Monday, August 10, 2009

Newsletter: Back pain, part 3

Click on the link below to get some helpful information and client reviews about back pain and options for treatment. It also includes videos, and pictures of what spinal disc herniations look like through an MRI (magnetic resonant imaging).
Decompression again, as I stated earlier, is the first order of business. This doesn't mean hanging upside down right away, as even getting to a position where you can hang upside down may be too painful. No, it's best to start with focused decompression - localizing just one part of the body, making it easier to get in and out of the position. Use a foam roller for this, or even a couple pillows. Lay on your back, delicately bring your knees up, keeping your feet on the ground, so you look like you're in a sit-up position. Lift your butt up off the ground being careful not to arch your back. Slide the pillows, or foam roller, under your butt just below the pelvic crest. Gently relax on to the pillows or roller. Let your lower back relax and "fall" into the space provided between the pillows or roller, and your shoulders. Stay in this position until you feel most of the pain subside (it may even go away completely!). Repeat this drill as often as you'd like (I did it in the morning, at lunch during work, and at night before bed). When you're done, slide the roller or pillows out to one side, and roll to your side, bringing your knees up toward your chest. Relax for a second in this position (which should be a sleeping position for you during this time). Then, to get up, rotate your chest to the ground, and use your arms to press you up on to your hands and knees. Bring a foot forward, put your hands on that knee, and press up to a standing position. Easier said than done, I know, but you'll get the hang of it. Eventually, you'll want to get up that way all the time, healthy back or not!

http://www.wevegotyourback.org/p315.html

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