Joyful Relief for My Lower Back Pain
January 30, 2008
Since November, my lower back has been acting up pretty badly. I’d never had back pain before, so I was pretty torqued when it started, and more so when it didn’t go away on its own! It just feels like I’m all crunched up down there, and I want someone to grab my spine and stretch it out. I get regular massages, which help, and I’m physically active (another bonus). My goal, though, is to fully heal my lower back by Spring.
Here are the two big things I’m counting on to get my back into fighting shape by April:
- Bought a new mattress: I think the main culprit in my back “going bad” in the first place was my mattress. After six years, the poor thing outlived its usefulness. When I bought it, it was cheap, but comfortable. However, after years of flipping and turning it every which way, I had no undented spots left to sleep on. So, last weekend I finally bid my old mattress adieu and got a new one. It’s only been five days, but already my back feels better.
- Stretching every day: I was told by a friend to do the stretch pictured here every day until my back felt better. I thought he was crazy. The stretch, known as “plow” to yogis, has always scared me because of the pressure it puts on the back of the neck. Plus, I’m not always able to get my feet to touch the floor behind me. Well, it turns out that’s because my neck, back and hamstrings are too tight! I started doing this move every day in early December and OH MY GOD does it feel good. So good that I actually can’t wait to do it when I get home from work! (Sick, I know.) I feel every muscle and ligament from my neck to my knees stretch out, and what’s more, my lower back – no matter how sore it’s been all day – feels better instantly. (NOTE: Before I was able to get my feet to touch the floor behind me, I used a chair cushion and rested my feet on that, which still gave me a great stretch without straining too much.)
Do you have any all-natural lower back pain-relieving tips you can share? Please let me know!
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1.
Brian | February 6, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Well, I’m sure you can predict what I’m going to say…
Even though it was never intended to be used as a “back pain” treatment, chiropractic has been known to be incredibly effective, and yes, it is all-natural!
I mean, if our brother has come to recognize the benefits, literally ANYONE can!
2.
Sue | February 10, 2008 at 5:19 am
Amen to that! I totally agree.
3.
MikeTheory | February 11, 2008 at 2:13 pm
At my previous job they included bi-weekly 60 minute full body massage and it was awesome. I have been wanting to get back in the schedule of having regular massage for a while.
Well, last week I just had my first appointment last week and it was amazing. I plan on going at least bi-weekly if not weekly.
Oh, by the way I have tried that stretch a number of times since reading this post and love it, Thanks for sharing!
4.
innerjoy | February 11, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Bri – thanks for commenting; and yeah yeah… I hear what you’re saying. I still don’t like people cracking my back…
Mike – your last job sounds dreamy: massages through work…dare to dream! I get massages every three weeks and can’t imagine what I’d feel like if I didn’t (I’ve only been doing it for a little over a year). Glad you’ve found some relief in plow, too!
5.
Kaye | May 5, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I am nearly 70 yrs. old, and finally had to have spinal surgery 2 years ago, after doing everything else that might have helped. Only a contrast MRI finally showed that I had an abscessed disk at L2-3. Surgery and IV antibiotics saved my life. Before this happened, I was a Physical Therapist Asst. and a Reg. Massage Therapist. Retired now, what I do for my back is to ride a stationary bike with handles every day (except Sunday, when I rest). This loosens up the lower back muscles in the 5-minute warmup. I also wear an elastic back brace with 20 small magnets sewn into the back panel when I must be on my feet for a long time. This stimulates the circulation and supports the abdomen. Also, while stretching the posterior muscles is good, it is also necessary to strengthen them with leg, arm, and neck extensions while lying prone on a table or fitball. Swimming is also good. And you might check to see if you have any scoliosis (spinal curvature.) Good luck!
6.
innerjoy | May 6, 2008 at 10:41 am
Kaye – thank you for your encouragement. Wow, your story is pretty intense. I can’t imagine going through what you have, but am so appreciative that you’d share your insights and tips. My back is definitely getting better, but those strengthening suggestions are wonderful. Thank you!