help for back pain

[vtdiamond]

Uggh, poor guy, I have totally been there. Here is my list of suggestions that have been recommended to me over the years.

- Chiropractor
- pillow or extra back support if he is sitting at a desk all day
- stretching
- Core/strength training
- has he seen an Orthopedic/Spine Specialist yet?
- Physical Therapy
- Massage Therapy
- Acupuncture

[Deleted]

To ditto pp: chiro, physio. I'll add yoga. Things you buy are not going to help as much as things you do.

[chessie]

If he has not yet seen an ortho-get his back checked out. I had issues last year, where it got to the point couldn't take the pain and my c5/c6 were crushing against each other..Sitting is actually worst thing you can do for any back injury--I had to increase my exercise in order to get better. Its a process, but it is worth it. So this is what I had to do and will be continuing since its one of those things you do for maintenance.

-2X's a week Physical therapy
-daily weight lifting, cardio
-better chair support for work/home
-Massage Therapy
-stretching

[Deleted]

Read Healing Back Pain by John Sarno. His theories really work on me (much more than the several rounds of physical therapy, chiropractor visits, acupuncture, massages, heat, ice, pain killers, muscle relaxers, and epidurals that I tried before reading the book).

[vtdiamond]

Jan 22, 2013 9:42:56 GMT -5 v said:

Read Healing Back Pain by John Sarno. His theories really work on me (much more than the several rounds of physical therapy, chiropractor visits, acupuncture, massages, heat, ice, pain killers, muscle relaxers, and epidurals that I tried before reading the book).

Looks interesting, I'm willing to try anything at this point, I've added it to my list to read.

[Deleted]

Get one of those giant exercise balls--I like to stretch over mine (on my stomach).
I also swear by the Bengay back patches.

Where is his pain? Has he seen a Dr/had an MRI?

[Deleted]

I got the book V suggested but I haven't read it yet. Luckily *knock on wood* my back has been pretty good over the past 2 years. I do plan on reading it soon since I expect my back will be an issue in the upcoming months.

What helps me-- a good chair at work is a must. My chair at my last job was awful, but I have a great ergonomic chair here now and its made a world of difference.

I do a lot of yoga moves.

I limit my exercise to walking, elliptical, swimming and light weights. Anything else kills my back. No more spinning or running for me And when I lift, I make sure I have back support.

Exercise balls are great.

MASSAGES! I try to get professional ones at least once a month, and I make DH massage me as well. This really has helped.

Hot baths daily (yes I know but this REALLY helps me).

If he is in the car a lot of the day, lumbar support is important. I got the limited edition of my car solely for the lumbar support and 6 way positioning.

I went to an orthopaedist but he sucked and never referred me to PT. I should have gone.

ETA: I have herniated discs and degenerative disc disease in my lower L spine

[Deleted]

I manage mine through a combination of strength training, yoga, chiro and massage. I also add in accupuncture but not as often as chiro and massage.

[maddiepaddy]

Both my husband and I have back pain. The following helps one or both of us:

- chiropractor
- yoga
- the BackJoy (google it... Kinda like a pillow thing)
- back pillow for the car
- stretching

I hope your H finds something that works for him!

[keweenawlove]

Ditto the chiro suggestion. They help a lot. I go to one who also does Active Release Technique.

[simpsongal]

Ditto the above. Just a few cat & cow stretches can help too. He should be very aware of his posture too - like make sure things are positioned well at his work stations, both feet on the floor, sit up straight.

[ESF]

Good desk chair and pilates

[Deleted]

Jan 22, 2013 11:25:50 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

Jan 22, 2013 9:42:56 GMT -5 v said:

Read Healing Back Pain by John Sarno. His theories really work on me (much more than the several rounds of physical therapy, chiropractor visits, acupuncture, massages, heat, ice, pain killers, muscle relaxers, and epidurals that I tried before reading the book).

I read this when it was recommended on this board before but it didn't really help me.  It seemed like the whole long book boiled down to him saying, "It's all in your head."  Did I miss something?

Yup!  And if you can really wrap your head around that idea, it can be quite helpful.

[aspentosh]

Could it be your bed?

I'll ditto the yoga, chiro and stretching.

[Deleted]

Jan 22, 2013 11:28:43 GMT -5 v said:

Jan 22, 2013 11:25:50 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

I read this when it was recommended on this board before but it didn't really help me.  It seemed like the whole long book boiled down to him saying, "It's all in your head."  Did I miss something?

Yup!  And if you can really wrap your head around that idea, it can be quite helpful.

Wait, what?  The book basically tells you that the pain is in your head???  I am the type of person who will power thru just about anything but if someone dismissed my back pain as basically something I was construing in my head, I'd punch them in the head.

[mir322]

I haven't tried this, but have read on several sites that putting an Ivory bar of soap by the area of pain while you sleep is supposed to help.  Sounds crazy, right? But it's less than a buck to try! And then you can use the soap if it doesn't work