How can I prevent back aches, muscle tightness?

Question

I am 22 years old and in good health. Ever since I was about 12 I sometimes get severe pain in my back.

Sometimes I will simply bend over and my lower back will sudddenly be strained. Other times I have major muscles spasms in my back and all of the muscles in my upper back, shoulders and neck area will be so tight that I cant even turn my head or lift my arm for over a week!

I have been to doctors and even the hospital about this problem in the past and the only thing they ever do is give my pain killers and muscle relaxers which just mask the pain and make me drowsy.

Are there any alternate treatments? Accupuncture? Specific Massage? Anything that might help me!

Answer 1

Definitely alternative methods can help your problem. First off I always recommend a chiropractor as they are specialists in back pain. They should be able to help you get control over this problem.

I also like acupressure massage. This really helps loosen tight muscles.

If you have access to a Jacuzzi that would really help loosen the muscles.

I've enclosed a link where you can check out chiropractors in your area in the USA.

if you have any further questions please let me know,
Billie77

Answer 2

Pilates is really good for the back and it's posture. DVDs by Lynn Robinson which can be bought from Amazon among other places are really good e.g. "Shape up the Pilates way"; or you could just attend some classes down at your local gym.
The Alexander technique is supposed to be good for the back but I havn't tried this myself.
Its a long shot, but do you have a good pillow and mattress for your bed, and is your sofa comfortable?

Answer 3

Trigger Point Massage and a firm swedish massage will do the trick. Stay away from deep tissue it will only make the spasms worse.

Answer 4

Sometimes muscle spasms and cramps are caused by a magnesium deficiency. There are many ways to increase your magnesium levels. Here are a few:

1. eat magnesium rich foods like spinach, artichokes, almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds

2. drink daily chlorophyll-rich drinks like fresh organic wheatgrass juice and nettle herb infusions.(chlorophyll has a similar molecular structure to the red blood cell, except it has magnesium at its core instead of iron.)

3. take Epsom salt baths

4. take a magnesium supplement (there are different types of magnesium so research which type is most bio-available and experiment to see which your body likes most)

Answer 5

Yoga or pilates