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Tips: Back Pain
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Back pain
I’ve been out in the garden cutting things back and tidying up, enjoying the bulbs I put in last fall (although last fall it didn’t seem like fun I knew it would be worth it). Of course I did a bit too much too soon and pulled a muscle in my lower back. A bath and some stretching took care of it for me, but for many people some kind of treatment is required for recovery.
In my opinion, shiatsu is one of the very best kinds of treatment for low back pain. This very common ailment can be debilitating and frustrating; limiting the sufferer’s ability to accomplish day to day tasks.
A Drake University study on individuals with low back pain found that shiatsu decreased both pain and associated anxiety significantly. There are many positive studies on acupuncture and it’s effectiveness for low back pain, and also for Swedish massage in treatment for low back pain. I believe shiatsu combines the best of both of these modalities
Approximately 70% of people experience lower back pain in their lifetime.
If you have any of the following symptoms along with low back pain, please contact a physician:
- Raised temperature or chills
- Pain, tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
- Changes in bladder or bowel function
- Generally feeling unwell
Complete rest is usually not indicated for long term recovery from back pain. However, appropriate rest can alleviate part of the pain and discomfort.
Application of heat (a hot water bottle is and excellent, economical way to do this) offers relief to low back pain.
Gentle exercise can help to strengthen the lower back and abdominal muscles after injury, helping to prevent low back pain.
Proper posture is very important to help the back function in the way it is designed to. Many people develop a chronic weakness in the lower back/abdominal area that leads to muscle and ligament strains in the lower back.
Many people strain their backs by improper lifting or twisting while lifting. Remember to bend your knees rather than your back when lifting heavy items and try not to twist while lifting.
In conclusion, take care of your back by strengthening and stretching it regularly. If you do experience an episode of low back pain, rest your back, apply heat, and move when you are able. Lift properly and develop a habit of good posture. If you do experience low back pain that lasts for more than a day or two, come for a shiatsu treatment.
The Carol Culhane, Shiatsu Therapist
website is intended as a reference
and information source only, and not
as medical advice. This site is not
a substitute for professional care,
and must not be used for self
diagnosis or treatment. We urge you
to seek medical advice for any
healthcare issue. Liability to any
person(s) for any loss or damage
caused by errors, omissions, or
inaccuracies on this website is
hereby disclaimed. |
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