Category Archives: Self Help

Self Help, Upper Back Pain

Stretching Can Get Rid Of Lower Back Pain

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Have you ever watched someone who has lower back pain?  You didn’t even know them but you could tell they were hurting.

Maybe that’s because they move the same way that you do so you recognize their pain?

When muscles get “stuck” or “too tight” they cause low back pain (and other pain, too.)

I will always believe that massage is the best thing to help muscles relax (or get un-stuck) but stretching is the next best thing.

So, here’s something that’ll help you get “unstuck” and relieve your stiff lower back.

Are you familiar Continue reading Stretching Can Get Rid Of Lower Back Pain →

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Causes of Back Pain, Self Help

Should I Take Muscle Relaxers For Back Spasms

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Judy says, “Hello,  I have not been able to stop my back spasms.  My dad also has the same problem and he tells me I should see a doctor and be put on muscle relaxers.  I want to, but I’m afraid that after I finish the meds, the spasms will return.”

“Will this be a never ending cycle?”

That was a great question!  Her fear could come true–stop the meds and the pain can come back because she didn’t get rid of the cause.  Most pain has a Continue reading Should I Take Muscle Relaxers For Back Spasms →

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Self Help, Upper Back Pain

Get Rid Of Muscle Spasms In Your Upper Back With Tennis Ball Therapy

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Knots or muscle spasms in your upper back can benefit from this simple tool:  a tennis ball.

Tennis balls can be a very easy, cost effective way to get rid of muscle spasms or “knots” near your shoulder blades.  The only thing is, sometimes they are a great way to get rid of knots but sometimes they don’t work as well.

When tennis ball therapy doesn‘t get rid of your muscle knots, it’s because Continue reading Get Rid Of Muscle Spasms In Your Upper Back With Tennis Ball Therapy →

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Lower Back Pain, Self Help

Gentle Movement Therapy Gives Lower Back Pain Relief

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Lower back pain can be helped with gentle, thoughtful movement.

When your lower back muscles are tight, they are not in the mood to stretch or be stretched.  But gentle, repetitive, tiny movements can help them relax.

If you have pain in your lower back small movements work better than trying to “stretch it out.”

I’m looking at a device in a catalog that helps you move in a slow, rhythmic way while you lay on your back.  In fact, this device actually does the movements for you and it costs $199.  But, do you know what?

You can do those movements yourself without the device.  🙂

The idea is that Continue reading Gentle Movement Therapy Gives Lower Back Pain Relief →

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Self Help

Ice Is A Great Natural Self-Help Tool For Back Pain

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If you have back pain, you may already know what a good friend ice can be.

Lots of folks think they prefer heat for their back pain.  They like the way it feels more than they do ice (and I don’t blame them one bit!)

But as a natural pain relief tool for getting rid of muscle spasms and knots ice offers great benefit.  Heat may actually aggravate your back pain especially Continue reading Ice Is A Great Natural Self-Help Tool For Back Pain →

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Self Help

Natural Anti-Inflammatories For Back Muscle Pain Relief

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Did you know there are natural anti-inflammatories?   Ginger and pineapple are two.

Swelling or inflammation can cause back pain by pressing on nerves.  It can also lessen blood flow to muscles.

I’m not an expert in herbs but here’s what I know about how to use ginger.

Of course, it’s in ginger ale and ginger cookies and I believe in my heart that Continue reading Natural Anti-Inflammatories For Back Muscle Pain Relief →

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Self Help

Tools To Get Rid Of Knots In Your Back

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If you have spasms or muscle knots around your shoulder blade there may be a simple cure for you.  Keep reading to discover simple tools you can use.

Therapeutic massage works to relieve knots by causing pressure on or around the areas of spasm or tightness (the knots.)  That increases the blood flow to the area and that, in turn, releases or relaxes your “knot.”

You can get a benefit similar to massage by applying your own pressure.  There are special tools for this.  One is called the Back Knobber.  Another is called the TheraCane.

These devices can be Continue reading Tools To Get Rid Of Knots In Your Back →

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