NECK, BACK AND SHOULDER PAIN
If you do not have easy access to good medical treatment for low back pain or cervical pain/pain in the neck and shoulders/pain in the wrist or hand or find it too expensive to get treatment (as it happened to me in the USA), you may try some of the home use devices as I did but at your risk if any!
Please see the attachment with this e-mail for information on Home Treatment for Lower Back Pain/Cervical Pain using Electro-therapy, Ultra Sound Equipment and Electric Heating pads. These are simple to use devices/equipment for use at home to get relief from pain. Can be easily ordered online based on information provided in the attachment.
I have found that lasting treatment in severe cases definitely requires traction in a well equipped physiotherapy center in addition to Ultrasound therapy, Diathermy, Electro-therapy, Use of Heating Pads, if accessible to you. However, one needs to get well enough to even go for Physiotherapy and in most Orthopedic doctors and even some Physiotherapists are not familiar with the usefulness of this treatment.
What I have stated above is based on my personal experience over the last 20 years. I had to literally tell my doctor too many times that I do not want prescription of pain killers which may give only temporary relief, what I want is referring me to Physio Therapy department.
Please remember to avoid pain killers, they may damage your liver!
Pain management also requires regular exercise some information is provided below which may be useful for low back pain:
Natural ways to treat pain in the back muscles and low back pain:
• Alternate heat with stretching
There are thousands of people with chronic back pain. Stiff or tight muscles and sore joints can be treated with heat. You can choose a topical lotion, hot shower or bath, or heating pad. The warmth eases pain by relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow. Stretch thoroughly after using heat therapy to further relax and lengthen tight tissues. Do not use heat for 48 hours following an acute injury.
• Avoid harmful activities
We perform several daily activities that can be harmful to our back. Avoid shoveling as this involves twisting your body to lift the weight of the shovel. Reaching for the backseat of the car to load or unload can stress your back. Avoid picking up children, taking wet clothes from the washer, and other such activities.
• Massage
It’s important to eliminate waste products from your muscles for them to work efficiently, formation of waste in muscles can cause pain. A gentle back massage will increase blood flow, open blood vessels, relax nerves and muscles, and reduce stiffness and pain.
• Practice good posture
Practice good posture while sitting and standing. If you are sitting try not to slump or slouch. Slouching can put a lot of stress on your muscles, ligaments, and discs while increasing back pain and creating hurdles to the healing process. Try to keep the curves of your back aligned, roll up a towel to the size of your forearm and place it in the small of your back to support the curve of your lower back while seated. Support your neck as well.
• Keep moving
Too much rest can make your back pain worse, keep moving and stretching your muscles every 15-30 minutes of sitting, when traveling try to walk a little every hour. If your job includes sitting for extended periods, get up and take a walk around your office space, go outside if possible. Keep your muscles moving and relaxed.
Who is prone to back pain?
1. Back pain is more common as you age, it usually starts in your 30s.
2. Those who are out of shape and/or have poor health are more prone to back pain.
3. Extra pounds and obesity lead to back pain. Avoid diets high in calories and saturated fat, the extra pounds put stress on your back and cause pain.
4. Heredity is one factor in back pain, ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis, scoliosis, and lordosis are often hereditary.
5. If you smoke your body cannot send enough nutrients to the discs in your back which can make it weak and cause pain. A smoker’s cough can also cause back pain, smokers take longer to heal so that injuries last longer.
6. Your job can be your enemy. If your job includes pulling, pushing, lifting, or twisting your spine you are at high risk for back pain. If your job includes sitting for extended periods and you have poor posture this may also cause back pain.
