Back pain relief should be pleasant

Back Pain Relief

A long soak in a hot tub, the steam delicately scented with the fragrance of oil of lavendar. Candles throw thin shadows on the damp walls. Music plays softly in the background. You're content, relaxed, following a delicious meal including oysters and just a few wicked drops of champagne. Your partner has promised you a sensuous massage when you get out of the tub ... and then, who knows?

An erotic fantasy? No, just sure-fire pain relief.

Pain relief doesn't have to be only about traction or exercise routines thought out by a particularly sadistic ex-marine (probably on the run) or vile-tasting herbal pain relief remedies created by Hyde's evil twin - the chemist from hell.

Pain relief should be pleasant, relaxing, relieving, simple, enjoyable and effective.

Visualization techniques, massage, hot or cold therapy treatments, good posture training programs, light exercise routines, a sensible diet, yoga for pain relief, hynotherapy, acupuncture and the purchase of a good bed will all contribute to relieving your pain.

Unless, of course, your pain is caused by a seemingly unrelated disease; but most Americans suffer some form of backache at some stage in their life and the reality is that it is most often caused by poor posture, too little exercise, work-related strains and stresses, sports injuries or a touch of arthritis.

For these conditions, pain relief involves a variety of sensible treatments that include stopping smoking, learning new posture habits, taking the dog for a walk every night and pampering your back with regular massage.

I suffer with severe upper back pain, caused by sitting over a typewriter most of the day, even when I'm not working. I relief it by massaging my shoulders when I take a break; I swim every day and then lie on the firm grass and do some gentle yoga; I make a conscious effort to sit with my legs comfortably and firmly on the ground when I'm at my desk; I treat myself to a hot bath once a week that includes an infusion of garden herbs; I take vitamins daily and I make sure I walk around every half hour to relieve muscle tension.

My oldest friend (in both senses of the word) suffers with what she calls her 'bad knees'. She can hardly climb a flight of stairs. And so she avoids exercise. Fatal mistake. Pain relief is a matter of practicing good back health; just as you shower or bath every day to keep your skin healthy. Exercise is vital to keep the muscles of your spine supple and strong to enable them to perform their job - keeping you upright.

Also read our article about Yoga for Back Pain