backache-- any suggestions?

Pilates! They will know exactly how to get your body back in alignment to alleviate most of the pain, if not all.

My partner has back pain and it has helped his back from going into spasms

Pilates! They will know exactly how to get your body back in alignment to alleviate most of the pain, if not all.

My chiropractor recommended pilates and I've been doing it for a month or so now. But it won't alleviate the pain if you already have back problems -- what it will do is help strengthen your back so you won't be so susceptible to back problems in the future. But I also highly recommend it!

azroomie -- my chiropractor gave me this easy little stretching exercise to do which I thought helped: Stand straight up and put your hands on the small of your back. Now gently bend backwards until you feel pressure. Do that a few times.

You do want to stretch your back, but don't overdo it ... and definitely stop if anything starts hurting more than it already does!

BL--Thanks!! 
PIlates ??  alone.. ...-- with a DVD/tape  or class?
but nothing now.. i'm nowhere ready.. 

BL--Thanks!! 
PIlates ??  alone.. ...-- with a DVD/tape  or class?

I go to a class at the local leisure centre once a week, but I also have a DVD to do at home. There's a thread about pilates somewhere here! Let me look for it for you.

Aha!  http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=4144.0;all

What works best? I notice I tend to sleep in one position because it is too painful to move and it ends up hurting even worse when I need to get up.. :\\\'(

fetal postion, knee on knee curled towards your chest however comfortable or on back with pillow to support the knees and keep your spine aligned.

oh, yeah my chiro recommended pilates too to help strengthen the muscles... how much different is it to yoga? (I am just talking the stretching aspect not all the spiritual stuff) I picked up a yoga book that looks super easy (no people standing on their heads) and started following that for ideas.

also, simple breathing... we forget to do that when we have pain, but our bodies need oxgyen to make it all run properly.

and definitely try not crossing your legs or sitting akimbo. it is so hard to do but it actually does throw you out of alignment if you notice... or what I was doing, compensating for the pain but in effect causing damage to my healthy side.

so true  about compensation!! UUGGHH!!

Heya,

Sorry to hear about your pain - I've had some bad pains return lately and started going to a chiropractor (an American girl who has her own practice here!), and she recommended looking into an insurance called hsa (www.hsa.co.uk), which I haven't called yet, but plan to tomorrow - as she wants me to come int 2-3 times a week  (NOT gonna happen).
Also, re sleeping positions:  the worst, for anyone, regardless:  sleeping on your stomach.
Best: does depend on what's the most comfy, but preferably is on your back with a pillow under the knees; secondly, fetal position, preferably with a pillow between your legs.
Be careful of heat v. ice; I was putting loads of heat on it until she told me it was an inflamed joint, and heat was making it worse - I was instructed ice only (though in the past I have been told to alternate as well).
Pilates - YES.  DO IT.  BUT - I'm a big fan of classes, especially if you've never done it.  No matter how good the instructor on the telly is, they're not there to put your leg in that exact position, or suggest where you should put this or that to get just the right stretch, no matter your level.  So I would say maybe go to a few classes, even if it's once a week, for a while; then maybe when you feel comfortable with it, stay at home with the dvd.

And what everyone else says, stretching and water are THE most important things (I'm a big believer in breathing exercises as well).  Best way to get out of bed is to rise by supporting yourself up with your arms on your side, not straight up by your back. Then put your legs down, and for a really simple start, just let your body hang over your legs at the edge of the bed for a minute... and in the meantime, try to do spine roll ups after touching your toes (just letting your body hang over, you don't have to touch your toes) - know what I mean?

Right.  Hope that's helpful

- Dr. Kuyper

insurance called hsa (www.hsa.co.uk), which I haven't called yet, but plan to tomorrow - as she wants me to come int 2-3 times a week  (NOT gonna happen).

thanks for the site! tell us what you learn, pretty please 

I highly recommend a personal instruction before any class or dvd with pilates. Especially if you are injured or have back problems.

Yoga vs. pilates for back problems:  pilates helps align the body so it is in the best posture which all stems from the trunk and back.  Yoga is not as focused on symmetry of the body and the best posture. Pilates was created specifically for dancers for posture and health, big differences btwn the two. I am biased as I have a deep love of pilates and may one day become an instructor.

hope you feel better soon!

Be careful of heat v. ice; I was putting loads of heat on it until she told me it was an inflamed joint, and heat was making it worse - I was instructed ice only (though in the past I have been told to alternate as well).

Yes!! I forgot that bit! I was using a hot water bottle on my back, but my chiropractor had me stop it immediately and just use a bag of frozen peas!

Yoga vs. pilates for back problems:  pilates helps align the body so it is in the best posture which all stems from the trunk and back.  Yoga is not as focused on symmetry of the body and the best posture. Pilates was created specifically for dancers for posture and health, big differences btwn the two. I am biased as I have a deep love of pilates and may one day become an instructor.

thanks pittpather36. good luck on becoming a pilates instructor. my friend is training to be a yoga instructor and she is thrilled to be following her passion.

a bag of frozen peas!

me too, but all I had in the freezer was a bag of Quorn. 

az,

I know you said you didn't want any drug-based advice, but I strongly recommend that you reconsider and take ibuprofen/Nupren. It works wonders on back aches.

Suzanne

Thanks Kuyper and everyone

the ice has worked when I remember to do it.. 
and  has anyone else noticed?  or maybe it's just me.. if i am completely barefoot or have  extremely flat shoes on  my back hurts  a lot!!

i had a slipped disc and then sciatica. it was hell.  here's what worked for me.

>ice packs or frozen peas on the back are brilliant. in general ice always worked better for me than heat because it numbed the pain and reduced swelling

>pilates works well when you are able to walk - don't just take a class though, go to a proper studio. if you can't find a good studio then your GP should refer you to a physio who will give you similar exercises

> ibuprofen works for muscular, normal back pain and tylenol/paracetemol works for nerve pain like sciatica (i know you don't want drugs, but these are comparitivly minor)

> sleep on your side at night with a pillow between your knees

> if you sit all day get a good chair!

> sometimes chronic back pain can be related to your feet/shoes. if you go to a physio they should have you walk and will be able to see if your feet are at the root of the cause. if so, you migth be able to get some insoles....

here's a book that i used when i was really bad off - may not be right for you, we are all different, but it did help me understand how/why things were happening.
"Treat Your Own Back", by Robin McKenzie

good luck. feel better