Back Pain? "Aunt Susie's" Tried-and-True Tips
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
First and foremost, see a skilled physician who can ask some questions and/or run some tests to assess the source of your discomfort, and advise you of the safest and most appropriate medical and/or integrative response.
Next, from a stress-reduction perspective, reduce, release and prevent stress in every way you possibly can. Stress tightens muscles and drains vital energy needed for healing injuries. Practice relaxation, meditation, breath-work, gentle stretching and movement (only as advised by your health professional) and laughter, sleep, take time with friends.
1. Listen to your body. As soon as your back/neck signal fatigue, S.T.O.P. When seated, get up at least every hour.
2. Ask your doc or P. T. about Arnica Gel. �Doesn't smell or stain. Works wonders for some.
3. Barring allergies, some tout Ginger tea as anti-inflammatory, Chamomile as calming. Ask your doctor if you might talk with a master herbalist for more drug-free possibilities.
4. Sometimes docs prescribe short-term medications for severe discomfort.
5. Get hugged, get� massaged, get some exercise in the pool, try reflexology. Lift nothing. Learn how to squat safely from PT.
6. General rule of thumb for posture: Ears over shoulders, over hips, over knees. Tightened abs support low back. Ask your doc about a McKenzie lumbar roll when sitting to support "neutral spine."
7. Ask your health professional what sleep position is best for you, and the safest way to bend, lie down and arise safely.
8. Avoid sugar or "gassy" foods that add pressure in the bowel, which can increase discomfort.
9. Drink plenty of water, and less caffeine.
10. Moist heat relaxes muscles / ice cools inflammation. See which your healthcare professional recommends.
11. Inhale slowly into the belly. ... (pause) ... exhale through the mouth, thinking, "I inhale deep relaxation...(exhale) I release pain and muscle tension."
12. Listen to a gentle relaxation tape, or soothing music.
BONUS: Do you know about Kinesiotape? Ask your PT, DC, DO or MD about licensed professionals who are certified to apply Kinesiotape, if it might be indicated for your problem. Used in the Olympics, it has been amazingly helpful to many but must be applied by a skilled professional. (I have no vested interest, however I have benefited tremendously myself so just thought I'd pass it on.)
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Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace," clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace" and find more of Mantell's stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com