I'd like to know if there are any home remedies to improve the "health" of the back. Since my car accident, sometimes I have a little discomfort (not necessarily pain, but just a little discomfort) on the lower back and sides. I'm hoping it'll go away, but for the mean time, are there any home remedies I can do to help improve the overall health of my back?

Suggestions and advice from the "back" or "bone" experts would be greatly appreciated. TIA!

 

Good bed will go a LONG way in helping with that, and preventing it from becoming a real pain in the future. I've lived with back pains since I was 12 (got rear ended badly in an accident). I've probably spent more time with chiropractors than most people here, and I can honestly say that a good bed helps about 50%. The other 50% includes losing weight, working out and keeping your muscles in good shape to support the bones. I also recommend Chinese remedies (nothing nasty to eat/drink) if you care to try them, PM me for more details.

 

along the lines of a comfortable bed that mingster mentioned, my girlfriend and I absolutely love our memory foam mattress topper. (we had been waking up with backaches, etc.) I told my mom about it, who promptly bought one for her and her husband-- they love it. they told their parents-- who bought one and also love it.

for the first time in my life, I can comfortably sleep on my back. these things are great! (not a bad price too)

 

Wow, that is a great price on the memory foam pad. . . my parents use that and it cost like $300 (few years ago), but it's well worth it. A friend of mine bought the full mattress, and he says it helps out a lot.

I too have terrible back problems. I've tried both chiro and physical therapy. To be honest, therapeutic massage from the PT worked best, though I'd still only be pain free for a few days. Muscle relaxors made me groggy and worthless. I'd suggest trying both a chiropractor and a PT, then figuring out which works best for your situation. Good luck.

 

^ yep, I was pleasantly surprised to find that good of a price.

note: my gf and I got the 2" thick pad, which we're quite happy with. there's a 3" thick one as well-- not sure if it's worth the extra $, as we are quite happy with ours. I certainly wouldn't go with one that's less than 2" thick.

 

Some of my patients have had some success with acupuncture. Most who have had significant pain relief have had success with physical therapy and a good mattress as others have mentioned. Pain medications and muscle relaxants works for some, but not for others. Some swear by reflexology, magnets, etc... I find pain relief is a tough nut to crack and some unorthodox methods work for some (placebo effect possibly), but often not.

Have you had an x-ray of your upper/lower back done yet? Something to seriously consider from either your primary care doc (Internal Med/Family Med) or orthopedic surgeon.

Addendum: What Steve said...
"DISCLAIMER: Since I can not examine you, and have to access to your medical records, radiologic studies, etc, the above is only generalized advice not specific to your case and should not be considered a medical consultation and you should visit a physician that can examine you."

 

Deadlifts

 

Thank you very much, guys! I will definitely look into buying that foam top (possibly a great X-mas gift to some of my family members as well ).

Thanks for the offer, Mingster, but the discomfort is not great enough to PM you right now. I will PM you if it gets worse in the future.

I have had x-rays and all they said I could do is rest and take it easy to let it heal slowly. It's nothing too major, just a little discomfort once in a while. Sorry for those who suffer or have suffered with major backpains. It must be horrible to live with.

 

Hey guys, please clarify something for me here. How come the 1.5" foam is cheaper than the 1.25" and 1" ones? Not only the sale price but also the retail price is cheaper. I'm confused. Are there different qualities to them or just the thickness? Thanks!

1.5": http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PA...&PROD_ID=827546

1": http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PA...&PROD_ID=834925

Revised: I just noticed that the "toppers" are generally more expensive than the "pads". I thought they were the same.

 

I'd get 2" or more thickness. MINIMUM of 2" thick IMO. click the hyperlink in my first post-- that's what I bought.


edit: Officer Down... before you buy one... lemme send u a PM.