Low back pain (LBP) is a common disorder involving the muscles, nerves, and bones of the back. Pain can vary from a dull constant ache to a sudden sharp feeling. Low back pain may be classified by duration as acute (pain lasting less than 6 weeks), sub-chronic (6 to 12 weeks), or chronic (more than 12 weeks). The condition may be further classified by the underlying cause as either mechanical, non-mechanical, or referred pain. The symptoms of low back pain usually improve within a few weeks from ...

low back pain

General-information-about-ginger

General information about ginger  

General-information-about-ginger_0_0

General-information-about-ginger_0_1

Ginger (Zingiber officinale), also called by other names - isiot, ginger, is a plant with well-leafed stems and yellowish-green flowers. The ginger spice comes from the roots of the plant. Ginger is native to warmer parts of Asia, such as China, Japan, and India, but is also grown in parts of South America and Africa. It is also grown in the Middle East to be used as medicine and as food.

General-information-about-ginger_0_2

Ginger is commonly used to relieve stomach problems, including nausea, colic, upset stomach, flatulence, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Its use has been documented for nausea caused by cancer treatment, nausea caused by HIV/AIDS treatment, nausea and vomiting after surgery, and loss of appetite.

General-information-about-ginger_0_3

Other uses include pain relief in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, menstrual pain, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, respiratory problems, migraine headaches, bronchitis, and diabetes.&nbsp;

General-information-about-ginger_0_4

Ginger is also sometimes used for chest pain, low back pain, and stomach pain, to stimulate breast milk, and as a diuretic. It is interesting to find out what active components are due to all the above applications of ginger, as well as whether there are other areas of application.&nbsp;

General-information-about-ginger_0_5

Amazing-Benefits-of-Ginger-Backed-by-Scientific-Research

Amazing Benefits of Ginger Backed by Scientific Research

Contains-phenolic-compounds-with-powerful-healing-properties

Contains phenolic compounds with powerful healing properties 

Contains-phenolic-compounds-with-powerful-healing-properties_1_0

Contains-phenolic-compounds-with-powerful-healing-properties_1_1

Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It is used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and fight the flu and the common cold as some of its main areas of utility.

Contains-phenolic-compounds-with-powerful-healing-properties_1_2

The unique aroma and taste of ginger comes from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. It is responsible for much of the healing properties of ginger.&nbsp;

Contains-phenolic-compounds-with-powerful-healing-properties_1_3

Gingerol has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to various scientific studies. For example, it can help reduce oxidative stress that results from the presence of an excessive amount of free radicals in the body. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665023/" target="_blank" data-ref="Page not available - PMCTwitterFacebookLinkedInGitHubSM-TwitterSM-FacebookSM-Youtube" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;1]&nbsp;

Contains-phenolic-compounds-with-powerful-healing-properties_1_4

In other studies, the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential of gingerols and their nanoformulations have been described. 3 The phenolic compounds found in ginger in general are mainly gingerols, shogaols and paradolas. Gingerols are the main phenolic compounds found in fresh ginger and contain mainly 6-gingerol, as well as 4-, 5-, 8-, 10- and 12-gingerols. Gingherols possess a wide range of bioactivities, such as antioxidants and anticancer agents.

Focus-on-the-anti-cancer-action-of-gingerols-in-ginger

Focus on the anti-cancer action of gingerols in ginger 

Focus-on-the-anti-cancer-action-of-gingerols-in-ginger_1_0

In connection with anticancer activity, gingerols have been found to exhibit anticancer activity as immunomodulators due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, apoptotic, antiangiogenic and antimetastatic effects. Studies have shown that 6-gingerol targets molecular signaling pathways that could potentially be used to treat cancer. 4

Focus-on-the-anti-cancer-action-of-gingerols-in-ginger_1_1

In another study, 6-gingerol was demonstrated to inhibit epidermal growth factor-induced activating protein 1 (AP-1), which has an important effect on tumor promotion. Cell migration and motility were significantly reduced at increasing concentrations in breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) treated with 6-gingerol. 5

Focus-on-the-anti-cancer-action-of-gingerols-in-ginger_1_2

The effects of 6-gingerol on MMP proteins, which are possible mediators of invasion and metastases in some cancer cells, have demonstrated its ability to suppress adhesion, invasion and motility in MDA-MB-231 cells. A scientific team confirms that 6-gingerol suppresses MMP-2 levels by reducing nuclear levels of a protein bound to a YAP protein that acts as a promoter in tumor metastases in many cancers. 6

Focus-on-the-anti-cancer-action-of-gingerols-in-ginger_1_3

In yet another study, 6-gingerol was shown to reduce the viability of human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells, has an inhibitory effect on DNA synthesis, and is responsible for apoptotic cell death. 7

Focus-on-the-anti-cancer-action-of-gingerols-in-ginger_1_4

Studies have also demonstrated the potential of gingerols to be an effective chemopreventive agent for colorectal cancer with their anti-inflammatory properties. A team of scientists revealed that 6-gingerol generated significant cell cycle arrest and death in the colorectal cancer cell lines LoVo and HCT116 by inhibiting cyclin D1, cyclin A, and cyclin B1. 8

Ginger-in-various-forms-of-nausea

Ginger in various forms of nausea 

Ginger-in-various-forms-of-nausea_1_0

Ginger seems to be very effective against nausea as an unpleasant health problem. It can help relieve nausea and vomiting in people undergoing certain types of surgeries or procedures. Ginger may also help with chemotherapy-related nausea, but larger human studies are needed to prove these effects.&nbsp;

Ginger-May-Play-a-Role-in-Weight-Loss

Ginger May Play a Role in Weight Loss 

Ginger-May-Play-a-Role-in-Weight-Loss_1_0

Ginger-May-Play-a-Role-in-Weight-Loss_1_1

A 2019 review of the scientific literature concluded that ginger supplements may help significantly reduce body weight and waist-to-hip ratio in overweight or obese people. 9

Ginger-May-Play-a-Role-in-Weight-Loss_1_2

A 2016 study of 80 obese women found that ginger can also help reduce body mass index (BMI) and insulin levels in the blood. Another 2019 study of functional foods also concluded that ginger has a positive effect on obesity and weight loss. However, further studies are needed in this direction.&nbsp;

Ginger-to-lower-blood-sugar

Ginger to lower blood sugar  

Ginger-to-lower-blood-sugar_1_0

This area of research is relatively new, but ginger has the potential for potent antidiabetic properties. In a 2015 study of 41 participants with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of ginger powder per day lowered fasting blood sugar by 12%. 10 In addition, it dramatically improves hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a marker of long-term blood sugar levels. HbA1c was reduced by 10% over a 12-week period.

Ginger-to-lower-blood-sugar_1_1

There was also a 28% reduction in the apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I ratio and a 23% reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA), which is a byproduct of oxidative stress. A high ApoB/ApoA-I ratio and high levels of MDA are major risk factors for heart disease. Keep in mind, however, that this is only a small study. The results are impressive, but more in-depth data is needed.

Ginger-can-significantly-reduce-menstrual-pain

Ginger can significantly reduce menstrual pain 

Ginger-can-significantly-reduce-menstrual-pain_1_0

Ginger-can-significantly-reduce-menstrual-pain_1_1

Dysmenorrhea refers to pain felt during the menstrual cycle.

Ginger-can-significantly-reduce-menstrual-pain_1_2

One of the traditional uses of ginger is to relieve pain, including menstrual pain.&nbsp;

Ginger-can-significantly-reduce-menstrual-pain_1_3

In a 2009 study, 150 women were instructed to take ginger or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) during the first 3 days of their menstrual cycle. The three groups received four daily doses of ginger powder (250 mg), mefenamic acid (250 mg) or ibuprofen (400 mg). Ginger manages to reduce pain as effectively as the two NSAIDs.

Ginger-can-significantly-reduce-menstrual-pain_1_4

More recent studies have also shown that ginger is more effective than placebo and just as effective as drugs such as mefenamic acid and acetaminophen/caffeine/ibuprofen. 11

Other-known-health-benefits-of-ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)

Other known health benefits of ginger (Zingiber officinale) 

Other-known-health-benefits-of-ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)_2_0

To a lesser extent, the following&nbsp; health benefits of ginger have been studied:

Other-known-health-benefits-of-ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)_2_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">May help lower cholesterol levels</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">May help treat poor digestion</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">May help with osteoarthritis</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">May improve brain function and protect against Alzheimer's&nbsp;disease</li></ul>

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), a member of the Zingiberaceae family, is one of the most popular foods in the world, known since antiquity and used as both a spice and medicinal plant. It is rich in various chemical ingredients, including phenolic compounds, terpenes, polysaccharides, lipids, organic acids and crude fiber. The health benefits of ginger are mainly due to its phenolic compounds, such as gingerols and shogaoli. Accumulated research has shown that ginger possesses numerous biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, and other properties.&nbsp;

The amazing health benefits of ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Бетина Цветкова

_-1_0

Author: Sylvia Marinova, PhD student in the Genomic Stability Laboratory at BAS

_-1_1

_-1_2

Back pain, and in particular lower back pain, are attributed to the most common complaints of modern man. Largely due to the nature of work and daily life, leading to "sedentaryness", irregular posture and insufficient movement.

_-1_3

This in turn causes the appearance of functional changes of the musculoskeletal system, and hence complaints described as pain, discomfort, stiffness or heaviness.

_-1_4

In this article, we will focus on the lower back area, its anatomy and the most common causes of pain, as well as treatment options.

What-you-might-not-know-about-the-lower-back

What you might not know about the lower back

What-you-might-not-know-about-the-lower-back_0_0

Here is a brief anatomical reference to the spine device and in particular its cruciate area. Do not miss this part, even if it seems boring, because it will help you better understand the origin of back pain.

What-you-might-not-know-about-the-lower-back_0_1

Together, <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Treatment_of_chronic_low_back_pain_new_approaches_on_the_horizon_28546769" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> the vertebrae form the spine [ref.1], forming a protective duct in which the spinal cord is located. Thespine absorbs much of the weight of the human body and provides us with a standing, which is also supported by the musculature around.

What-you-might-not-know-about-the-lower-back_0_2

They form the lower back, starting from the last thoracic vertebrae and reaching the last part of the spine- sacrum. They increase their size progressively, allowing them to absorb most of the weight of the body.

What-you-might-not-know-about-the-lower-back_0_3

What-you-might-not-know-about-the-lower-back_0_4

Between the vertebrae are the so-called " intervertebrae discs. They act as shock absorbers in the spine and take away the vibration and tension that is created when moving, protecting the vertebrae in this way.

What-you-might-not-know-about-the-lower-back_0_5

Each disc is made up of a rigid outer fibrous ringthat surrounds a soft gelatin-like core consisting of85% water, type 2 collagen and small connective tissue cells.

What-you-might-not-know-about-the-lower-back_0_6

The vertebrae are connected by joints and ligaments that allow the movement of the spine in different planes. There are also small and large muscles that support the entire structure. Their even development is extremely important for proper posture, as well as for reducing tension onthe spine itself. If the muscles do not function sufficiently, then the risks of trauma and pain increase.

What-you-might-not-know-about-the-lower-back_0_7

It remains to mention the nerve fibers that come out of the spine through small openings in the lumbar vertebrae. Where they are fed out ofthem, we call them nerve roots . Lumbarnerves are 5 pairs and inert the lower part of the human body, responsible for the sensory and movements of its parts. If the nerve roots are affected for one reason or another, it is possible that the pain will spread along their entire length and even lose sensitivity.

What-causes-lower-back-pain

What causes lower back pain

What-causes-lower-back-pain_1_0

The identification of <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Assessment_of_spinal_pain_26096091" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> the origin of back pain and precise diagnosis are of utmost importance for the appointment of the correct therapy. In general, pain is considered nonspecific [ref.2] in the majority of cases as the root cause remains unclear.

What-causes-lower-back-pain_1_1

What-causes-lower-back-pain_1_2

Some common causes of back pain can be:

What-causes-lower-back-pain_1_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Disc hernia - in this condition, the nucleus of the intervertebrae disc shifts, tearing the fibrous ring. Due to the structural changes that occur in the intervertebrae discs described above. The pain in this case comes both from mechanical irritation of the nerve roots and from inflammation that is caused. In some patients, acute pain passes within a week or two, but in others it remains for a long time. Other risk factors for a herniated disc are heavy physicallabor, overweight, weight lifting.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Muscle spasms and stretching - muscle spasms can be caused by trauma due to physical activity, injury or concomitant disease (e.g. fibromyalgia).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Spinal distortions - congenital distortions or those due to improper posture are very often the cause of backache.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Some diseases - for example, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, etc. Some of them can be particularly serious. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if we suffer from back pain for a long time and do not know what they are due to.</li>
</ul>

What-causes-lower-back-pain_1_4

Pain is defined as acute ,when its duration is not more than 6 weeks, and chronic , whenit does not pass at least 3 months.

What-causes-lower-back-pain_1_5

You will learn more from <a href="https://www.spine-health.com/video/video-understanding-different-types-back-pain" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this video</a>.

Role-of-the-muscles

Role of the muscles

Role-of-the-muscles_2_0

There are large and complex muscle groups, the role of which is to keep the spine in an upright position, take away from the tension on it and allow it different movements such as twisting and bending in different directions.

Role-of-the-muscles_2_1

Role-of-the-muscles_2_2

Some of them are involved in our daily movements such as pelvic muscles, but others remain unevenlyloaded . This leads to their weakening over time, and the consequencescan be muscle spasms, greater predisposition to trauma, as well as changes in the spine itself.

Role-of-the-muscles_2_3

Physiotherapy, as well as some specific exercises, can be aimed at strengthening the three main muscle groups supporting the spine:

Role-of-the-muscles_2_4

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Spoilers (extensors) - these are the dorsal and pelvic muscles</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Folding (flexors) - abdominal (abdominal) muscles and ilopsoasa</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Rotators - hang on the side of the spine and are connected to the rotation and maintenance of the stand</li>
</ul>

Role-of-the-muscles_2_5

This is usually also part of the first steps in the treatment of back pain.

Role-of-the-muscles_2_6

See more in <a href="https://www.spine-health.com/video/lower-back-strain-video" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this video</a>.

What-is-the-treatment-of-lower-back-pain

What is the treatment of lower back pain

What-is-the-treatment-of-lower-back-pain_3_0

Treatment depends on the root cause of the onset ofpain. In general, it can be divided into two groups - conservative and invasive treatment.

What-is-the-treatment-of-lower-back-pain_3_1

The conservative treatment consists in taking medications that aim to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and relax muscles. Some of this type of treatment is also physiotherapy and special exercises that strengthen the muscles around the waist.

What-is-the-treatment-of-lower-back-pain_3_2

What-is-the-treatment-of-lower-back-pain_3_3

In the absence of improvement and conversion of pain into chronic, then it is possible to switch to more invasiveprocedures.

What-is-the-treatment-of-lower-back-pain_3_4

There are different <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/DISORDERS/PATIENT-CAREGIVER-EDUCATION/FACT-SHEETS/LOW-BACK-PAIN-FACT-SHEET" target="_blank" rel="noopener">types of operational</a> procedures [ref.3]that are chosen according to the specific need.

What-is-the-treatment-of-lower-back-pain_3_5

In conclusion, we will say that prevention is extremely important. We can protect ourselves from the onset of back and waist pain and their recurrence by improving our general physical condition and making sure to create proper moving habits, consciously monitor our posture and develop our musculature informedly.

low back pain

Lower back pain, the role of muscles and treatment