Calling for chiropractors, orthopedists, etc.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,280
Likes: 1
From: knoxville, TN
Originally Posted by medicalstudent,Dec 4 2004, 11:50 PM
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.
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.
I'm not a big fan of "alternative medicine" i.e. reflexology. It is vodoo with no proven i.e. randomized, placebo controlled trials, that show benefit. Also, it can be costly. I would go with (1) good matress (2) exercise (both abs and lower back) (3) behavior modification i.e. pay attention to how you lift things. I know this sounds silly, but many of us lift with our back (and not with our legs, as we should) without even thinking about it. Lastly, if there is an alternative route that does "seem" to have merrit, it would be acupuncture. 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.
Hope this helps
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 0
From: Bothell
Originally Posted by tenblade2001,Dec 5 2004, 01:06 PM
I would go with (1) good matress (2) exercise (both abs and lower back) (3) behavior modification i.e. pay attention to how you lift things.
What kind of exercises should I focus on? I'd probably start with something very light then gradually increase it overtime.
As for the foam mattress tops, just ordered two.
Can hardly wait for it to arrive so I can "sleep on air". 
Thanks!
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,281
Likes: 0
From: N. Tx.
can you be more specific about your accident. What type of injury, any fractures? be more specific about treatment post injury and your present day symptoms. It would help me/others give you better advice. Otherwise you can PM me. I am a spine specialist.
MDXLuvr,
Board Certified PM&R
MDXLuvr,
Board Certified PM&R
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,022
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette, LA
I've always had back problem (minor scoliosis) and I've found that a nice foam bed and exercise help alot. After lifting weights for a while my back problems went away almost completely. I still have problems occassionally but it's usually due to not stretching enough before heavy lifting, etc.