_health   advice

New Wisdom for Back Pain

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

20 Dec 2006 03:05 PM

A recent study from the Northwestern University Institute of Neuroscience has found that constant pain can cause your brain to shrink by as much as eleven percent over ten years. Too many people suffer from lower back pain -- but there are so many options out there. Is the traditional wisdom of bed rest and a firm mattress still good advice for your aching back?

NO! Studies from UCLA and the University of Washington have shown that bed rest can make your muscles deteriorate and actually make pain worse. Instead, gentle exercise can help decrease recovery time. Try yoga and other gentle stretches, swimming, or walking. And that ultra firm mattress can increase pressure on your spine. A super squishy mattress isn't great either -- look for a medium firm mattress for support without strain. Try sleeping with a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back or between your legs if you sleep on your side. That extra padding can help your body find a more natural, comfortable position to sleep in.

More back pain tips:

  • For occasional back pain, try anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen.
  • For chronic back pain, try an antidepressant! Studies of serotonin reuptake inhibitors have shown nearly a 50% improvement in chronic back pain.
  • Doctors traditionally recommend cold for pain that comes on quickly, but heat can be just as good for your back pain. A portable heat wrap can reduce the intensity of back pain as much as sixty percent.
  • Gentle stretching (especially when combined with heat treatments) can help your back pain go away quickly.
  • High heels force you to arch your back, making your back muscles work harder. Skip the heels and stick to flats for the good of your back.
  • Keep moving. If you'll be standing for a long time, shift your weight from one foot to the other and rock heel to toe.
  • Keep moving, part two. If you'll be sitting for a long time, get up and walk around at least once every hour for at least five minutes.
  • Use a step stool instead of overreaching for things on shelves.

 
Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google
Learn more about Aimee Amodio
NewroticGirl`s avatar

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger



User Comments

ComfyRest (5) 21 Dec 2006 04:17 AM

My problem was pain from a herniated neck disk. Among my different aspects of my life it was a severe problem during a vacation at the beach while lying on my stomach in the sun with my head turned to the side to breathe. I ultimately invented and patented the SquidFace and ComfyRest pillows to relieve my pain. These pillows enable me to lie facedown comfortably and breathe without turning my head to the side. Unexpected benefits of these pillows are facedown aromatherapy use; snoring relief; Neck, shoulder and back muscle tension relief; sinus, migraine, ear pain, snoring and more. Stomach sleepers are finding their backs feel better after using these pillows. Many of the benefits are on my website. www.SquidFace.com

Community Tags

, , ,

Discuss this article

You must be logged in to tag, rate, or comment on this item. Not registered? Register now, it's free and only takes a minute.
Signup for our free community and join the conversation with 450,574 registered users active members!
Username
Password
Email
Birth Date
Gender Female Male
Agree to terms of use.
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe | Blog For Us! | Be a Moderator! | Advertise with Us | Help