Low Back Pain

Did you know that most low back pain usually improves within one month of onset? New recommendations from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society advise that diagnostic testing (such as MRI) may not be necessary unless an underlying condition, such as cancer or infection is suspected.

These new guidelines may change the way your doctor approaches your treatment. The focus now is toward a more conservative approach. You may very likely be advised to remain active rather than rest and he may not immediately order tests.

Eighty five percent of low back pain results from nonspecific causes and can be treated with medication and self help. Many people prefer not to use drugs because of adverse side effects. Medication might simply include anti-inflammatory drugs or Acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Your family doctor may recommend exercise, spinal manipulation, physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga or progressive relaxation for more persistent pain.

If you wish to learn some basic Yoga for back strengthening and flexibility - (again speak with your doctor first), we are able to offer this great book from our partner at Llewellyn’s book store. New practices in this book include a fifteen-minute routine to stretch your whole body, as well as a routine for each day of the week, each focusing on a specific area of the body. Learn how to relieve sciatica and strengthen your lower back, no matter what your age or ability. This may be what you need.








In summary -

.Many people suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives; it's likely that the pain will resolve within a month with conservative treatment. Your doctor will evaluate the risks and benefits of using medication.

.New guildelines suggest that it may not be necessary to have an MRI or CT unless you're experiencing weakness, leg numbness or other signs of neurological involvement. Always see your doctor to evaluate the cause of any back pain.

.Successful treatments for acute back pain pain include self care.

If you suffer from back pain see your doctor. We can recommend our Dr. Scholl's back cushion massager. It's heated and comes with an auto adaptor for long trips. It provides either a gentle or intense massage - great for anyone with low or upper back pain. The Dr. Scholl's massager comes with a hand held control for ease of use.

Try our massager and follow all of your doctor's recommendations if you experience back pain. Feel free to discuss the benefits of the back cushion massager at your doctor visit - I think he/she will approve.

If you're dealing with low back, or have in the past please leave a comment regarding how you've coped.

Ref:http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/563639?sssdmh=dm1.307424&src=nldne


New Study Shows Accupuncture Provides Effective Relief for Back Pain

According to a recent German study, acupuncture can provide months of back pain relief. The study is one of the largest ever done to evaluate whether acupuncture could be effective.

Treatment with acupuncture, both traditional and with the use of needles inserted superficially was found to be more effective than medication and other traditional Western treatment.

Ref: Medscape, Sept. 2007

The Back Medic View our product page. The Back Medic provides proven, time tested acupressure techniques with pinpoint accuracy to target the troubled areas of your back and neck.

Links and Resources

Self Care
Healing Back Pain
Yoga for Back Pain
How to Prevent Back Pain
Self Help from Health First ◦

Low Back Pain