The lower body contains some of your biggest muscles which are capable of bearing significant weights. The temptation for beginners to go for broke by performing heavy squats should be resisted. To begin with you should concentrate on building the muscles safely by using machines that isolate muscle groups. The squat is an excellent compound exercise that trains numerous lower body muscles but it is one you should learn properly after spending three months strengthening the individual muscles that will be utilized later.

The muscles of the lower body can be divided into five groups:

1. Quads - this is the big muscle group consisting of four muscles at the front of the thigh. These are the primary muscles used when performing exercises such as squats, leg press, lunge and leg extension.

2. Hamstrings - these are the main muscles at the back of the thigh. These are the primary muscles used when performing leg curls.

3. Gluteals - these are the muscles that make up the buttocks.

4. Hip flexors - these are the small muscles at the front of the pelvis that allow you to raise your legs to the front.

5. Calves - these are the two muscles found in the lower leg.

For beginners these muscles should be exercised as follows:

1. Leg press - 1 set of 10-15 reps. This is a useful exercise for the quads but it also works the hamstrings and glutes to a lesser degree.

2. Leg extension - 3 sets of 10-15 reps. This is a useful exercise for adding definition to the quads.

3. Hamstring curl - 3 sets of 10-15 reps. This exercise isolates the hamstrings.

4. Standing calf raise - 3 sets of 10-15 reps. This exercise works the gastrocnemius muscle.

5. Seated calf raise - 3 sets of 10-15 reps. This exercise works the soleus muscle underneath the gastrocnemius muscle.

As with all exercises you need to take care in scheduling specific body parts. To begin with you should incorporate your lower body exercises into a program similar to the one suggested below:

Day 1: Biceps, Back, Abs

Day 2: Hamstrings, Shoulders, Abs

Day 3: Quads, Forearms, Calves

Day 4: Triceps, Chest, Abs

For the first couple of weeks complete one set but then add one set each week to a maximum of three. At the end of three months you will be ready to move on to more intensive intermediate level exercises.

Protein is a component that helps to build up muscles and strengthens fiber, ligament etc, it is present in our body, and different food products are the source of proteins, like poultry and it\'s various products, meat, fish etc. With whose intake we are supplied with the necessary proteins in our body which helps to build up our muscles and regulate the other aspects of our body. Protein shakes are alternate supplements which come especially in the form of powders, which are diluted in different liquids preferably water or milk, and are consumed, which generates muscle growth and helps to reduce fat and develop muscles, resulting into a masculine body or a lean body, depending on the intake.

The appropriate and normal amount of protein required by our body is 1 gram, but due to many reasons this requirement is not fulfilled, therefore, supplements like Protein shakes are used to compensate the less Protein intake. Also, if a person is into muscle building, then Protein shakes are a must aspect of his or her work out regime.

The preferred and the appropriate point that a person should consume Protein shake is before having breakfast as the body was stagnant of any food consumption before that, therefore Protein shake at this point is best time to be consumed.

And for much better and fast result, the Protein shake intake if is after exercising, as a part of an energy drink, killing fatigue and exhaustion. Thereby, providing and regulating the process of muscle growth, as is the function of Protein in our body.

Protein is made up of components called amino acids, and these form Proteins, which in turn makes up the basic part in our body, with the main function of muscle building, hair, nails and tissues growth in our body.

A regular person\'s share of proteins comes from the intake of food products like chicken, beef, fish, eggs etc. But if a person is undergoing exercise or a work out regime, then he or she is not getting the appropriate Protein percentage, in his or her body. So, this is the point when Protein shakes come into action and provides the body with the deficient percentage and adds up to the percentage, too.

The intake of Protein shake, varies with the different body types. But, the normal calculation is, that 0.7 to 0.9 grams per day, keeping in mind that the process is fat burning and not muscles. But if a person is into vigorous muscle building and body building, then the preferred intake of Protein shake should be 1.4 to 1.7 grams per day.

Various Protein shakes or Protein supplements are made or comprised of different components or ingredients, which are dissected under various Protein types like egg protein, milk Protein soy protein, fish proteins etc. If the biological value is high in these protein shakes then it is digested much better.

The existence of amino acids in the protein shake helps to stabilize the sugar level and reduces the urge to eat or controls the hunger. Therefore, protein shakes are great stimulants and muscle building source that are easy and convenient, too.

STOP Click here to find out how to dramatically increase your muscle mass in just 7 minutes per day.

1. Find a full body workout and stick with it for at least 2 - 3 months. You do not want to end up with an awesome chest and biceps with tiny chicken legs. If you have a full body workout routine, your body will be well rounded. It takes time to see results. Sometimes newbies will be tempted to leave a really great workout routine to find the latest workout routine fad. After 2 -3 months, if you see that your routine isn't giving you the results that you are looking for, then by all means, switch it up a bit. But keep doing what is working. You can find a vast amount of free workout routines online.

2. Use machines over free weights when you are beginning. I say this because you can really hurt yourself if you aren't using proper form. It's pretty hard not to have proper form while using a machine. This tip is especially true if you don't have a spotter. In order to tear those muscle fibers so you can build them up, you will need to work those muscles to exhaustion. It can be scary if you are benching a considerable amount of weight, you are by yourself, and feel like you may not be able to get the bar up.

3. Use lighter weights. It can be very tempting to want to try to keep up with the other guys in the gym. You might feel like a wimp curling 10 lbs dumbbells while the guy next to you is curling 60 lbs. It is better to work your way up then to hurt yourself. I grantee you that the guy next to you didn't start curl 60 lbs over night.

4. Start out with straight sets. I recommend doing 15 - 20 sets of 3 for each exercise that you perform. Use lighter weight. Your third set should be hard to do For example if you are doing curls you can start out with 3 sets with maybe 15 lbs dumbbells. Go even lighter if the weight seems too much. . When this becomes too easy you can either increase the weight or begin doing a more advanced pyramid technique. A sample pyramid technique would be 1 set of 15 reps with 15 lbs dumbbells. Then do 1 set of 12 reps with 20 lbs dumbbells. Then do 1 set of 10 with 22.5 lbs dumbbells. Decrease the reps while you add weight to each set.

5. Don't forget about cardio. Be sure to have some cardio involved in your workout routine. I spend about 25 minutes on the treadmill at least 3 times a week. Cardio can really help you shed off the fat so you can have lean muscle mass. The best time to run is first thing in the morning before you eat. At night while you are sleeping, your body begins to burn off fat so when you wake up your body is already in fat burning mode. Cardio is also great because it helps you to have a healthy heart. Too much cardio can make you a skinny bean pole so be sure to balance it out.

6. Watch what you eat. You can workout everyday of the week, but if you are eating junk your workouts will not give you very good results. Stay away from fried foods, foods high in sugar, and be careful not to take in too many carbs. This means bye bye Snickers, McDonalds, and KFC It is a good idea to try to get as much protein in your diet as possible. Protein helps build and repair muscle tissue. The suggest amount of protein is 1.5 grams per lbs. I weigh 185 lbs so I should be taking in about 277 grams of protein a day. Carbs aren't 100% bad either. They give you energy so you need them to, just keep your carb intake on the lower side.

7. Take advice from a ripped guy over a big fat guy. If the guy is ripped, his method must work. Even better than advice from a ripped guy is getting advice from an old ripped guy. The person who got me into bodybuilding was 54 years old. This guy looks 30 something. If a guy is old and ripped, his techniques must work long term.

8. Don't worry about where you workout. Some people go around in circles with should I workout at home, should I go to the gym? Each have their advantages, but just pick which ever one that works best for you. I have young children that require my time when I get home. Even if I had the greatest gym in the world, it would do me no good.

9 Study up. Read what you can on health, nutrition, and bodybuilding. You could be eating stuff that is making your workout routine unproductive but would have a clue unless you studied up on it.

10. If at all possible, find a workout buddy. Workout buddies can help keep you motivated. Be sure that your workout buddy is not a slacker or you might find yourself eating potato chips and playing Halo at your workout buddies' house.

Jon Lewis is the owner of SupplementBistro.com. A site where you can find supplement reviews, free workout routines, and other valuable workout information.

Are you interested to increase your body mass and get the reputation of a tough guy in the neighborhood? What is the result of your hyped cardio exercises then? Failed? Are you dejected? There is nothing to feel so. You can still be the winner provided you begin a weight lifting program for building muscles. What shall you get from here? The commencement of a comprehensive routine of weight lifting will help you to develop your body mass. This apart from building muscles will also strengthen the fat burning power of your physical structure.

Have you understood by now that a strong determination plays a significant role in the workout? You shall have to retain the necessary grit and also consistency. These are the first steps of success. You may be amazed but these are necessary. You have an intense desire to build a good physique, which should also consist of good muscles. But nothing can be gained easily. You shall have to work hard, dedicate yourself to the cause and practice the important tasks consistently. Now, even if you are a woman, you can gain a good amount of muscle through weight lifting. You will never lose your feminineness. On the contrary through getting muscles you will appear as slender, toned and sculpted. You will appear like an athlete or fitness model. However you shall have to work hard.

Now, as already said, everything depends on your commitment that comes from the personal affection. This love is nothing but another expression of the self-love that gets developed through intense training. Never forget that weight lifting helps you to attain one pound of muscle approximately in each week. This addition will make your body burn a good amount of calories daily. The only reason is that the lean muscle is regarded as more efficient to burn calories than fat. This will also continue to act in the same manner even when you are sleeping. The more lean muscles you grow the more you gain. What are you waiting for then? You should begin the training from this moment and practice it intensely. You will notice the difference after two months only.

There is a question. Is this all? If you think in this manner you are wrong. There is much more to this. Any program that helps you to build muscles also makes you feel good. You will always be found in a brighter mood than others and thus you will also get a positive outlook in life. This, in due course, will also strengthen you and insert more energy within you. It is not possible for any ordinary person to remain physically and mentally strong one ach and every day. But you can get the same through the regular practice of weight lifting. It is said that a good bath after a strenuous workout enlightens the performer and hence builds his self-confidence and also self-love.

You shall have to set your own routine from the first day and retain it throughout the schedule. Consult with the trainer for betterment.

Would you like to get your hands on a great step-by-step guide to build muscles that won't fail you? Click here to find out more about.

Breast Enlargement Surgery

We spoke to Claire, a 38 year old self employed journalist who undertook breast augmentation surgery in April 2002.

What size were your breasts before surgery?

Before surgery my breasts were 36A and were once described as flaps by a well meaning friend ! They weren't that bad, but I'd lost a lot of weight and so they lacked fullness on the top which made them appear a bit droopy and flat.

What made you have your breasts enlarged?

Pure vanity!! I liked their general shape, but the size was out of proportion with my tall rangy frame and I felt that if they were larger, then my waist would appear smaller. I came into some money and felt that it was now or never, and really decided to do it on a bit of a whim to be truthful, I wasn't one of those people who had always wanted bigger breasts, but I had always wanted a better body shape. I did research it well once I'd decided and was very careful to choose the right surgeon for me.

What was the surgery like?

Painful ! I'm really good with pain usually so I really didn't think it would be a problem, but I just hadn't realized how much it would actually hurt and for how long afterwards. I was lucky because I work for myself, so I could afford to take it really easy, but I can't imagine what it must be like for people who have to go back to work after 2 weeks or less!. Just lifting my arm to open a cupboard hurt like hell for 3 weeks, wearing a seatbelt without holding it away from my chest was impossible as it was so sore. Driving over bumps in the road hurt too, and sleeping was a nightmare! I had pain in the morning as I got out of bed, it felt like they were going to fall off!! The pain in the morning lasted 4 - 5 months! which is really wearing after a while, it just gets you down. The worst thing about the pain was just how long it lasted, even a year later, I get the odd twinge now and again.

Are you pleased with the results?

Yes, I am now, there is a big improvement in my overall appearance and I now wear a 36C/D bra. My breasts are bigger and more in proportion to my frame. Also they are much fuller, so they give a more pert youthful appearance to my shape. I certainly enjoy more appreciative glances from the opposite sex than I have before.

Would you have breast augmentation surgery again?

Well that's a tough one, if I could go back to April 2002, then no to be honest knowing what I know now, I wouldn't put myself through it again, but it's hard, because I am pleased with the results and glad that I did it!

If I hadn't had it done, I would probably still want bigger breasts, so I would probably try a creme or other non surgical breast enlargement option like pills or something...

Psychological back pain is the most common form of back and spine pain. A large percentage of back pain complaints are not caused by a physical problem. Yes, a physical abnormality might exist, but the condition is purely coincidental and not the actual reason for the pain. These common back pain scapegoat conditions assist in disguising the true nature of psychosomatic back pain. The mind and body interact constantly and are jointly responsible for all conditions of health and disease. Discounting the mind’s ability to cause and cure pain is the crucial mistake made by both patients and doctors alike.

• Psychosomatic Pain
• Psychosomatic Back Pain
• What is Psychosomatic?
• Psychogenic Back Pain
• Back Pain From Stress
• Back Pain Frustration
• Back Pain Fear
• Back Pain Conditioning
• Psychosomatic Back Pain Stigma
• Psychological Symptom Imperative
• Back Pain Prone Personality
• Psychotherapy Treatment for Back Pain

The pain is very real !!! There is no doubt about that fact. The pain is not imaginary. The pain is not exaggerated. The physical symptoms are real. Numbness, tingling and weakness are real. The cause of these symptoms is also real.

The cause of these conditions is not physical. It is psychological and emotional. Psychological back pain is where the mind and body come together...

Psychologically Induced Pain Syndromes (PIPS)

Psychological back pain is only one of many Psychologically Induced Pain Syndromes (PIPS). Other common conditions caused by psychological processes include ulcers, headaches, stomach pain, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, TMJ, carpal tunnel syndrome, and the list goes on and on…

By now, I am sure you are having some doubts. “MY BACK PAIN IS REAL!!! IT IS NOT MENTAL!!!...IN FACT, I THINK YOU ARE MENTAL!!!”

I hear this a lot. Hey, my pain was real also. I know, I have been there. I suffered horribly for 18 long years. My back pain controlled my life. I have empathy for you. No one is doubting your pain. I am only doubting the CAUSE.

Chronic Psychological Back Pain

Why do you think there are so many instances of treatment-resistant chronic back pain? Why do so few people find a TRUE CURE for their pain, rather than just symptomatic relief? Any guesses?

Of course, it is impossible to cure a pain condition if you are not treating the actual cause of the problem. Treatments, drugs and surgeries will not help a back pain condition that is caused by a psychological process. This is the reason why so many patients never find real relief from their torturous pain. It is so sad, but so true. This fact is one of the main reasons for the EPIDEMIC of chronic back pain.

• Unresolved Back Pain
• Misdiagnosed Back Pain
• Dream Related Back Pain
• Recovering from Psychosomatic Pain
• Emotional Back Pain
• Back Pain Depression
• Back Pain Triggers

Mind / Body Interaction

The mind and the body are inseparable. I think most of us know that. Medicine has demonstrated that the mind can influence a physical process. The placebo effect is a perfect example. Emotions, such as fear, will cause your heart to race and blood pressure to rise. Sexual arousal is a mental process that causes an obvious physical reaction. The list goes on and on…The body can also influence the mind. When you are physically injured or sick, you FEEL sad, or even depressed. Substance abuse creates changes in your body, that will also affect your mind. Physical muscle tension will make you FEEL mentally stressed. Mental stress also causes muscular tension…

Hmmm…I think you are starting to see the link.

ALL physical processes and mental processes are related and co-dependant. No exceptions…

Psychological Back Pain Cause

“So why the heck is my own brain trying to hurt me? That’s stupid!!!”

Sound familiar? I bet that’s what you are thinking…

• Back Pain Primary Gain
• Back Pain Secondary Gain

The fact is that your mind (not your brain) is trying to protect you. Yes, protect you, believe it or not. The problem is that the mind is using skewed logic, and a maladapted defensive mechanism, to cause you pain.

The mind is far more complicated than the body, and that is saying a lot! People’s emotions can influence their general health for the better or worse. When there are psychological issues or conflicts that are REPRESSED, this is where the trouble starts. Who has repressed issues? Ummmm… You, me, everyone in the world !!!

Psychological pain is never forgotten. Emotionally traumatic events, ethical conflicts, loss of loved ones, unresolved issues and guilt are just some of the reasons behind the need to repress our suffering. It is these repressed issues that actually cause psychological back pain.

Physical Pain / Emotional Cause

The famous physician, John Sarno,has a theory that most back pain is due to oxygen deprivation. He speculates that low oxygen content in the nerve and muscle cells is the true cause of most back pain. Actually, it is the true cause of most pain, period. This same process is responsible for headaches, stomach problems and other pain conditions.

* Oxygen Deprivation Back Pain

The mind has the ability to regulate the amount of oxygen in the blood, using the autonomic system. We are not aware of this process, since it is automatic, and not a conscious process. If the mind sees a need to reduce the oxygen, it can do so easily and secretly. This process leaves no evidence, and is so subtle, that it is never suspected as a cause of pain.

Oxygen Deprivation from Psychological Back Pain

Did you ever have a leg cramp? Maybe it was at night lying down, after a day of exercise. Maybe it was experienced while jogging. This is what oxygen deprivation does to muscle cells. They spasm, contracting violently, then are left with a sharp burning pain.

Does this describe most back pain? YUP!

If the oxygen is reduced to nerve cells, the results are even worse. Horrible pain, tingling, numbness and weakness are the result. Once again, sound familiar?

Making a Long Story Short…

The subconscious mind has these repressed issues. It does not want you to think about them consciously. It will do whatever it takes to prevent these painful emotional issues from leaking into your consciousness. Pain is it’s weapon. PAIN is a very effective weapon! It really grabs your attention and prevents you from thinking about anything else…

Until the patient comes to terms with this idea, the pain will continue. All the back pain treatments in the world will not cure them. They need a different kind of cure. Psychological back pain cannot be cured with drugs, or chiropractic, or surgery. Knowledge therapy is the real answer to their pain problems.

Yes, there is A LOT, A LOT, A LOT more to this condition! I just do not want to go on and on and on… The subject is covered in great detail in my book.

There are several excellent souces of information available on psychological back pain, and how to cure it.

The Bottom Line on Psychological Back Pain

This is not science fiction, it is science. Medical research has proven that the mind / body interaction is strong. Tens of thousands of back pain patients have been cured by knowledge therapy. Tens of thousands more have been cured of hundreds of other conditions and diseases, using knowledge therapy.

Is all back pain psychological? NO, of course not. Are many chronic treatment-resistant pain conditions caused by a psychological process? Yes.

How do I know all this?

I know because I am one of the tens of thousands who have been cured 100% of all my back pain.

I have herniated discs.

I have degenerative disc disease.

I have a history of horrible back and leg pain.

I tried ALL the physical treatments for 18 years. No luck. No cure. Just good days, and bad days, and the occasional painful DAY or WEEK or MONTH from HELL!!! OUCH…

I was cured by knowledge therapy. After all the doctors, diagnoses, and treatments, I realized I was a victim of psychological back pain. Now I am free. Not just pain-free, but truly free to live my life.

A stiff back is a common complaint of many back pain patients, including this author. Stiffness in the back can be both an uncomfortable experience, as well as a source of great fear and frustration for any affected patient. Stiffness is sometimes the harbinger of imminent painful symptoms or the after effect of acute symptomatic flare ups.

Muscular Stiff Back Condition

Stiffness might be experienced in the muscles and ligaments of the back and spine. This is the most common variety of chronic complaint. Patients with this form of muscular stiffness often describe their back as feeling tight, tense and ready to snap. These patients often have a self guarded range of motion, since they perceive that injury is just around the corner if they move the wrong way. Most patients have trouble bending and twisting and might have specific activity restrictions which may or may not be justified or logical. This decreased range of motion is most typically perceived, rather than actual. Muscular stiffness can be the result of injury or sympathetic reaction to a spinal cause, but is far more commonly the result of oxygen deprivation back pain attacking the blood supply to the soft tissues using vascular constriction. The root causation for the majority of these cases is psychosomatic in nature.

Spinal Stiff Back Condition

Patients with verified spinal causes for their back pain and stiffness account for a far smaller percentage of the total population than patients suffering from muscular stiffness conditions. Spinal arthritis conditions, including facet joint syndrome, are the typical causes of spinal stiffness, especially if significant bone spurs have developed around the spinal joints. These patients will often experience a real decreased range of motion, rather than the perceived reduction in functionality common to muscular stiffness patients. Individuals with spinal stiffness have a more difficult time finding an effective solution to their conditions, since the spinal structures have suffered considerable degeneration. However, just because a patient has spinal stiffness does not mean that they will experience pain or any other problematic symptom in addition to their reduced range of motion.

Recommendation on a Stiff Back

I was plagued with a very stiff back during my entire back pain experience. As my pain grew, I became more and more stiff. I felt greatly restricted in my movements and often had the feeling something in my back was about to SNAP! My doctors came up with many explanations for this tense, uncomfortable feeling, but none could find any solution for the condition. Eventually, I found my own cure and beat my back pain into utter submission. It only took me 18 years… SIGH…

I was diagnosed with a plethora of symptomatic conditions, but none turned out to be the actual reason for my pain. I realized that the stiffness I suffered from was definitely a psychological protective mechanism I had developed to constantly remind myself of my bad back. This constant reminder was all part of the psychosomatic perpetuation of my symptoms which was never properly diagnosed during my entire agonizing journey through the health care system!

I still occasionally get a slight stiffness in my back, since it will always be my weakest link. When I do feel this stiffness, I know that there are some unresolved issues which need to be actively addressed in my mind. Time spent in reflection banishes the stiffness, since I am now in tune with the reasons why it exists. I no longer get pain, but the occasional lingering stiffness is certainly proof positive that psychosomatic pain conditions never truly disappear, although they can be beaten into remission. They are inherent parts of my personality and yours, and must be actively treated throughout life to maintain a state of positive mental and physical health.

Back muscle tension can be caused physical injury or overexertion, but is usually the direct result of internal stress, unresolved issues and painful emotions. Tension describes the feeling of being taut, strained or stretched to the limit. The back is a place where we both literally and figuratively carry all the burdens of life. When the back muscles are tense, there is almost always some underlying emotional process as the cause.

Physical Back Muscle Tension

Muscles can become tight due to a strain, sprain or other injury. Muscular back pain can be very severe, even when the condition is not serious. Tension without pain is often the result of overexertion of the back muscles. This is a condition which should go away after a good night of sleep. Tense back muscles should respond well to simple physical treatments, such as heat, massage and hydrotherapy. If your muscle pain endures despite all attempts to relieve it, you might want to consider that your pain is actually from a psychological source.

Psychological Back Tension

Chronic muscle tension is a common expression of psychosomatic back pain. Patients with this condition will often progress towards worse symptomatic expressions of this psycho-emotional condition. Psychological back pain is the most common of all chronic back pain syndromes. It is also the least likely to be accurately diagnosed. Most psychosomatic conditions are blamed on some coincidental and completely innocent back pain scapegoat condition. Physical treatments are useless against this type of psychogenic pain, which explains the medical community's dismal results when it comes to successfully curing back pain. Knowledge therapy is the recommended treatment for any unresolved back pain condition.

Recommendation on Back Muscle Tension

That feeling of holding the weight of the world on your back is much more than a metaphor. It is extremely common for patients to experience stress related back pain and muscle tension from internal psychological conflicts. The source of these conflicts can be obvious, but is more likely well hidden deep in the subconscious mind. Problematic issues need to be acknowledged and accepted in order to enact a real cure for the psychogenic syndrome. This might sound like science fiction to some patients, but it is verified and accepted fact based on the complex interaction between the mind and the body.

The main question is…
Who will accept that their chronic muscle pain is a result of a psychological process and who will continue to suffer needlessly?

Back muscles are the bane of many back pain patients. Muscular back pain is the most common symptom of patients with chronic pain conditions. Acute muscular injuries can be extremely painful, yet they often heal with no treatment in a short period of time. Unresolved chronic muscle pain is almost always an indicator of a psychosomatic cause behind the patient’s suffering.

Back Muscle Anatomy

Muscles in the back, neck and buttocks are some of the most important in the body. They are instrumental in controlling posture and locomotion, as well as providing support and structure for our skeletons. Postural muscles work around the clock and have the ability to perform for hours upon end. Muscles in the lower back and buttocks are some of the strongest in the human body.

Muscular Back Injury

It is possible to overexert a muscle from repeated or constant use. This can cause a build up of waste products, such as lactic acid, in the muscle fibers. These waste products can cause mild pain, heat and fatigue in the surrounding area. Muscles and ligaments can tear or become detached. This type of muscular injury is usually very painful and can cause a deficiency of strength in the affected area. Muscles can also suffer bruising like any other soft tissue in the body. Muscular bruising can be sore, but is rarely serious.

Back Muscle Pain

The most common form of chronic muscular back pain is due to oxygen deprivation of the muscles and nerves in the affected region. This is the process which causes symptoms in all types of psychosomatic pain syndromes, including fibromyalgia. This type of pain is often blamed on some coincidental spinal scapegoat condition. The majority of acute cases of muscular back pain go away in a few days to 2 weeks. Long term muscle pain is almost always an indicator of some psychological causation behind the pain.

Recommendation on Back Muscles

Your back and spine are super strong. Millions of years of evolution have guaranteed that your spinal structures and musculature are more than sufficient to get you through life. Public perception views the back and spine as fragile structures with a bad reputation for developing chronic pain. This perception has been created by all the factors which have contributed to the current epidemic of back pain.

It is important to have faith that muscular injuries will heal. If not, you are setting yourself up for the start of a possible long term psychosomatic pain condition that will use the muscle injury as a trigger to begin chronic symptoms. This is the situation seen over and over again in patients with tension myositis syndrome.

Understand anatomy and you will understand why chronic muscle pain rarely makes any sense. Do not expect to get this information from your doctor, since treatment of chronic muscle pain is a HUGE BUSINESS within the back pain industry.

Myositis is a general term for chronic muscular soreness. Back muscle pain is the most common of all back ache conditions. Causes of muscular pain can range from insignificant to life threatening, so it is crucial that the patient understands exactly what is creating their painful symptoms. Specific types of myositis conditions are some of the most treatment resistant of all chronic back pain syndromes.

Fibromyositis

Fibromyalgia is one of the most virulent of all muscle pain syndromes. This epidemic condition has grown exponentially over the past 30 years all across the globe. Women are especially prone to developing fibromyalgia pain. The condition has no universally accepted cause or cure. Most traditional and alternative treatments are designed to relieve some of the problematic symptoms, rather than cure the actual underlying condition. It is no surprise that many fibromyalgia patients suffer for years as their lives descend into a dark and lonely downward spiral.

Tension Myositis Syndrome

TMS is the diagnosis named by Dr. John Sarno. This condition created historic precedent as the first modern psychosomatic condition accepted and treated by the traditional medical system. Although TMS doctors are few and far between, they do exist. This gives hope to the millions of patients suffering with many varieties of mind/body disorders. Physicians are starting to realize the actual role the mind plays in the creation of physical symptoms. Hopefully, this trend will propagate and create a new generation of doctors well versed in treating psychosomatic pain.

Recommendation on Myositis

Chronic muscle pain conditions are rarely caused by a physical, environmental or infectious process. They are mostly the result of a psychosomatic process which uses simple ischemia to cause pain and related symptoms. Psychological reasons for the creation of these psychogenic symptoms vary greatly, but the cure is almost universal. Knowledge therapy will help a patient to discover the true psychological reasons for their pain. Once these emotional issues have been demystified by the conscious mind, their harmful power ceases to exist, usually leading to complete amelioration of all symptoms. If you have never considered that your unresolved back pain might be the result of a subconscious process, you owe it to yourself to investigate how millions have cured their symptoms with this effective therapy option. You have nothing to lose but your pain…

Back muscle exercises are a valuable part of a fitness routine, but should not be prescribed with the promise of a cure for chronic back pain. Muscular symptoms are the most common forms of back pain experienced by patients all around the world. Exercise therapy is a typical treatment modality used to combat this epidemic pain condition. Often, the treatment will not fit the actual cause of the symptoms and the patient is left holding on to hope in a treatment that will not help them or their pain. It is critical to achieve an accurate diagnosis when it comes to muscular back pain to determine whether or not exercise will be a beneficial addition to the treatment program or not.

Benefits of Back Muscle Exercises

Exercise is good for your body and good for your back. Physical therapy using stretches and exercises is indicated for a variety of truly physical back and spine pain syndromes. Exercise is important to rehabilitate back injuries and also crucial to help patients recover from back surgery. If you are sure that your back pain is induced by a physical cause, then there is a good chance that exercise might be right for you.

Exercise increases muscular strength and structure and allows the back muscles to support the spine more effectively. Exercise also increases the circulation and therefore the cellular oxygen supply to the muscles. This interesting fact is the reason why back pain exercises are often moderately effective in treating a variety of diagnosed symptomatic conditions. However, the treatment does not work because of the brilliance or skill or the doctor or therapist…It works because of a mistake made in the diagnosis!

Back Muscle Exercises and Ischemia

Oxygen deprivation is the most common source of muscular back pain. Medical science rarely diagnoses this condition even though it is so prevalent in our society. The reason physical medicine chooses to ignore this cause of horrible muscle pain and spasms is that ischemic back pain is almost always the result of a psychological process. Medical providers are not prepared or educated to deal with this type of pain so they simply ignore the mind / body interaction responsible for the majority of chronic pain conditions.

Most patients will deny having any type of psychosomatic back pain because they have been conditioned to accept a scapegoat spinal abnormality as the source of their pain. Well, if the diagnosis is so good and accurate, then how come the treatment results are so poor?

Recommendation on Back Muscle Exercises

Maybe you have tried a variety of treatment options to cure your chronic muscular back pain with little or no success. Maybe you hold on to the idea that exercise might be the magic bullet to help you conquer your pain. If exercise provides some benefit for your pain, but only short term, there is a good chance that you are suffering from ischemia back pain rather than whatever condition you have been diagnosed with. Acknowledging the reasons for this type of pain is crucial to the complete resolution of all symptoms. Instead of muscle exercises, you should be exercising your brain. Knowledge therapy can cure this type of pain forever, with no more treatments ever needed to maintain your health and vitality. Learn to cure your pain, and then use exercises to get in the best shape of your life. I did it. Why not use your exercise time to build a state of health, rather than try in vain to treat a condition of apparent disease and injury? All this writing makes me want to get up and do my exercises right now! Talk to you later…

Painful back muscles can cause excruciating misery for patients of all ages and lifestyles. Muscular back pain is the most common type of back and spine complaint and can be caused by a variety of physical and psychological sources. While the symptoms associated with back muscle pain can be severe, the condition itself is rarely serious and can go away quickly with little or no treatment.

Physically Painful Back Muscles

Back injury can be the result of a variety of common occurrences:

* Repetitive Motion Back Pain

* Work Related Back Pain

* Sports Back Pain

* Poor Posture Back Pain

Soft tissue injury can affect the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the back. Strains, sprains and tears in these tissues can be very painful and may result in agonizing waves of muscular spasm. However severe the pain might become, there is usually no cause for concern. Stay relaxed, get some rest and do not get stressed out over the symptoms. Obsession with the pain sets the stage for an ongoing psychological pain syndrome to begin, which may last long after the actual muscular injury has healed.

Psychologically Painful Back Muscles

Muscular tension, tightness and pain are often the results of conscious stress related back pain. These are emotional issues that we are aware of and often are a worry to us. This overwhelming psychological burden can cause a breakdown in our physical bodies in order to distract us from the crushing emotional overload. Allow yourself time to de-stress and vent your frustrations over life’s trials and turmoils. Do not repress your stress, since this can lead to a far worse type of psychological back pain.

Repressed emotional issues, thoughts, feelings, fears, insecurities and memories can lead to powerful psychologically induced pain syndromes, including ultra-severe back muscle pain. This pain is so critical that the patient is often hospitalized and fears that they have a dire spinal condition. Of course, a diagnosis is usually made and the pain is blamed on some coincidental spinal scapegoat condition. This is often the start of an ongoing series of unsuccessful treatments for a condition which has been misdiagnosed. Medical treatments do nothing to cure a psychosomatic pain condition. Meanwhile the patient continues to suffer with horrible bouts of acute and chronic back pain.

Recommendation on Painful Back Muscles

Injuries heal. Pain goes away and life returns to normal. This is the way our bodies were designed and this is the way nature works. If you have recently injured your back muscles, do not worry. All will be well again. If you have unresolved back pain that has resisted all attempts at treatment, then you have a real problem. You have probably tried many modalities of therapy with limited or no relief provided. It is time to think differently about the real cause of your pain. Long term chronic back pain is most commonly the result of psychological factors. As soon as a patient realizes and accepts this simple lesson, the sooner they begin to recover. It took me 18 years of suffering to learn this fact…the hard way. Once I learned, I healed. It was really that simple. Learn more about how knowledge therapy can cure your pain, just as it cured mine.

Tight back muscles are sometimes an indicator of imminent back pain. Tight muscles are a natural expression of conscious and sometimes subconscious stress. Many patients experience muscle tightness just prior to having an acute attack of back pain and others experience a constant tightness corresponding to their chronic pain conditions.

Physical Tight Back Muscles

Muscles can become tight due to a minor injury or overexertion. Physical tightness is always possible, but usually resolves quickly and without treatment. The best remedy for physical muscle tightness is a simple massage and some heat therapy. Water based treatments are also wonderful to relax tight muscles. Hydrotherapy and aquatic therapy are both excellent means of treating muscular back conditions. It is not advisable to take medication for muscular back pain. Especially dangerous are the powerful prescription meds that can have harmful side effects and associated risks for addiction.

Psychological Tight Back Muscles

The most common reason for muscle tightness in the back is either conscious stress or subconscious repressed emotional issues. Conscious stress can cause severe tightness and the feeling of being “on edge”. This condition will often last until the cause of the conscious stress is resolved and often even a bit longer. It is important to understand that the mind and body work together in all matters of health and disease. When the mind is burdened by painful or troubling emotions, it often makes the physical body share the load.

Far more severe is the constant muscle tightness and chronic back pain associated with repressed subconscious emotions. Psychosomatic back pain is rampant and can last for many years. Muscle tightness is an extremely common symptom of almost all psychosomatic syndromes and muscles are often painful to the touch and sensitive to movement and activity.

Recommendation on Tight Back Muscles

Tightness in the muscles is usually an indicator of emotional issues causing physical trouble. If you have overused your back muscles and are experiencing some pain and tightness, relax. This condition will not last long and will not leave any permanent damage. However, if you have long term muscle tightness and pain, you need to find help. Medical treatment often blames this type of pain on some coincidental spinal scapegoat condition. This misdiagnosis often keeps the patient in treatment for years looking for some form of relief. Of course, medical treatments will not help a psychosomatic condition and the patient is usually left with a treatment resistant form of pain which is a mystery to doctors and therapists. For true relief of chronic muscle tightness and pain, you need to learn more about how knowledge therapy can teach you the real reason why you have pain. Once you understand where the pain originates, a true cure is easy to enact. Lose those tight muscles and regain your freedom to enjoy life.

A Back muscle sprain is a typical diagnosis for common muscular back pain. The diagnosis of sprain is usually used to describe a condition in which a muscle or ligament is overstretched and possibly torn to a minor degree. A serious tear or detachment in a muscle or ligament is usually referred to as a strain. The words are sometimes used interchangeably and either can be positively diagnosed using advanced imaging techniques such as an MRI or CT scan.

Causes of Back Muscle Sprain

Back muscles and ligaments are some of the largest and strongest in the body. They are not prone to serious injury except in extreme physical circumstances such as severe trauma, constant overuse and abuse, or attack by a neuromuscular disorder. Minor muscular tears and pulls are common and not normally any cause for concern. Ligament tears and pulls are also a common experience for patients experiencing muscular back pain.

Back Muscle Sprain Symptoms

The usual symptoms of back muscle pain are similar to many other types of back ache condition:

* Pain can be localized or radiating circular or linear from a centralized “hot spot”. Pain might extend into one or more limbs.

* Swelling can produce a lump, bump or generalized “knots” in the tissue.

* Affected tissue may feel hot to the touch.

* Muscles might feel weak and have limited movement. Pain is usually elicited from moving affected and surrounding muscles.

Treatment for Sprained Back

Most back sprains will heal on their own without medical treatment. Serious sprains or strains might require treatment or even surgical correction. Usually, simple symptomatic treatment is all that is required:

* Ice and heat therapy.

* OTC medication for pain and inflammation relief.

* Hydrotherapy can work wonders for muscle pain.

* Massage is a good way to speed healing and increase circulation to the injury.

Recommendation on Back Sprain

Although this type of muscle injury is possible, it is commonly misdiagnosed. Many patients with perceived cases of physical back muscle injury are actually suffering from psychological back pain. The symptoms are often identical, since oxygen deprivation of the muscles and ligaments causes pain and related discomfort similiar to a physical sprain. If your back muscle symptoms are chronic or last more than a few weeks, consider the possibility that you might have a psychosomatic case of back pain. In this extremely common scenario, make sure to learn more about how knowledge therapy can help you to beat your pain once and for all.

A back spasm is one of the most painful experiences for a patient to endure. Muscle spasms in the back can be truly horrific and debilitating. I am intimately acquainted with these unbelievably painful occurrences, since I suffered with them for 18 years of my adult life.

Back Spasm Pain

A muscle spasm occurs due to a variety of reasons. A spasm is a powerful contraction or stiffening of the muscle. When a muscle goes into spasm, the person is unable to stop the forcible tightening of the muscle and surrounding tissue. Muscle spasms are designed to protect the injured area by limiting motion in painful tissue. Muscle spasms can be brought on by injury, advanced degenerative process, or most commonly, oxygen deprivation.

Oxygen Deprivation Back Spasm

One of the most common reasons for muscle spasms to occur is from ischemia. This is the same process that occurs when a person experiences cramps from continued muscular usage. Long distance runners and other endurance athletes are experts in dealing with this common side effect of their sports. Charlie horse cramps are also examples of ischemic pain and are often experienced when a tired muscle is elevated. This is the reason for the high incidence of leg cramps in bed. The leg muscles do not get the same amount of blood flow and suffer from an deprived state of oxygenation.

Back muscles are some of the biggest and strongest in the body. They are working almost constantly to maintain our posture and balance. These muscles do not fatigue easily, but are still prone to injury and oxygen deprivation. Ischemic cramps in the postural back muscles can be so painful that the patient may feel as if there is a life threatening problem in their spine. The realty, however, is usually just a low oxygen level in these painful muscles. It is a simple process that can have dire results...

Back Spasm Treatment

The horrible pain of a muscle spasm often drives most patients right to their doctor or hospital for emergency treatment. This is usually unnecessary and actually often creates the start of a long lasting chronic pain condition. The doctor will often blame the pain on some coincidental scapegoat condition. This diagnostic nocebo effect can trigger a psychosomatic pain syndrome. This psychological pain will continue long after the original muscle pain has ended. The patient will not even know the difference…

Recommendation for a Back Spasm

Relax and breathe. I know it hurts, trust me, I DO KNOW… I have experienced this terrible oppressive pain countless times. The best thing to do is to simply relax and allow the pain to pass. Do not assume that you will be in pain for days or weeks. Try to more around occasionally and conservatively while resting the muscles. OTC pain relievers might help as will ice and/or heat. Remember that the severity of the pain is NOT an indicator of the extent of the damage. Ischemia leaves no permanent effects once it has passed. Learn the facts about the real nature of your pain and there is a good chance that you will never have to suffer from a back muscle spasm ever again.

Neck Muscle Pain is usually felt in the trapezius, splenius, sternocleidomastoid, scalene and levator scapulae muscles. Muscular pain in the neck can affect the ability to move the head and the arms. Headaches are also a common side effect of muscular cervical pain. Additional information on cervical symptoms can be found in my NECK PAIN section.

Neck Muscle Pain Symptoms

* The main symptom of muscular neck injury is Pain. The muscles of the neck can be very painful when injured. The pain might be steady or come and go depending on the extent of injury. The pain is often made worse when the patient performs certain movements or activities.

* Muscle spasm is not very common in neck injuries. Muscle spasm is when the muscle contracts violently and uncontrollably. This condition is similar to a “Charlie Horse”. Sometimes, the muscles of the upper back can go into spasm due to a neck muscle injury.

* Muscle tightness or stiffness is also common. There might be a “pulling” or abnormal “stretching” feeling when the neck muscles are used. This feeling is most common when reaching for something with the arms or when turning, raising, or lowering the head.

* Headaches may accompany neck muscle injuries. Headache pain can actually be worse than the muscle pain in some cases.

Recommendation for Neck Muscle Pain

Neck muscle injuries are relatively common, since our heavy heads place a lot of stress on the neck. Whiplash injuries and falls are 2 of the most common forms of neck muscle injuries. If you are suffering from muscular neck pain, relax. Muscle pain is aggravated by worry and emotional stress. Have faith that the pain will subside soon. Take time to allow the injury to heal, but make sure to carefully use the muscles. Keeping the muscles immobile for too long will weaken them and actually make it harder for them to heal.

Upper back muscle pain is often felt in the rhomboid, trapezius, infraspinatus, or latissimus dorsi muscles. There can be numerous reasons for muscular upper back pain. Sports injuries, car accidents, or falls can all contribute to pain in the upper region of the back. Upper back pain will affect the ability to turn the head and use the arms. Muscular back pain can be extremely painful, but rarely leaves lasting effects.

Upper Back Muscle Pain Symptoms

* The main symptom of muscular upper back injuries is PAIN. The muscles of the upper back and shoulders can be very painful when injured. The pain might be steady or come and go depending on the extent of injury. The pain is often made worse when the patient performs certain movements or activities.

* Muscle spasm is relatively common in upper back injuries. Muscle spasm is when the muscle contracts violently and uncontrollably. This condition is similar to a “Charlie Horse” and can be very painful in a large back or shoulder muscle.

* Muscle tightness or stiffness is also common. There might be a “pulling” or abnormal “stretching” feeling when the back muscles are used. This feeling is most common when reaching for something with the arms.

Recommendation for Upper Back Muscle Pain

Relax! The pain will go away. The more you obsess over the pain, the longer it will last. Try to let the pain condition run it’s course. Once you are over the critical first 2 days of spasm and pain, start to rehabilitate the muscles. Start slow and be careful. Conservative movement will increase blood circulation to the muscles and accelerate healing.

I have injured my upper back muscles (especially the Trapezius) many times. Martial arts is a high risk activity and has caused me to suffer a number of upper back strains and sprains. I have also aggravated these injuries by training too hard, too soon. (Too many pull-ups and chin-ups…)

I have learned to slow down a little when I get one of these muscle injuries now. I do not want to start a buildup of scar tissue that may be problematic as I get older. One thing I do not do anymore is fear. I know that the pain will go away. The funny thing is that since I started to think this way, I have not suffered any more pulled muscles…

Lower back muscle pain is the most common form of serious back pain. Pain in the lower back is usually felt in the erector spinae and gluteal muscles. These muscles are some of the largest in the body and can be horribly painful when they are injured. Lower back pain will affect the ability to sit, stand, walk, and use your legs.

The symptoms of muscular pain in the lower back can be debilitating and unbelievably painful. It is strange how the pain can be so severe, yet it will leave no lasting effects on the health of the patient. It will certainly leave a considerable scar of fear in the patient’s mind.

Lower Back Muscle Pain Symptoms

* The main symptom of muscular lower back injuries is PAIN. I mean REAL PAIN! Lower back pain can be the worst pain a person might ever feel in their life. The muscles of the lower back and buttocks can be very painful when injured. The pain might be steady or come and go, depending on the extent of injury. The pain is often made worse when the patient does certain movements or activities.

* Muscle spasm is common in lower back injuries. Muscle spasm is when the muscle contracts violently and uncontrollably. This condition is similar to a “Charlie Horse”, and can be terribly agonizing in a large back muscle.

* Muscle tightness or stiffness is also common. There might be a “pulling” or abnormal “stretching” feeling when the back muscles are used.

Recommendation for Lower Back Muscle Pain

I know it hurts…I really do know. I suffered with terrible pain in my lower back for 18 years. There were times that the pain almost made me breakdown and cry. It was unbearable.

The best thing to do for severe muscular back pain is to relax. Take a few days to recover and take it easy. DO NOT lie around for days in bed. Get some rest, but also try to move around gently. Do not assume that you will be injured for weeks. A positive mental attitude is crucial for a fast recovery.

Most lower back muscle pain is due to an injury. This is very possible, especially for people with jobs involving routine hard labor. However, the “injury” is often just a trigger for a pain condition to begin. If you have chronic muscular back pain, learn more about how knowledge therapy might be the real answer to your problem.

Back muscle spasm is always terribly painful. The muscles contract violently and uncontrollably. Every movement might set off a new series of horrible muscular contractions. This experience is often described as the most painful experience of a person’s life. (I can personally agree with that statement 100%!!!)

Immediate First Aid for Back Muscle Spasm

The best idea for a new injury is rest and ice. Try to relax and find a comfortable position. Avoid any movement that will set off a new series of spasms. Apply ice to the area 10- 20 minutes at a time, every 1 to 2 hours. Do not apply ice for longer than 20 minutes. Take some over the counter pain medicine if needed.

Continuing Treatment for Back Muscle Pain

Once the spasm has ended, the back pain will still be there. Now is the time to work on a treatment plan to rehabilitate the muscles.

* Take it easy, but move around. Lying down will make the muscles weak and stiff, prolonging the pain condition.

* Increase the circulation of blood to the area. Heat or Hydrotherapy are gentle and excellent means for increasing blood flow. Oxygen deprivation back pain can be very painful.

* Try to avoid prescription pain killers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs if possible. Substitute natural pain relief if available. Acupuncture is a good choice.

* Once the pain has improved, use stretching and exercise to rebuild the muscle strength and range of motion. Start slow, and consider using a professional to assist you with your muscle rehabilitation.

* Be careful not to re-injure the same muscles. If necessary, wear a supportive back brace when doing heavy work.

Recommendation for Back Muscle Spasm

I clearly remember having muscle contractions that were worse than the fear of death. Anything seemed like a better situation than to be lying in a hospital bed, drugged up to the point of stupor, yet still in indescribable pain. My muscles were in such violent contraction that the doctors were unable to examine me at all for an entire day! This is my most vivid memory of back pain. I understand the misery of muscular back pain. Please, be patient and it will pass. Keep a positive outlook and realize that the spasm will stop and the pain will fade. The more you worry and obsess over the pain, the longer it will last. Trust me. Once you are better, work on becoming as healthy as possible to prevent further muscle injuries. If you are the victim of chronic muscle pain or recurrent injuries, Knowledge Therapy might be the answer to your long term pain problem.

There are certain pulled back muscle symptoms that are common to all muscular back injuries. Muscle and ligament injuries are not usually serious, but can be extremely painful. The horrible pain might make the patient think that there is serious damage in their back or spine. Remember that muscle pain will not leave permanent damage, as long as it is rehabilitated correctly.

Symptoms of a Pulled Back Muscle

* Pain. The actual site of the injury will hurt. It is also common for the pain to radiate out from a central point into surrounding muscle tissue. The pain might be sharp, burning, dull, aching, blinding, or a combination. The pain might be constant or related to an activity or movement. Doctors always hear, “It hurts when I……..”

* Stiffness or tightness. The affected muscle or ligament might feel stiff and resistant to movement. There may be a “pulling” feeling in the muscle. It might feel shorter than usual, as if it can’t stretch to it’s normal potential.

* Muscle Spasm. Muscles that are newly injured might go into spasm. This is when the muscle contracts violently and uncontrollably. This spasm can last seconds, minutes, or hours. Sometimes, it might last for days…Muscle spasms are terrifically painful.

* Heat in the muscle. Affected area might feel hot to the touch.

Recommendation for a Pulled Back Muscle

Take it easy. Use ice for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling. Get some rest. After the first 2 days, slowly start to move around and get the blood flowing into the muscle. Heat can be great to increase circulation. The main thing to do is to relax. If you worry about the injury or obsess over the pain, you are setting up the ideal conditions for a chronic pain condition to start. Have faith that the pain will be short lived. Work on carefully rehabilitating the injury as soon as it is healed. Try not to let emotional stress affect your body or tighten your muscles.