Dealing With Back Pain

I have back pain and would like some homemade remedies. Please share your ideas.

Onesummer

Answers:

Dealing With Back Pain

Onesummer, there is no "one size fits all" remedy, everyone's pain is different depending on their particular cause of pain. I have 2 degenerative disks in my lumbar region, I have had therapy, 3 cortisone shots, and surgery was my only other option, but one I didn't want. So the best relief I can get is through daily stretching, Pilates style (get yourself a video on it if you're not familiar), stretching on a ball, and gentle weightlifting and aerobics.

You must be consistent with your exercise and build up your core muscles to take the place of those bad disks (in my case). I hope you can find relief without surgery because as my G.P. says, that creates a lot of rich orthopedic Drs. and a lot of vicodin dependent patients. Best of luck to you and I hope you can be pain-free soon. (04/25/2007)

By Kendy

Dealing With Back Pain

I too have back pain (almost my entire life), so I try lots of remedies.

I thought I invented this one: I'd found that having my husband push on my sorest place with the heel of his hand would often give me a lot of relief. So I used 2 pairs of athletic socks, rolled very tight into a large egg shape. To make it more firm, I added a small oval glass paperweight inside the first pair of socks.

To use it, I lie on my back on my bed and position the sock just under the sorest place. My body weight against the firm sock provides the pressure. Be aware, though, that it might hurt a little more at first; the pain will gradually start to wash away after a couple of minutes, so try to be patient.

My doctor laughed when I told him what I'd 'thought up' and said this is the basis for acupressure!

I also use ice packs with a t-shirt between them and my skin for 20 minutes at a time. I also swear by my Homedics personal percussion massager (available for around $30 at stores like WalMart and Target).

Good luck in finding something that helps, I sympathize!

Nancy
(04/26/2007)

By Nancy in NC

Dealing With Back Pain

I also deal with back pain daily and unfortunately nightly. I deal with it at night by slipping a pillow under the edge of my back while I sleep on my side. It gives my back something to rest against. During the day again it's a pillow to the rescue. I fold my pillow in half and stick it behind the small of my back to put pressure on my sore spots. Other than that it's Motrin and hot baths. There is nothing like soaking in hot water to ease those muscles. If it's really bad, I use my heating pad. (04/26/2007)

By christi

Dealing With Back Pain

I also have back pain, I found that a good pillow that supports my neck is a help. I found mine in a bed and bath store. It's the hardest pillow I ever had to deal with and it did take me a while to learn to sleep using it, but now I can't sleep without it. It keeps my neck supported and my body aligned. This works for me. Also I have learned how to think above the pain, part of a pain management class that I went to. This usually works also. (04/26/2007)

By Evy from NH

Dealing With Back Pain

When I was in high school and worked at a fast food restaurant, I had some back pain after being on my feet for several hours at a time, although it probably wasn't as serious as yours. But what helped "a lot" was buying insoles for my work shoes. I bought the Dr. Scholls kind that says on the package it's for athletes, I think. They were a little pricey, but definitely worth it. (04/27/2007)

By Allison

Dealing With Back Pain

I think that the treatment for your back pain depends on what's causing it. If it's caused by muscles, then heat is your best choice. If it's caused by a pinched nerve, though, then ice is the best choice because the cold shrinks the inflamed myelin sheath surrounding the nerve. You can tell, can't you, that I have nerve pain in my back. Good luck in getting relief. God bless you! (04/27/2007)

By Pat Giles

Dealing With Back Pain

I have low back pain. I am overweight and that is putting pressure on everything else. I use whatever I can get my hands on. Lidoderm patches which is like novocaine, Ben Gay, ice packs, heat packs, a good back rub, etc. I am by myself though so the back rubs are really only when I can't stand it and call for help. Blessings to you. (04/27/2007)

By sandy

Dealing With Back Pain

I have a lot of sympathy for anyone who lives with pain. I have occasional lower-back pain, and I am lucky that stretching and bending exercises take care of it. I stand with feet about 3 feet apart, and touch left hand to right toe and then right hand to left toe, slowly, for a minute or 2. Then I put my arms over my head and bend and stretch to the left and to the right. Bending forward also helps, but be careful bending backward. We aren't designed to do that. You can do these sitting down as well. It all helps blood circulation, which may help diminish the pain. I hope you find some relief. (04/29/2007)

By Janice C.