For the past 55 years I have lived with back pain and I could write a book on how to cope since I have tried every self help tool available.
As a teenager, my right leg went numb from a herniated disk. In 1978 the standard treatment for ruptured disks was traction and surgery, but I argued my way out of the hospital, refused the knife and began chiropractic treatment.
I will swear my life on the benefit of chiropractic care, which has kept me mobile in spite of slipped lumbar disks, compressed dorsal disks, 2 whiplash injuries and the combined trauma of a professional basketball career, a car crash, a bike accident and a ski wipeout.
Chiropractic therapy, a team endeavor, requires the patient’s investment in following recommended strengthening and stretching exercises and a healthy diet. I advocate the physical therapist and chiropractor’s belief that one should exercise to help maintain health.
But in addition to keeping active to help ease the ache, I tried every gadget on the market.
Back pain is so universal, you may be interested in some of the tools I use.
The Thera Cane, a simple, inexpensive device is a hard cane with nodules that can be used to self-massage trigger points.
The Swiss ball, a large, heavy-duty inflatable ball with a diameter of 18 to 30 inches can used for various exercises to strengthen and stretch muscles.
The heat lamp may be an old fashioned remedy, but lying under an infra-red lamp helps muscles relax.
My chiropractic memory foam sleep pillow allows me to rest with neck support and my body pillow gives leg support and helps me maintain proper alignment during the night. The only drawback is that with all the pillows, there may no longer be enough room for your partner.
Massage of any kind helps. I even have my own (used) massage table, however it only works well if you can actually enlist another person to give you the massage.
I call the Bemer, a magnetic therapy device, my magic carpet. This mat made of a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) was designed to increase microcirculation and boost the blood flow which benefits the body’s cardiac system, regenerative abilities and mental acuity. The mat is attached to an electronic device that looks like a digital alarm clock. It's supposed to heal everything from your headache to your cat's depression (no kidding) by using a low magnetic field. Improvement of microcirculation and reducing fatigue have so far been confirmed, but I am not convinced.
Ice and hot packs, the ancient standby, can be alternated for acute injury. Hot baths in Epsom salts can be used at home for good old fashioned backaches. But if you have access to thermal baths with jacuzzi or any kind of water jets you can get even greater relief.
My Everstyl reclining chair, made by a French company specializing in ergonomic furniture, was designed to give proper support to the back. This deluxe lounge chair has multi positions including a full recline which alleviates pressure on the lumbar spine.
A yoga mat is a must for stretching; it works best if used several times a day because the older you get the faster everything tightens up.
The Theragun, my husbands new favorite toy, is a percussive therapy device creating vibrations to offer a powerful deep muscle treatment.
As part of chiropractic care, I have tried TENS, massage, computerized traction and high intensity laser.
I also had a go with acupuncture, cupping, reflexology and sophrology, but I will save the explanation for my next post.
Am I totally pain free? No, but I am still upright, mobile and tracking 10,000 steps a day.