Exercise & Fitness

Like most of us, you probably start out each new year with the best of intentions: full of hope that THIS is the year you'll finally do "X" (fill in the blank with your #1 item). If you're like me, I dutifully make my list of New Year's Resolutions (usually at least 10 items long), only to get discouraged by late January and in pretty much full abandonment by March.

Ah yes, the holidays are upon us once again, and with them the holiday blues. Not everyone is in festive spirits, especially those of us with chronic pain. Often, chronic back pain leads to depression, and alternately depression can worsen physical pain. The added anxiety and stress of all the holiday planning and expectations can intensify feelings of sadness.

Many who live with chronic back pain would really love to be less dependent on painkillers to manage their pain. But how? Natural pain relievers may be the answer. Here’s a list that might help – each of these won’t be for everyone, but any number of these natural pain relievers might help you be able to rely less on pain medications and feel more in control of your life.

Well, maybe you have a spectacular doctor who has all the time in the world to tell you how to care for your back. But just in case, we thought we’d compile a list of the most helpful tips that we’ve heard over the years – from doctors, physical therapists, nurses, and back pain patients. Some of these may seem contradictory – like using heat and ice – but the truth is that managing back pain is often a process of trial and error and most people have to try several options to see what works best for them.

Back Pain Remedies

John at MyPHysicalTherapySpace points out an interesting new study on the effects of physical therapy on low back pain.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of physical therapy exercise sessions and advice vs. sham exercises and advice over a 12 month period for individuals with subacute low back pain (lasting longer than 6 weeks but less than 12 weeks).