Life With My Pet Back

Article courtesy of Steve Hefferon, CMT, PTA and co-founder of "Lose The Back Pain" If done correctly, massage therapy can work wonders for people with back pain. It may not always be the best choice, and it may not work for everyone. But most people will get great results if the massage therapist has a good understanding of the human body, muscle imbalances, and how to work with them. A word of caution: Massage therapy should never be considered a substitute for proper medical attention. As a massage therapist for the past 10 years, I have watched massage therapy grow in popularity and credibility to the point where the practice is now commonplace for those who suffer from back pain. There is no denying the positive effects massage can have on the body. Most massage therapists use a variety of techniques during a session, such as energy techniques and stretching, along with traditional massage. The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami has coordinated...

When I read this story of two people overcoming their difficulties I just had to share it with you... If you are suffering from debilitating illness , back pain or sciatica I hope that reading this story I link to below will give some hope , some idea that maybe, just maybe physical difficulties can be overcome. Learning to walk again It hit a nerve with me as walking was always something I had completely taken for granted until I got back issues. I had walked for miles with my dog and my husband and loved country hiking. Then that all came to an abrupt halt. I could not walk a few yards without tingling, burning pain in my legs and spasms in my back. Sometimes my legs would go completely numb, weird and scary.... sometimes I could hardly walk to the bathroom due to my legs going numb and my back spasms giving me so much pain I could cry. Many of you will be familiar with that sort of pain , I know... In my "down" moments I felt very sorry for myself and thought why ...

Hi there, What are you doing this weekend? Well I'm planning this weekend on tackling our garden. Due to the flooding in the summer there was little chance of getting into the garden and well nature has kinds taken over! So we really need to do some trimming before the spring. In the Springtime our shrubs and hedges are completely taken over by nesting birds and it is wonderful :) Our garden is filled with the sound of birdsong and the little cheep cheep of the chicks which we adore....it is so beautiful. However it does mean we don't like to touch the shrubbery during that time so as not to disturb them. So its a case of getting out there in the cold this weekend! Now although I do not get back pain and sciatica anymore like I used to, I know due to my conditions that I still need to be sensible and careful. My job is sedentary so I am not used to hard physical work on a regular basis, so I have a plan that will hopefully keep me pain free for this level of p...

Discovered this article in Web MD that is a must read especially if you are considering backpain surgery. Surgery for Back Pain and Sciatica symptoms has come on a long way but it still can be major surgery. My neurosurgeon told me they do less back surgeries now than they used to, preferring people wherever possible to try non invasive or less invasive methods first. Do discuss all back surgery options carefully with your surgeon and healthcare providers to ensure if it is indeed a good choice for you and your situation. Be aware of the Red Flags of back pain as well (things you must see a healthcare provider about urgently) so you can discuss any of them with your healthcare provider.   Click here to read more on that on post "Red Flags and Back Pain. I have not had back surgery, though I came pretty close. After using "lose the back pain system" I thankfully did not need to persue surgery. Back pain surgery may be an option but not one to rush in...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! ( to all who celebrate) Just to wish you the best time over the holiday period. I hope it is a time to relax and take care of yourself. Enjoy the festivities and have a wonderful time :) Don't put too much pressure on yourself to do everything or take part in everything. Just do what you CAN DO and dont worry about the rest. Still do all the things you have been doing to take care of your back and try to relax and enjoy this time. I know it is not always an easy time for many people... If you are in pain holiday periods can be extra stressful especially if you try to do a lot of running around. It is important you take care of YOU too. Know what helps you to r-e-l-a-x and build that in to the schedule. If you are on medication or taking any regular herbal tablets make sure you have enough in stock to last you over the holidays. Keep any medical phone no's you think you may need in a safe place. If travelling to a new area to...

My work is with kids with physical and learning disabilities, so every day I know these young people are coping with things that I never had to endure. Finding myself in a reflective mood today I was thinking when I was struggling with my own back pain and my own limitations and I have to say getting very down, frustrated and angry with it all, I used to sometimes look to them for hope and inspiration to guide me through it. I do believe at that time they helped me far more than I helped them... I once worked with a young man who had muscular dystrophy and knew he was going to die. We talked through what he wanted from a charity who gives kids the last gift. He was very matter of fact about it weighing up if he wanted something to keep like a TV or if he wanted something he could experience with his family to have the memories of it until he died, and for his family to have good memories of that too even after he died. He chose the latter.... I can tell you I left that meeting...

The Easy Guide to Shopping with Back Pain and Sciatica symptoms: Ten Hints and Tips. If you have back pain and sciatica symptoms shopping can be a real pain. Here are ten top shopping tips I have utilized to help make your weekly grocery shop and other shopping trips a more bearable or pleasant experience for you and your back. · Go shopping at quieter times when it is not so busy especially if you are concerned about busy shopping malls, congested public transport, people or trolleys bumping into your back or people who may inadvertently push you. Plan ahead so that you are not rushing around putting yourself under stress. · If you find it difficult to reach products high up or low down on the shelves ask a store assistant for some help to get those items. If it is very difficult for you ask for an assistant to go round the shop with you. Depending on the store you may need to ask them in advance, check with the store you use....