising
• Wear good footwear and appropriate clothing
• Enjoy yourself

Don't:

• Continue with an activity if it hurts your back
• Eat a large meal before exercising
• Perform exercises on a stone or concrete floor
• Exercise if you feel ill
• Do exercises that put weight or excessive strain on an acutely painful joint or spine

Back Pain: Posture Checklist

Good Posture Is Good For You

A good posture can greatly improve and prevent back problems.










Follow these simple rules.


How to stand

• Don't round your back - imagine you are being lifted by a string fixed to the top of your head
• Avoid hunching your shoulders and tensing your neck when stressed
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes - high heels put pressure on the lower back

How to sit

• Use an upright chair that supports your lower back
• Support the small of your back with a small cushion or rolled up towel
• Stand up and stretch every 20 to 30 minutes

How to lift

• Always look at alternatives to lifting - can you push or pull?
• Lift only what you can handle and get help if you need it
• Bend your knees and keep your back straight and your feet apart when lifting
• Avoid lifting and twisting at the same time
• Always lift and carry close to your body
• Bend your knees rather than your back when putting a load down

Back Care At Work

Back Pain

About 9.3 million working days were lost due to work-related back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders in 2008/9. The main causes of it are poor posture or an awkward twisting movement (bending or reaching), or a combination of the two.
In most cases, the best treatment is to stay active and, if necessary, use over-the-counter painkillers. You may feel like going to bed, but this won’t help and could make things worse. The longer you stay immobile, the weaker your back muscles will become and the more they'll hurt in the long term. For tips on keeping a healthy back,  read more HERE



Sitting

If you spend a lot of your time at work sitting at a desk, make sure you're sitting in the right position in relation to your computer. If you're unsure about correct posture, ask your line manager for a workplace assessment.
If you work on a computer a lot, it's important to take regular breaks. That means for every hour at your keyboard you should rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes.


Lifting

One of the biggest causes of back injury, especially at work, is lifting or handling objects incorrectly. Learning and following the correct method for lifting and handling objects can help prevent back pain.

Here are some key points to lift safely:

• Think before you lift.
• Start in a good position.
• Keep the load close to your waist.
• Avoid twisting your back or leaning sideways.
• Keep your head up.
• Know your limits.
• Push, don't pull.
• Distribute the weight evenly.

For more information on correct lifting techniques and safe manual handling, read our guide to lifting safely.HERE

Slipped Disc

1. Healthy Disc
2. Nerve
3. Slipped Disc
4. Damaged Disc
5. Spinal Cord

A slipped disc, also called a prolapsed or herniated disc, occurs when one of the discs of the spine is ruptured (splits) and the gel inside leaks out. This causes back pain and can also cause pain in other areas of the body.

The spine 

The spine is made up of 24 individual bones called vertebrae, which are stacked on top of each other. Discs are the protective, circular pads of cartilage (connective tissue) that lie in between the vertebrae. The discs are responsible for cushioning the vertebrae when jumping or running.

The spinal cord is a collection of nerve fibres that are attached to the brain and are protected by the spine. Nerve fibres from the spinal cord pass between the vertebrae as they take and receive messages to and from different parts of the body.

A slipped disc

The discs are made from a tough, fibrous case, which contains a softer, gel-like substance. A slipped disc occurs when the outer part of the disc ruptures (splits), allowing the gel inside to bulge and protrude outwards between the vertebrae.

The damaged disc can put pressure on the whole spinal cord or on a single nerve fibre. This means that a slipped disc can cause pain both in the area of the protruding disc and in any part of the body that is controlled by the nerve that the disc is pressing on.

How common is a slipped disc?

Slipped discs are most common in people between the ages of 30 and 50. The condition affects twice as many men as women.

A slipped disc occurs most frequently in the lower back, but any disc can rupture, including those in the upper back and neck. Around one-third of adults in the UK have lower back pain, and a slipped disc is responsible in less than 1 in 20 cases.

Outlook

It can take around four to six weeks to recover from a slipped disc. In most cases, treatment involves a combination of physical therapy, such as exercise and massage, and medication to relieve the pain.

In severe cases, or if the pain continues for longer than six weeks, surgery may be considered. A number of different procedures can release the compressed nerve and remove part of the disc. The success rate for surgery on the lumber (lower) spine is around 60-90%.

Dealing With Back Pain Out And About

When You're Shopping:

• Don't shop until you drop - take regular rests or make several short trips
• Don't overload your trolley and use a high 'tray' trolley rather than a large deep one
• Distribute your shopping evenly between both hands or hold a bag in front of you, or use a small backpack (not large or over-filled)
• Wear comfortable shoes

In The Car:

• Adjust your seat properly so your arms have a slight bent at the elbow when your hands are on the steering wheel
• Support your lower back with a small cushion or rolled up towel
• Take regular breaks on long journeys and get out of the car for a stroll and a stretch

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Straighten Up

Straighten Up is a simple, three minute exercise programme for all ages, designed to help strengthen the spine and improve posture.

The British Chiropractic Association wants everyone to incorporate this simple exercise routine into their daily lives.

Why not view the Straighten Up film clip below? You can then see just how simple and easy the exercises are.

Dealing With Back Pain At Home

The best way to sit down is to do it without bending your back. Stand in front of the chair with one foot behind the other, almost under the chair. Bend your knees, and at the same time place your hands on the arms or seat of the chair. Lower yourself gently into the seat. A chair with arms makes this much easier.

The following can also help back health in the home:

• Make sure work surfaces are a comfortable height so you don't have to bend your back
• Use a ladder or stable chair when painting or cleaning - don't stretch too far
• Squat or kneel when cleaning the bath or reaching low shelves
• Use an upright vacuum cleaner and keep it close to your body
• Ensure easy access to each side of the bed so you don't have to stretch when making it, and kneel or squat to tuck in sheets and blankets.
• Take regular breaks from time-consuming tasks

If you have children, make sure you:

• Bend your knees to pick up a baby - don't twist
• Kneel down to talk to toddlers rather than picking them up
• Adjust the height of the cot so you don't need to bend, or choose one with drop sides
• When unloading a pram's shopping tray, always bend from the knees
• When getting into bed, sit on the edge, lower your body on to one elbow and shoulder and draw up your knees and then feet. Reverse the procedure to get out.

The wrong sleeping arrangements can put additional strain on your back. If you're experiencing back problems, you might want to try the following:

• Replace a sagging mattress
• Lie on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with a pillow between your bent knees
• Don't have too many pillows - they support your neck, not strain it
• When buying a bed, try any you are considering for as long as you can. Your bed should allow ease of movement but mould to the contours of your body. Don't assume a bed marked 'orthopaedic' is what you need - the word can sometimes be used as a marketing tool.

To test if a bed is giving you the correct level of support, lie on your back and slide your hand, palm down, between the small of your back and the mattress.

If you can:

• Work your hand through with some resistance, the bed support is probably about right
• Slide your hand easily through a large gap, the bed is probably too hard (or saggy)
• Hardly force your hand through at all, the bed is probably too soft

If you're in pain, the easiest way to turn in bed is to bend your knees, bringing your heels up towards your buttocks. Let your knees fall to one side and as the weight of your legs takes you over, bring through your hip and shoulder - don't twist.

Ortho Royale 4.6ft Double Mattress Orthopaedic Mattress

Life Style Adjustments

Four in five adults experience back pain at some point, but the back is so complex every person needs individual treatment options. Discover more about how your back works, what can go wrong and how you can prevent back problems.

Back Pain: Making Adjustments

Making small changes to your lifestyle can reduce your risk of back pain.

Back pain can be caused by many factors. Run through your daily routine and examine the amount of strain you place on your spine.Read our causes of back pain article HERE

Stress

Stress can also create muscle tension, causing a loss in flexibility that can lead to back pain. To reduce stress, try:

• Exercise
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Getting more sleep or listening to music.

If you smoke, stop. It puts you at increased risk for back problems since your blood has trouble delivering oxygen to working tissues, making your back weaker.

Making small changes to your lifestyle can reduce your risk of back pain.

Laptops & Backache ?

Laptops make us more mobile but they're blamed for a rise in back, neck and shoulder problems.

Almost 215,000 workers suffer from upper limb disorders (ULDs), also known as repetitive strain injury (RSI), according to the 2008/9 Labour Force Survey. The increased popularity of laptops may be adding to the problem.
Laptop computers were once used mainly by busy business people who had to work on planes or trains, but not any more.
Thanks to low prices, the rise in home working and wireless internet access, laptops are everywhere. In 2005, laptops outsold desktop computers for the first time ever.
About 8% of the workforce are teleworkers (working from other locations, using the home as a base or working from home). This figure is expected to rise.
The Health and Safety Executive’s 2006 Horizon Scanning paper reports that by 2015, 70-80% of workers could be, at least partially, working away from the office.
“I've seen many people with neck, back and shoulder problems caused by excessive laptop use,” says Tim Hutchful, a British Chiropractic Association-registered chiropractor.

Posture Advice

Bad posture is inevitable because of the way laptops are designed, says Levent Caglar, senior consultant ergonomist at the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA).
“The main problem is the keyboard being attached to the screen,” he says.
“You need the screen at arm's length but you need the keyboard near you, so you push the laptop further back, then your hands stretch out, then you hunch your shoulders.
"That creates bad posture. If I were designing a laptop, I’d do it with a detachable screen.
“The average human head weighs quite a lot. If it’s in the ideal position, balanced above the shoulders, it’s fine.
“But when you use a laptop, your ears are further forward than your shoulders. That’s like taking a weight and holding it out at arm's length.
“The load through your spine is much greater and, even worse, it’s a static load. You’re not moving. This causes neck, upper back and arm problems."
Tim says that laptops are fine when used properly. "There are plenty of ways you can make your laptop safer and more comfortable,” he says.

Laptop Use Tips

Use a separate keyboard and mouse so that the laptop can be put on a stand and the screen opened at eye level.

• Use your laptop on a stable base where there is support for your arms, and not on your lap.
• Take regular breaks. If you’re moving, there’s a lot less stress on your muscles and joints.
• Adopt good sitting posture with lower back support, and ensure that other desk equipment is within reach.
• Get into good habits before the aching starts. Neck, shoulder and back problems gradually build up over time.