I've been having backaches since I was 16 , I have seen a osteopath for the last 10,he is very good but after a while the pain always comes back.
2006-09-18 07:05:54 · 8 answers · asked by alex 1 in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
My father-in-law swears by his hot tub. My dad has had lots of back problems for the last 19 years... and when he came to visit us he went in the hot tub for about an hour and was amazed by how much better he felt.
2006-09-19 10:01:30 · answer #1 · answered by starsmoak 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without knowing what causes your backaches, here are some traditional methods. Have you ever seen an orthopedist for x-rays or a MRI to determine the cause of your pain?
RICE, alternating heat and ice packs for 15-20 minutes each every few hours. Exercise, water aerobics, walking, lots of stretching exercises, abdominal exercises to strengthen your core. For instant relief, lie flat on your back, bring your knees to your chest. Do this with a neutral spine. Another good exercise is flat back, camel back. Yoga and Tai Chi are good for strengthening the back muscles. A recumbent bike is good for making the leg muscles stronger.
Icy hot or mineral ice is a mentholated gel that soothes sore muscles. Do not apply before you use a heating pad.
Buy a comfortable mattress because disrupted sleep does not let you feel rested, thus you are more susceptible to injuring the spine. Good posture is very important. Physical therapy and massage help some conditions. Chiropractic care can help, too, depending on your condition.
Eat well, lots of fruit and vegetables; eat calcium rich foods like yogurt and drink milk for strong bones; avoid overindulging in alcohol. Lose weight if you are overweight. A large belly can make your back sway. Use Advil or aspirin with caution because they can cause stomach distress.
The worst thing for a bad back is a sedentary lifestyle. Movement and exercise are essential for a healthy back. If you have a desk job, take a brief walk every hour or two.
On long car trips, take a break from driving by walking for a short distance. I have been known to throw a blanket on a picnic table in a rest area to stretch out my back. Sitting for long periods of time compresses the vertebrae in your spine.
2006-09-18 15:03:09 · answer #2 · answered by ne11 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have (depending on the condition at the time) anything from 3-9 misaligned vertebrae. I've tried different stuff - including the chiropractor & an osteopath. I've tried the inversion table. I've tried medication such as NSAID's - took ibuprofen for 10 years, now use Naproxen (sparingly).
But what WORKS for me now is the hot tub in my garden - 30 minutes per day. Also, for the major L5/S1 problem....inline rollerblading at the rink is excellent for me. I also bought a Wobble-board to help strengthen my lower back.
2006-09-18 14:12:37 · answer #3 · answered by dryheatdave 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Use a heating pad to relax your muscles and try stretching thoughout the day.
2006-09-18 14:13:56 · answer #4 · answered by dabean003 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yoga and five 8oz glasses of water a day.After starting yoga you will be very sore(muscles only).Don't miss a day and be sure to drink the water.It is the only thing that works for me.
2006-09-18 14:16:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Chiropractor, accupressure, accupuncture, stretches. I use bayer back and body when in need..
2006-09-18 14:15:01 · answer #6 · answered by reynwater 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Chiropractic care !!!!
2006-09-19 15:21:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Small oriental woman,walking back &forth .may you have many happy endings.
2006-09-18 14:10:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋