by 20 people |
In 1983, I ruptured a disk in my lower back, leading to intense sciatica. I took enough aspirin that I got an ulcer. I was scheduled for back surgery, and the night before the operation, the nurse called and talked me out of it. To this day, I'm grateful. This is how I got rid of my back pain.
At this point, I should say, "check with your doctor" but I won't, because she's clueless.
My theory is this: it's like a burn. The tissue in your back is irritated. It's sore. When you strain it, it hurts you more.
The solution is to isolate, stretch and pamper the tissue.
The McKenzie Technique
These simple stretches are the place to start
- The McKenzie Technique
- You should buy a few of his books and the pillow, too.
Get strong
It's surprising, but it really and truly works
The Slow Burn Fitness Revolution: The Slow Motion Exercise That Will Change Your Body in 30 Minutes a Week
Amazon Price: $15.61 (as of 07/14/2009) 
Why your back hurts
It's not just mechanical
The solution is NOT to rip it open. It is to treat it like a burn or a wound and gently gently gently give it space to come back to where it was.
- The right shoes
The right mattress
The right stretches
The right exercise
and no crazy stunts
What we're dealing with
Here's what your spine looks like. The goal is to take the pressure off, for months if necessary, to get it to heal. McKenzie books
Treat Your Own Back
Amazon Price: (as of 07/14/2009)
7 Steps to a Pain-Free Life: How to Rapidly Relieve Back and Neck Pain
Amazon Price: $11.05 (as of 07/14/2009)
Buy a new mattress
It sounds like hype, but it's not
- Tempurpedic
- Accept no substitutes
more great stuff!
REAL-EaSE Neck Support
Amazon Price: $29.49 (as of 07/14/2009)
Arched Back Lumbar Stretcher Extender, Model# 83-4866V
Amazon Price: $13.53 (as of 07/14/2009)
Spine-Worx Back Realignment Device
Amazon Price: $34.95 (as of 07/14/2009)
