Back pain unfortunately affects most of us at some time in our lives. Be it lower back pain or pain in other parts of the back, it can affect anyone at any age, although people are most likely to get it between the ages of 35 and 55.
Triggers for simple back pain are normally : - poor posture, standing/bending for long periods, sitting in a chair with poor back support, a trip or fall, and incorrectly lifting and carrying.
There are many ways you can prevent back pain, or make it more bearable. I have gathered some simple techniques : -
1 warm up before you start any activity
2 check your posture – relax! Don’t hunch your shoulders - or slouch
3 work at the right height – BREATHE – it’s easy to forget!
4 take frequent breaks – a quick stretch and shake
5 change activity or at least position when you can – even a few minutes will make a difference
6 don’t bend too far – it’s best to squat or kneel to reach low things
7 lift carefully – bend from the hips and knees. Hold heavy items close to you
8 learn how to look after your back with stretching and general exercise.
Aromatherapy is very beneficial for back pain - the following oils have useful properties, and can be sourced here in Turkey : -
1 chamomile & geranium – relax and re-energise
2 ginger – reduce muscle spasm
3 sandalwood – reduce tension
4 lavender – anti-inflammatory
5 rosemary – improves circulation
6 lemon & eucalyptus – natural painkillers
Regular Swedish massage will relax, increase awareness and reduce stress, resulting in an excellent prevention. The massage balances the muscles that are causing the problems and a therapist can detect and remove trigger points that maybe preventing the body from healing itself.
If the back is too painful to touch, reflexology is a great way to balance, relax and re-energise. You can work the spine reflexes to reduce muscle spasm, reduce tension is the pelvic girdle, improve circulation to all joints (especially arthritic ones) and reduce pain. Pain can be reduced by working certain reflex points on the feet e.g. sciatica.
If you have any questions on complimentary therapy, where to find it and how it can help - please email: ejvickers@hotmail.com
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Back Pain
