Notes About Health

For many people who suffer with back pain, they live in constant agony; affecting almost every type of activity, only back pain relief medication seems to help for a while. Whilst prescription pain relief pills may in fact dull the pain to a manageable degree, they do not treat the root cause of the problem.

Medication should be used sparingly and under the strict supervision of a medical professional. Back pain is often caused by muscle strains, repeated strenuous exercises and poor sitting posture.

Most spinal problems are a result of lifting heavy weights but they can also be caused by lifting even light weights incorrectly, the pain is usually experienced in the lower back. More recently people are willing to try natural back pain relief treatments to stop their reliance on other types of medication. An easy, inexpensive method to treat pain and bring relief is stretching; it actually relaxes the back muscles which can become knotted and tight, causing discomfort.

Some people are now discovering the benefits of reflexology. Massaging the feet in certain areas bring relief to a number of back pain sufferers. Often to compensate for our pain, the back muscles over compensate. Reflexology can help provide relief by improving the circulation which in turn relaxes these hard worked muscles.

Acupuncture is now providing back pain relief with people suffering spinal problems in the West. Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the theory that all people have this energy which flows through them called ‘chi’ or ‘qi’. Chi can become blocked but can be released by using thin needles inserted into various points on the body. Whilst acupuncture is used for many conditions, it is frequently used for pain relief and many people claim to have excellent results from using it.

Tai Chi is also another ancient Chinese discipline which is basically a type of exercise similar to yoga except it is slower. Tai Chi is however very gentle and easily performed by young and older people. It focuses on breathing exercises with additional stretching movements.

A good preventative form of back pain relief is to actually exercise more regularly. This not only conditions the back but is an excellent preventative measure.