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Brain Could Be Affected By Back Pain
Until recently it was assumed that all changes in the brain following chronic back pain are only temporary and that the brain would revert to normal once the pain stopped. Recent findings by researchers at Northwestern University have made this assumption on its head. What they discovered is that chronic back pain, defined as pain that lasts six months or more may cause significant and lasting damage to the brain, aging is up to 20 times faster than normal.
Grayscale
In fact, chronic back pain actually decreases, the brain's gray matter, the party responsible for memory and information processing by as much as 11 percent annually. In contrast, normal aging of the brain causing a loss of only 0.5 percent of gray matter a year.
Scientists compared 26 healthy volunteers with 26 patients who suffered chronic lower back pain (some with sciatica) for over a year. Those with chronic back pain with sciatica had the largest decrease in gray matter. Another important finding: there is a topic he had chronic back pain, loss of brain more than he has suffered.
One theory on why there is a sharp decrease in gray matter is that chronic pain forces nerve cells to work overtime. Even more troubling is the possibility that if chronic back pain is allowed to continue, it may become more difficult to reverse and less responsive to treatment because of these changes in the brain. Experts say the findings should sound a warning to patients suffering from back pain to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Driven to distraction
Northwest study is consistent with other research on chronic pain and cognitive skills. Scientists at the University of Alberta have confirmed that chronic pain can affect memory and concentration.
In tests conducted by Drs. Bruce D. Dick and Saifudin Rashiq University Multidisciplinary Pain Centre in Edmonton, Canada, two thirds of participants who suffered with chronic pain had a hard time paying attention and remembering simple facts.
All study participants had pain for six months or more - have been computerized tests of memory, a neuropsychological test of attention on what were identified as "pain" and "less pain" days.
In a "less pain" day, participants were tested after receiving an anti-pain, in the context of their ongoing treatment at the Centre. On a "pain" day, participants were tested without obtaining anti-pain procedure. Sixteen of 24 participants, 67 percent showed signs of cognitive impairment test on the day of pain. Although the sample of participants was small, the results were statistically significant, researchers lead.
You must remember this
Other evidence of a link between chronic pain and brain function comes from a study at the University of Keele, United Kingdom. Scientists compared the "prospective" memory, such as, do not forget to pick up groceries or keep a doctor appointment of 50 subjects suffering from chronic back pain to the memory of the 50 subjects who were pain-free.
Investigators were questioning the so-called prospective memory, self-rating scale that requires users to register the number of times their prospective memory not in a certain period of time. Scale measures three types of prospective memory: long-term habitual, short-term episodic and internally cued.
Those with chronic pain had significantly impaired short-term memory compared with subjects who were pain-free. No differences were observed in other types of prospective memory.
"One explanation for the observation of short-term memory deficits may be related to the prospective relationship between pain and stress and the impact of this relationship on cognitive function," Ling's team reported. Idea is that when pain occurs, it activates a brain region known as the lateral occipital complex (LOC). When this happens, it replaces a person's ability to concentrate and accurately recognize images.
Strategies to improve memory
Investigators said they hoped that results will guide the care of patients suffering from chronic pain and encourage the development of skills to offset memory problems. Here are some quick tips to improve your memory:
Read aloud
If you want to remember something, say words out loud will help you burn information to the brain. If you can make a rhyme, even better.
Take notes
mental disorder, it is difficult to remember data. Using address books, diaries and calendars. Take a little more complicated material grades and reorganize the notes as soon as possible. Physical act of rewriting the facts can help your memory footprint.
Repeat and review
Go with what you've learned the day you learn, and check it regularly. Scientists call this "spaced repetition", which proved to be more effective than cramming.
Take your vitamins
Nutrients such as vitamins B, C and E may help brain function. B power sources include spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables, strawberries, melons and black beans. Vitamins C and E improve the flow of oxygen to the brain. The best natural sources are berries, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, green tea, nuts, citrus fruits and liver. Omega-3 found in fish like salmon and tuna cold water, are also associated with better cognitive function.
Surprise your brain
Another way to help the brain better results is to foster innovation. For example, brushing your teeth with your left hand (if right handed) fires rarely used connections on the nondominant brain. Or try "neurobic" exercise, forcing you to use the faculties in unusual ways-say, getting dressed with your eyes closed, take a course in a subject you know nothing, or a recipe in an unknown kitchen.
The brain could be affected by pain, but do not let pain control or how you think. If pain is what you're after, you must have a firm belief that you can achieve your goals and, if he thinks the heart and soul and keep your thoughts focused and coordinated there is no way you can not achieve what you want.
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