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| Low Cost Cure For Lower Back Pain? |
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Question:
I am looking for any low-cost cure ideas for my lower back pain. Any sugesstions?
Answer:
Well, it depends on the cause of the pain. Did you strain it, and is the
pain muscular in nature? It should resolve in 3-4 days (or mine always
does). I usually take a few Ibupofens, especially at night.
Also, when you sleep, prop a fat pillow under your knees (when on your back)
and between your knees) when on your side. Do not sleep on your stomach if
you can help it.
Also, do you have a heating pad?
If not, fill a sock with dried rice and tie the end shut.
microwave it at 60 second increments till its warm enough for you.
Careful it can get VERY hot so test it first so you don't end up with a
burn.
A soak in a hot tub of water might help too. Not too hot.
I'm being treated by a phsyical therapist right now for recurring
lower back pain. Apparently one leg is shorter than the other. This
imbalance has led to piriformis syndrome (hip pain) which led to
herniated disc. The interesting thing for me was that the PT noted my
lower back muscles and abs were quite strong - I always thought they
were incredibly weak and this is why I kept screwing up my back!
On the contrary, she says my back muscles have become too strong over
the years in an attempt to counterbalance and protect my spine.
Meanwhile, my pelvic girdle muscles are virtually nonexistent
(apparently this is common in women who've had children).
Just bringing this up because the exercise you describe above, for
example, would be wrong for someone with a problem like mine. It would
only make the back stronger which is what's not needed.
Soc -if this is common for you (I seem to recall you've posted before
on the same subject) an evaluation by a PT might be wise and frugal to
get an idea how your body is aligned and where your weaknesses are.
Also one last suggestion: I've discovered Capiscsum (sp?) pads. It's
made out of the same chemical in chili peppers, comes in a pad like a
large bandaid that sticks to your back. The first few minutes it
stings like heck, but then (the way I understand it's supposed to
work) it scrambles the pain signals going to your brain and you have
relief, and a nice warm sensation, for up to 8 hours. (The pads hurt
like heck when you rip them off later though).
If you go to the drugstore, you'll see a variety of these type of pads
by several manufacturers. Some of them don't use Capiscum but menthol
or the stuff in Ben-Gay - skip these. The prices of the major brands
are ridiculous. But if you look hard enough, usually on the lower
shelves, you'll find a cheaper version in a generous size that you can
buy $1.49 for one. If you're interested, I'll find out the exact brand
(don't remember it now).
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