andrea@hp-sdd.UUCP (andrea) (02/05/85)
> > > > I hope someone out there can recommend a good doctor for the > > > treatment of chronic back pain. My wife has suffered for years, > > > Tom, I wonder if your wife has tried back excerises? Unless, of > > course, there is something *physically* wrong, i.e. damaged such > > as a pinched nerve or slipped disc, I recommed trying the excerise > > route. > I badly injured my back 9 years ago, and have had to take good care of it ever since (it's amazing how much you come to appreciate having a functional, non-hurting body after being without for a while!). ----------------------- helpful things -------------------------- The orthopedic surgeon, although a Diplomat, Distinguished Fellow, etc etc, didn't do much for me. I am glad I went, if only to get the x-rays to confirm that there was no permanent bone or disc damage. The doctors will prescribe muscle relaxants, but if you prefer your brain somewhat firmer than jello, these aren't much help. The chiropractors helped *alot*. I don't know what the licensing is like in Chicago, but in California you are reasonably assured of not getting a quack. Like any other professional, you may need to try several to find one who you feel is good at what you need. The chiropractor can do in one session what can take six months to happen normally (if ever). Yoga (hatha yoga, Iyengar style) is the best "maintenance plan" I've found for gently stretching and strengthening the back to minimize future problems. A good teacher will work with you "where you're at", and will not push. Yoga excels at teaching self-awareness; when you are conscious of how your muscles feel in different postures and with different movements, it is much easier to retrain yourself to sit, lift, etc. in a way that won't hurt or damage your back again. Interestingly, after doing yoga for a while, I became very good at being able to tell when my pain was simple muscle spasm, and when I needed a chiropractic adjustment. The adjustments also became easier due to the increased flexibility from yoga. Surprisingly, the podiatrist helped too. I had gone because of recurring tendinitis around one ankle, and was fitted with custom orthotics. That involved having twelve leads taped to my feet, so an EKG-like machine could chart pressures and hit-sequences while I walked. Not only did the orthotics clear up the ankle problems, but I noticed that they also helped relieve minor backaches (especially lumbar). I also started getting regular professional massage, and I can't praise this enough. Massage+yoga+chiropractic enabled me to throw away the back brace and the muscle relaxants, and I now get them regularly as a preventative - when I have gone several weeks without one, I notice I am much more prone to spasms. If you don't have a personal reference to a reputable therapist, try looking in the phone book for one displaying the AMTA logo (American Massage and Therapy Association). Keeping a bionic chair (aka Stinchfield chair) around also helps. This is an odd-looking thing that looks like a parenthesis sitting on the floor, with a foot-stool. It was designed by a chiropractor or an orthopedic dr, I think, and is perfect for taking the weight of your organs off of your aching back. Sometimes a nap (or listening to a relaxation tape) in this chair will rest a sore back enough to break the downwards cycle of tension and pain. ------------------------- mini-treatment----------------------- After suffering pinched sciatic nerve and spasms all up and down my back for years, I am happy to report that it's mostly gone. When I occasionally do something stupid (like hauling junk out of my garage without a dolly), I've found the following 1-day treatment can totally prevent 3 weeks of agony: (1) Drink 1 glass of wine (or muscle relaxant of choice! in moderation) (2) Sit in a hot tub, and let the jets turn your muscles into putty. *** WARNING: alcohol and hot tubs can be a dangerous combination, so be sure not to have too much of (1) before (2)! (3) Do some GENTLE stretching (dog-pose against a sofa is great) and twisting. (4) Sit in a "bionic chair" until you cool off (take a 45 min nap). I repeat this cycle 3 times total, on a day when I wake up in screaming agony, and by the end of the day I'm fine! -------------------------- works for others, too ------------------------ I was so grateful for the relief I got from massage, that I took it up as a hobby. Now I have a side-line as a Holistic Health Practitioner, and regularly see clients who have back problems. Most of them were reluctant to try chiropractors at first, but they were all enthusiastic afterwards (I do have an extremely good one here in San Diego which I refer them to, which helps). The combination of massage, yoga, and chiropractic has helped everyone who has tried it, and in most cases eliminates the need for drugs and surgery. Of course, you should see a doctor to rule out serious problems such as ruptured discs; after that, it's really in your hands. Andrea Frankel, Hewlett-Packard (San Diego Division) (619) 487-4100 x4664 net: {allegra|ihnp4|decvax|ucbvax}!hplabs!hp-sdd!andrea ...searchlights casting for faults in the clouds of delusion