Scoliosis is the lateral curvature of the spine. It is a progressive disease. Little evidence has been found on the effectiveness of exercises on scoliosis, though there are reports that show some improvement in the degree of curvature. What so far has not been determined is whether the improvement is permanent in nature. The lumbar scoliosis brace is a device to support the spine and check further deterioration of the condition.

People wearing a lumbar scoliosis brace are often suggested exercise to correct scoliosis. These exercises are aimed at helping the wearer adapt to the brace, to allow for correction of the spinal deformity, and to improve trunk muscular tone during the period braces are worn. Braces tend to lead the muscles into losing muscle tone. The physical therapist suggests other exercises for trunk and pelvic correction, which are required to be performed everyday.

Types of Lumbar Scoliosis Brace

Here are some of the common types of lumbar scoliosis braces used to prevent scoliosis from degenerating.

Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis (TLSO) brace:

The TLSO brace comes in many styles, but the most commonly used TLSO brace is the Boston brace. The Boston brace is also known as the underarm brace. Made from molded plastic, the Boston brace is custom made to fit the patient?s body. It is usually worn under clothing and is not easy to detect whether the patient is wearing one. This lumbar scoliosis brace applies three-point pressure to the curvature to prevent it from degenerating further.

Charleston Bending Brace:

This lumbar scoliosis brace is also known as the nighttime brace, since it is used only while sleeping. The molding of the brace is done when the patient is bent to the side. It helps in applying more pressure against the curve of the patient to correct the curvature.

Cervico-Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis brace:

This lumbar scoliosis brace is popularly known as the Milwaukee brace, and is quite alike the TLSO brace. Additionally, it has a neck ring attached to the brace. It is worn all the time, though it can be removed for any sporting activity.

About the Author:

Saurabh Jain is the Executive Editor of http://www.backpain-resources-online.com. He has developed this site to provide valuable information to people suffering from back pain. The site enumerate different causes and factors related to back pain, guides through the different type of backpain. Visit http://www.backpain-resources-online.com for more.

SUV Rollovers Lawsuit Information from Lawyers at Monheit Law.

Did you know the well known fact about SUVs?
It is a well known fact that Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) roll over more frequently than other vehicles. It is a fact! During foreseeable accident collisions and during normal turning, an SUV’s higher center of gravity can cause it to roll. You are not safer, but less safe often in these large vehicles.

When you compare a regular sedan passenger car to an SUV, you will find that an SUV rollover accident is far more likely to occur than the regular car.

Why do SUV rollover accidents occur?
This is because an SUV has a significantly higher center of gravity, thus subjecting the car to “tipping over” because it is top-heavy.

Since the typical SUV is usually taller than a passenger car, but has a similar width of wheelbase, it becomes top-heavy. As a result of being top-heavy, any sudden maneuver or even a moderate speed tight angle turn, that does not pose a risk of rollover for a regular sedan passenger car, poses a significant risk for an SUV rollover and can cause in fact an SUV rollover accident.

Additionally, in order to save weight, and to try to decrease top-heaviness, on an already heavy vehicle, the typical SUV manufacturer has lightened the roof. As a result, the weak roof provides insufficient crash protection, and thus puts SUV occupants at a high risk for death or paralysis when an SUV rollover accident occurs.

What should you do if you are paraplegic or quadriplegic from a vehicle accident spinal cord injury?
You can find valuable resources in your state for your Spinal Cord Injury. This link leads to a comprehensive, state by state list of Spinal Cord Injury Resources. These spinal cord injury resources may make a real difference in your life. We have represented many clients who have been injured in roof crush, airbag failure, and SUV rollover motor vehicle accidents and have been left in a paraplegic or quadriplegic condition as a result of the vehicle not being crashworthy. Our clients know that finding the right resources can make a big difference. Feel free also to call us at 866-761-1385 for further information.

About the Author

Michael Monheit, Esq. is an attorney in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area who represents seriously injured individuals. He also works closely with other law firms, including ERSWW for Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuits for vehicle crashworthy cases.

There had been 200,000 people suffering from spinal cord injuries in the United States. Cases of spinal cord injury resulted mostly from car accidents. Other causes include falls, acts of violence and sports. If a victim experienced a spinal cord injury, he might be faced with many trials that include expensive treatments, damages, medications and even the inability to work for a lifetime. If you are the head of the family and you have children, you can be deprived from your work.

Sometimes those who have experienced accidents do not take their injuries seriously with because they think that it is just a minor problem. But sooner or later, the effects may take place and they can never prove it is the result from the accident that they have met before. In order to give impact and proof to your claim, you need to report the accident immediately. Ask a doctor to give you a certificate that the accident has caused grievous injuries that resulted to a spinal cord injury.

Our spinal cord consist of several bundles of nerves which comes from the base of our brain up to our back. Our spinal cord is surrounded by backbones which are very delicate ones. If the backbone is broken, the spinal cord will be open for damages too.

If a person’s spinal cord has been severely injured, there will be no chance of curing it. The treatments and medications will only help the patients relieve the pain and suffering that they are experiencing. However, it will not mean a lifetime of relieving the pain without receiving any compensation so it would be best if you report accidents immediately so that it can be given action and proofs that are sufficient.

If you have been a victim of spinal cord injury, you should not hesitate to consult a lawyer for professional help. You should talk to a specialized attorney so that things will be handled accordingly and you will not have to wait for a long time for actions to take place. If you cannot have your good health back, it would mean useless and you will feel like having no life at all. At least all you can do is get everything you deserve in order to make your life purposeful.

For more related articles, you may visit http://www.mesrianilaw.com

About the Author

Karen Nodalo has graduated from the Bicol University specializing in Computer Science, she graduated with flying honors being one of the top notch students of the graduating class. She has been into writing for almost 5 years now, and has been into different topics. She has also been into student publications since her elementary years, giving her the much coveted exposure that writers of her kind battles for.

The back is a complex but delicate structure of bones, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and large muscles, and it can be easily damaged through overexertion or repetitive movements. There are many ways in which it can be damaged that can cause pain and disability.

Some of the causes of back pain include nerve damage, spinal cord injury, muscle strain, disc damage. A spinal cord injury is one of the most serious types of back injury, and commonly results in paralysis. A back injury can also cause leg pain, also known as sciatica, which occurs when a disc presses on a nerve root.

How do spinal cord injuries and back injuries affect businesses? Although there are under 500 serious spinal cord injuries a year that occur at work, those that do happen often have long lasting consequences, resulting in years off work and possible retirement for the worker involved. Compensation is often sought following a spinal cord injury caused by an accident at work, with serious financial consequences for the employer.

Research suggests that 500,000 people a year suffer a back injury at work, resulting in an estimated 4.9 million days off sick a year, an average of 19 days per worker. BackCare, a back injury charity, puts the cost of back pain to businesses in the UK at ?5 billion a year.

2 out of 3 small firms state that they are affected by people who cannot work due to a back injury, and 1 in 5 small business workers report that they have suffered a bad back caused by their work.

What kind of accidents at work can cause spinal cord injuries and back injuries? Workers who are particularly affected by back injuries include nurses, paramedics and ambulance crews, recycling workers, and administrators. Poor methods of manual handling account for many cases of disc damage and muscle strain for people in these professions. Spinal cord injuries are mainly caused by falls and slips, and construction workers are the most susceptible to these accidents at work.

There is particular prevalence of back injuries in the North East of England, where 2 in 100 workers report they have suffered back pain caused or made worse by their work, compared to the national average of just over 1 in 100 workers. Scottish workers reported the fewest back injuries in the UK .

What can an employer do to prevent spinal cord injuries and back injuries? As the majority of all spinal cord injuries are caused by falls from heights, implementing excellent on-site safety for construction workers is extremely important. Risks should be identified, acted upon, and reviewed on a regular basis in order to keep the chance of a falling accident to the minimum.

A lifting procedure can help to reduce the number of lifting injuries that cause back injury. The following are points which can be incorporated into workplace activities to reduce the chance of a back injury:

Ensure the area is clear of so there aren’t any obstacles to fall over whilst carrying the load Bend the knees and keep the back straight when lifting Hold the load with two hands If the load is too heavy, split the load into two smaller loads if possible or get someone else to help Allow longer to do the lifting task so muscles don’t get strained What should a worker do if they have suffered an injury at work? Employees should take legal advice from experts in personal injury law if they believe their employers were to blame for the accident. Compensation can make a huge amount of difference to the injured person and their family, especially if they were the main breadwinner.

An injured employee can claim for the pain and suffering the injury has caused them, as well as loss of earnings, prescription costs, treatment costs, and other losses.

http://www.youclaim.co.uk

About the Author

YouClaim are the leading online personal injury compensation claim people with a 97% claim success rate. Call 0800 10 757 95 or visit www.youclaim.co.uk for more details.

What is a Spinal Fusion?

A Spinal Fusion, or Arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure during which one or more vertebrae of the spine are joined together in order to cease the motion between them. This motion is a common source of pain for many, whether from the vertebra themselves, or the fluid-filled vertebra discs between them.

Fusions are performed on the cervical and lumbar spine, but less often on the thoracic spine due to the stability provided by the rib cage. Two vertebrae are fused together to stop the motion at one spinal segment, meaning that an L4-L5 spinal fusion is technically a one-level fusion.

The first spinal fusion was performed in 1911 by doctors Fred Albee and Russell Hibbs. In January of 2005, surgeons at the University of Buffalo performed the first minimally invasive spinal stabilization surgery in the United States. This new technique is called axial lumbar interbody fusion, and is seen as the future of spinal fusions.

Why would I need a Spinal Fusion?

A surgeon may recommend spinal fusion if there is: a spinal deformity; a vertebral injury; a disc herniation; or if the spine is weak or unstable due to illness or other spinal surgeries. Common conditions treated by spinal fusions are: scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.

How is a Spinal Fusion performed?

The patient is under general anesthesia during the entire procedure, which will last several hours. The lower vertebrae are fused using the posterior approach, meaning the incision is made directly over the spinal region to be fused. For a cervical fusion, the incision is made in the front or side of then neck. This is called an anterior approach. An anterior thoracic approach is used to repair the middle vertebrae through an incision in the check and abdomen. Any spinal fusion may be approached from the front, back, or side, depending on the needs of the surgeon and the patient’s particular condition.

To fuse the spine together, the surgeon will use bone grafts, with or without additional instrumentation such as pedicle screws and rods. The bone used will come from one of two places: either the patient’s hip (autograft bone), or from a bone bank, or cadaver bone (allograft bone). Autograft bone is the preferred choice and “gold standard,” although using allograft bone is associated with less pain, since the need for donor bone from the patient’s own hip is eliminated. Scientists are currently working on developing synthetic bone, and it is likely this will one day replace both current bone sources.

An interbody spinal fusion takes the procedure one step further by removing the disc material between the vertebrae, and replacing that space with bone. The entire segment is then fused together. This may be necessary for conditions in which the invertebral disc is damaged, degenerated, or herniated.

Immobilizing the vertebrae is an important part of keeping the fusion in place, and is done either during surgery or post-operatively. Internal fixation devices such as pedicle screws and rods, which are placed into the fusion during surgery, will hold the fusion together until the bone graft has a chance to fuse with the vertebrae. External fixations devices such as braces or casts may be used in the early post-operative period to severely limit motion during healing. Either internal or external devices (or both) may be necessary.

Pre-Operative Suggestions

Spinal fusion is a major surgery. It is recommended patients prepare by stopping smoking, starting and continuing an exercise regimen prior to and after surgery, eating nutritionally, and keeping a positive mental outlook.

Post-Operative Care

The immediate need for pain control is often greater with spinal fusions than with other types of spinal surgeries. Among the patient’s options are: oral medications; an intravenous injection; or a patient-controlled pain pump, which delivers narcotics through an intravenous line. This is the most commonly used method of pain control for the first few post-operative days.

Recovery will generally be a lengthy process. The hospital stay is usually three to four days, but having an extensive procedure will extend the stay. However, newer “minimally invasive” surgical techniques are now being developed, which require smaller incisions and results in a reported reduction in healing time. This does not, however, necessarily reduce any risks associated with the procedure.

Resumption of normal activities will take longer than most spinal surgeries. The surgeon will not want the patient to become active until evidence of bone healing can be seen. Bone healing can show up on x-rays approximately six weeks after surgery, at the earliest. Three to four months post-operatively, substantial bone healing should be noted, and activity may be increased. Bone healing may continue for up to a year after surgery. Depending on the patient’s age and the extent of the procedure, the healing required to resume normal activities, including going back to work, can take anywhere from six weeks to six months

Risks and Complications

As with any major surgery, there are risks to take into consideration, and these will vary depending upon the patient’s overall health and diagnosis. Risks include: bleeding, pain at the bone graft site, blood clots, nerve injury, infection, and a failure of the fusion process itself (including hardware failure).

A spinal fusion will be most successful for patients who have a one-level spinal fusion, and only rarely should a three (or more) spinal fusion be considered in order to solely reduce pain. Fusions of two levels or more should be reserved for serious conditions, such as deformities, due to the stress placed on the remaining joints and a drastic reduction in normal back motion.

Fusions rarely, if ever, “break” once completely healed, yet it is still important to note that although a successful fusion may be made, there is always the risk of failing to alleviate symptoms, including pain. Fusing the vertebrae together will place stress on other portions of the spine, and it will be recommended that strenuous activities that involve combinations of lifting and twisting be avoided.

About the Author

Diane Penna is a freelance writer in Northern California. She provides web and magazine content, as well as ghostwriting services. You can read more of her work at http://dianepenna.blogspot.com/.

What is a Laminectomy?

A Laminectomy is a surgical procedure where a bony portion of the spine, the lamina, is removed in order to relieve the pressure of compressed nerve roots and/or the spinal cord within the spinal canal. Thickened, fibrous tissue is usually removed, as are facet joints that may be the source of bone spurs. If an invertebral disc has herniated, fragmented disc material will also be removed. A spinal Fusion is often performed simultaneous to a laminectomy in order to ensure stability at the affected area during recovery and rehabilitation.

Laminectomies are performed on either the cervical or lumbar spine, although they are performed less often on the former due to the possibility of damage to facet joints in the neck. A laminectomy is also performed concurrently with a Discectomy, which allows access to the damaged invertebral discs by removal of the lamina. The first laminectomy was performed in 1887 at the University College London, by surgery professor Dr. Victor Alexander Harden Horsley.

When is a Laminectomy necessary?

A laminectomy is a decompressive surgery performed on the spine of patients diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis caused by bone spurs, herniated discs, trauma to the spine, or other age-related deteriorations.

Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in the compression of nerve roots and/or the spinal cord. This compression causes symptoms such as weakness, numbness, tingling, or generalized pain in the arms or legs. Compression of the nerve roots results in Radiculopathy, or sciatica, generating pain through the buttocks and down one or both legs. Bowel and bladder functions can be disturbed if the cauda equina, the bundle of nerve roots arising from the low end of the spinal cord, is compressed. Although a very rare form of Spinal Stenosis, Cauda Equina Syndrome requires immediate medical attention.

While laminectomies are an elective procedure, surgery may be recommended based upon not only MRI or CT scan findings, but also after review of symptoms and their severity. Symptoms that affect normal, routine living, as well as those not relieved by conservative, non-surgical therapies, will warrant a surgical recommendation.

A patient’s overall health and the severity of the spinal canal narrowing will determine the appropriateness of surgery for each individual. While age does not appear to be a big factor for either risk of complications or the success of the procedure, patients who smoke or have either heart disease or diabetes are at a higher risk for complications and unresponsiveness to the procedure. Having a spinal fusion simultaneous to the laminectomy raises the risk of complications due to the lengthy time added to the overall procedure.

How is a Laminectomy performed?

Prior to surgery, a CT scan or MRI will determine the exact location of the spinal canal narrowing. General anesthesia will be used to put the patient to sleep, and a ventilator will assist in breathing during the procedure. For a lumbar laminectomy, the most common surgical position for the patient is kneeling face down. A special frame will keep the upper body level, place less stress on the abdomen and aid in preventing unnecessary blood loss.

A short incision willl be made down the middle of the lower back. The surgeon will spread apart the muscles and soft tissue to access the bones along the spine. Affected nerve roots will then be exposed when part of one or more vertebra are removed. The surgeon will then remove one or more lamina, as well as any bone spurs or protruding disc material, relieving pressure within the spinal canal and around the nerve roots. The muscles and soft tissue are then put back in place and the incision site is stitched up.

Surgery time can be two hours or more, and will be significantly longer if a fusion is performed along with the laminectomy.

Post-Operative Care

Immediately after surgery, medication is administered to control pain. Most patients are up and walking the day after surgery, and are then given instructions on performing tasks such as getting in and out of bed, sitting, standing, and sleeping. The average hospital stay is three days, and depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient’s overall health, return to normal functioning can be expected.

Resumption of safe driving will take a couple of weeks, and return to light work is usually achieved in about a month. Heavy work or activity should wait for a few months or more, and strenuous labor should be avoided indefinitely. The surgeon will prescribe specific timeframes on an individual basis.

Having a spinal fusion simultaneously will extend your hospital stay and overall recovery time.

Risks and Complications

The most common complications associated with laminectomies include infection, damage to the membrane surrounding the spinal cord at the operation site, blood clots, and the need for future surgeries.

The goal of a laminectomy is to restore normal movement within the spinal canal, reducing the severity of symptoms each patient experiences as a result of nerve root or spinal cord compression. This is often achieved, and most patients find relief of leg pain and weakness, a reduction in radiculopathy, and improved walking ability.

It is estimated that about 75% of patients are successful in having leg pain relieved, and are able to satisfactorily return to normal, daily functioning. Those who have a goal only to relieve back pain are often not satisfied with the results of the surgery, as the most improvement is seen with respect to the pain in the limbs.

A follow-up surgery may be necessary if spinal stenosis occurs in a different spinal location, if there is a regrowth of tissue into the spinal canal, or if a fusion fails to hold. Narrowing may develop directly above or below the surgical site. Repeated surgeries may also increase spinal instability; however, this risk is minimized when a fusion is performed.

Symptoms of numbness or clumsiness may not be relieved, and if the nerves were badly damaged prior to surgery, there may be some remaining pain or weakness, or no improvement at all. It is important to note that any or all symptoms may return after a few years, due to the continued degenerative process. Despite this fact, surgery for Spinal Stenosis remains the only viable option for many patients who wish to be free of severe leg pain, weakness, and immobility.

About the Author

Diane Penna is a freelance writer in Northern California. She provides web and magazine content, as well as ghostwriting services. You can read more of her work at http://dianepenna.blogspot.com/.

DWhile devised over a century ago, the medical test known as lumbar puncture is still the gold-standard procedure for diagnosing a number of serious conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord.While devised over a century ago, the medical test known as lumbar puncture is still the gold-standard procedure for diagnosing a number of serious conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord.

I couldn’t resist the title’s corny riff on the name of the rock band and their movie, but the kind of spinal tap featured in this article was a spinal tap before Spinal Tap was Spinal Tap. (Does that make any sense?)

Known more formally as a lumbar puncture, this kind of spinal tap is a valuable medical test with an interesting history. In 1891 Heinrich Quincke, of Kiel, Germany, introduced this procedure as we know it today. His original intent was to help babies suffering from hydrocephalus (water on the brain) by draining away excess fluid, but from the outset he was also interested in lumbar puncture’s use as a diagnostic tool.

To understand the usefulness of this test and why you might someday need to have one, a little background is helpful. The brain and spinal cord are wrapped in a membrane called the meninges. Within the meninges, a watery fluid called the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bathes the inside and outside of the brain and the outside of the spinal cord. Within the brain’s fluid chambers (ventricles), the body perpetually manufactures new CSF from constituents of the bloodstream. Once the CSF has percolated through openings to get outside the brain, it is reabsorbed and recycled into the bloodstream. The entire volume of CSFabout 150 milliliters or five ouncesis made and reabsorbed several times per day.

Dr. Quincke understood that analyzing the CSF’s makeup could be useful in diagnosing infections and other diseases affecting the central nervous system (brain plus spinal cord). Measuring the CSF’s protein and glucose (sugar) content along with inspecting a sample of CSF under a microscope to count red and white blood-corpuscles soon became standard practices.

The premier use of lumbar puncture in both Quincke’s time and ours has been to diagnose meningitis. The suffix “-itis” signifies inflammation, so meningitis means inflammation of the meninges. Most, but not all, instances of meningitis are due to infections, but the kinds of infections seen have evolved over the years. In Quincke’s lifetime tuberculosis and syphilis germs were common causes of meningitis, but presently, in developed countries these are uncommon. Nowadays, the usual causes of meningitis are other bacteria, viruses or even funguses. In cases of suspected infection, CSF protein, glucose and blood-corpuscle measurements are supplemented by other tests on the fluid that can track down the specific, infecting organisms. Another important use of lumbar puncture is to diagnose subarachnoid hemorrhage, an abrupt, devastating, and potentially lethal bleed into the CSF space caused by rupture of an aneurysm or other abnormal blood vessel. In suspected casesclassically presenting with “the worst headache of my life”a computed tomographic (CT) scan is usually performed first. While very sensitive in detecting subarachnoid hemorrhages, CT scans can still miss cases. So if the doctor is still suspicious that a bleed occurred, the next step is to do a lumbar puncture which is 100% sensitive in detecting this condition. That is, it never misses.

Lumbar puncture with CSF analysis can also help in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, a disease in which the patient’s own immune system attacks the central nervous system. In this condition the immune reaction produces abnormal proteins that can be detected and measured in the CSF.

How is the test performed? Well, the first step, of course, is the informed consent process in which your doctor explains the risks and benefits of the test and you sign a permission form. In this author’s opinion, lumbar puncture is the most benign test for which written permission is traditionally required and is less risky than some other procedureslike drawing blood from a high-pressure arteryfor which written permission is traditionally omitted.

The next step is to lie on your side on a bed or procedure table with your knees tucked up to your chest. The skin of your lower back is painted with an iodine-based solution to produce a sterile field. If you have an allergy to iodine, an alcohol-based solution is substituted. The surrounding area is then covered with sterile paper or cloth. The skin and the tissue beneath the skin are then numbed with local anesthetic, and then everything is ready to insert the spinal needle.

The reason the lower back (lumbar spine) is chosen is because here the sac of meninges can be entered without risk of poking a hole in the spinal cord. This is because the spinal cord ends several inches higher within the spinal canal. The composition of the CSF is nearly the same throughout its system. Thus, CSF from the lumbar region is as good for diagnosis as from anywhere else, yet safer to obtain. Once the spinal needle enters the lumbar sac of fluid, correct positioning of the needle is confirmed by the emergence of clear, colorless drops of fluid from the back of the needle. (When a similar procedure is performed for the purpose of epidural anesthesia, the tip of the needle stops just short of entering the meninges, and the drug is infused outside the sac.) A thin plastic tube is then attached to the back of the needle so the CSF’s pressure can be measured. Subsequently, CSF is allowed to drip into each of several sealable test-tubes suitable for sending to the laboratory. Once adequate fluid has been obtained, the needle is withdrawn and the small puncture site in the skin is covered with an adhesive bandage. Typically, there are no more than a few drops of blood-loss from this test. How about risks? Fortunately, they are minimal. As with any other test in which a needle is inserted somewhere that Mother Nature never intended, bleeding is a possibility. Luckily, there are no major blood-vessels in the vicinity, so even an off-course needle is unlikely to cause trouble. Theoretically, a needle-insertion could also bring germs into the body and cause infection, but this almost never occurs because the needle is sterile and because the lumbar region had been surgically prepped.

About one-in-five patients experiences a headache from the procedure. When a spinal-tap headache occurs, it always has the following characteristics: it is present while the patient is sitting or standing, and is promptly relieved by lying down. Spinal-tap headaches are due to persistent leaking of CSF through the hole that the needle made in the meninges. (The leaking occurs within the spinal column and doesn’t leave the body.) Until the hole seals up again and the full volume of CSF is restored, the CSF cannot provide its usual cushioning effect with changes in head position, and a headache ensues. In such cases the patient remains horizontal until the leak has sealed over.

Reviewing a list of potential complications can have a discouraging effect on people who need a test. But it is reassuring to know that millions of people have had Dr. Quincke’s test since he devised it over a century ago. If the test caused unforeseen problems, they should have turned up by now.

(C) 2005 by Gary Cordingley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Do your small business marketing materials, and the personal brand image you project make your spine tingle? Or, do they look like your eight year-old child designed them? If any of them give you shame, they’re your “marketing package blunders”. Find out why you need to fix them, and get tips how. If you do, you’ll sell more of your products and services!

Do your small business marketing materials, and the personal brand image you project make your spine tingle? Or, do you make excuses about how they look, apologize because they’re outdated, or find yourself saying to others you’re “working on getting new ones printed” soon?

A Story about a “Perfectly Polished” Woman…Almost

About a year ago, I met a woman at a business conference at a local college. She approached me to ask some questions about the small business coaching services I offer. She was a very attractive woman, tall, with classically refined features, and perfectly manicured and polished nails. She wore a well-cut designer suit, clutched a high-end handbag, and wore shoes to “die for”. I thought, “Wow, this woman puts on a winning image”, and I felt a little embarrassed, because I knew I was not as well “put together” that day.

Then, as she turned to walk away, I spotted it…

…a plastic tortoise shell hair clip.

Her dark, shiny hair was pulled back by a clip that looked like it had layers of hair grooming product residue on it. A corner piece of the clip was actually broken off. Everything positive this woman had projected was immediately tarnished by the negligent afterthought about her hair accessory.

I assumed the woman must have been in a rush that morning, and grabbed the first hair clip she could get her hands on…because she looked so fabulous in every other way.

Recently, I saw her again at another small business conference, and she looked fabulous, just as before. We spoke for a few moments, and as she turned to walk away, there it was, AGAIN…

…the dirty, broken tortoise shell hair clip.

I then realized that she had no idea the hair clip had a negative affect on her entire appearance. She must have thought no one would notice, or, because the rest of her outfit was so polished, it wouldn’t matter.

Wrong.

Details Matter

My point here is not to ridicule this woman: but, how one bit of negligence can ruin the the presentation of your entire small business marketing package, and, guess what…there goes the sale! (The same applies for men, too.)

Seeing her made me realize that I had a few “marketing package blunders” of my own—especially when it came to the personal brand image I was projecting.

I realized that if I wanted to project being a polished, knowledgeable professional, and be on track to grow a million dollar business, I had better start looking like one!

That’s what made me decide it was time to redefine and update my personal brand image, have professional photographs taken, create a new website for my small business marketing and coaching business, and invest in a few more high quality pieces of clothing for my wardrobe.

Even getting eBook covers professionally designed is part of my “marketing makeover” plan. (My new personal brand image has not been released yet, but will be in fall 2008.)

I know my attitude, and the actions I am taking will pay off immensely. When I started the Internet business segment of my small business marketing and coaching business, I was just “playing around”. Now, I’ve decided, it’s time to get serious.

Are you just playing around? Or, do you want to be taken seriously by your target audience. Do you want to set yourself apart from your competition, and sell a lot more products and services?

Assess the *Tingle* Factor of Your Marketing Materials

Take about 30 minutes this week and objectively assess what personal brand image you are projecting, and inventory the quality of all of your small business marketing materials. This includes your website, photographs of you, business cards, brochures, product packaging, business forms — anything that your prospects or clients see. Do they look consistent, professional, up-to-date, and polished? Or, do some of them look like your eight year-old child designed them? Do they make your spine tingle in a good way? If any of them give you shame, they’re your “marketing package blunders”, and need rework!

Make a list of:

1. Which marketing materials need rework.

2. What you’re going to do about them, and by what date.

3. Identify who can help you fix them.

I recommend you outsource and get some professional design work done on your marketing materials, or development of your personal brand image.

If you do, you’ll be more confident in the small business marketing image you project, and you’ll see your business sales rise, as well.

Copyright 2008, Bonita L. Richter

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Spinal stenosis is a condition that involves both the bony structures and the nerves of the spine.

The bony structures of the spine are the vertebrae. They provide structure for our bodies and protect the spinal cord, which carries messages between the brain and body. There are about 33 interlocking vertebrae and they are articulated in a way that provides support for the chest and abdomen while allowing us the flexibility to twist and bend. The spine has two forward curves?cervical and lumbar?and two backward curves?thoracic and sacral, which help it absorb mechanical stress.

The spinal cord travels through the spinal canal from the head to the lower back. The posterior longitudinal ligament lines the canal between the spinal cord and the back of the vertebrae, providing additional support and protection for the spinal cord. All messages between the brain and body are carried by the spinal cord in a top-down fashion. If the spinal cord is severed, you lose all sensation and function below the injury.

A pair of spinal nerves leaves the spine between each pair of vertebrae. They split off of the spinal cord and innervate the structures parallel to that vertebra. The nerves pass out of the spinal canal through the neural canal and exit the spine through the space between vertebrae.

Whenever the spinal canal or one of the neural canals is narrowed or obstructed, you have spinal stenosis. The symptoms of spinal stenosis depend on which nerve or nerves are being affected.

Cervical spinal stenosis occurs in the neck and can involve either the cord or spinal nerves. If spinal nerves are involved, you will have pain, numbness, tingling and/or weakness of the neck, shoulders and/or arms. If the cord is involved, you may also have symptoms affecting your legs, usually uncoordinated movement and difficulty walking.

Thoracic stenosis is rare because there is less curvature in the thoracic spine, and therefore less stress on the joints between vertebrae. The spinal canal is normally narrower in the thoracic spine, however, so it takes less obstruction to cause symptoms.

Lumbar stenosis is common, and involves the lower back. Lumbar stenosis causes pain in the lower back and leg and may also cause weakness in one or both legs.

Spinal stenosis can be caused by narrowing of the spinal canal, narrowing or obstruction of the neural canal or narrowing or obstruction of the space between vertebrae. Stenosis can be congenital or it can be caused by injury, tumor, medical conditions or degenerative changes due to aging.

In the early stages, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and other medical measures take care of the symptoms. Ultimately, the only way to correct spinal stenosis is with surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves.