OTC or herbal muscle relaxers? OR exercise ideas?

[bertha katzenengel]

Don't laugh at the first bit -- I don't know, there MIGHT be something out there.

It's for the back. I don't know what to do for it other than ask the doc for something, but I get tired of taking drugs all the time.

Thanks

[Vincardog]

1. Get a raindrops treatment.

[waiting for hope]

2. Acupuncture!

[bettyellen]

3. look up the tennis ball therapy on the net

you need a tube sock and tennis (or some swear by lacross or spaldine balls)
it helps you very easily self administer some great sorta accupressure massage.
great for the back and sciatica.
good luck!

[rosesaylavee]

4. Shop around for a good chiropractor

ask your friends, people you trust for a recommendation. A good chiro will have resources such as a masseuse, accupuncturist, naturapath, etc. If your back needs surgery, a good chiro will tell you that too. If it were me and I had had a history of back trouble, , I would find a medical professional that has a variety of alternatives to the standard AMA cutting and/or medicating approach.

[Arkansas Granny]

5. I have used Valerian root capsules. They are a mild

muscle relaxer and don't leave you feeling drugged up. I sleep more comfortably if I take one or two capsules before I go to bed.

[MrMonk]

8. I'll vouch for valerian. Get the capsules made from the root,

not the whole plant. There are also herbal mixes of valerian with various flowers that are even better than the root alone. Just smelling them can make you feel better.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

6. I use a doctor who practices integrative medicine

Her treatments are indiviualized, so I can't say what would be right for you. But I would suggest you go to an MD who is open to all options for treatment.

[Angry Girl]

7. Depends on the back problem. If able, start core strength exercises

If upper back, shoulder/neck area, this book was excellent, particularly if you're at the computer all day long. No core exercises here, but excellent nonetheless:

Relax your neck, liberate your shoulders : the ultimate exercise program
for tension relief / Eric Franklin. Franklin, Eric N. Elysian Editions,
2002.

But in any case, if your back problem allows, get a Swiss ball (a big blow-up ball that you can inflate to various degrees -- less inflated = easier)) and some bands. The ball will run you about $15-20 and a set of bands about the same. The Swiss ball is the best thing I've found for core workouts. It can be a problem if you have cats, though.... Anyways, you'll notice a HUGE difference in your body after 30 days (even if you were active previously), including your singing voice (more breath and diaphragm power)!

On Edit: Duh, I almost forgot: You should experience a MARKED decrease in your pain asyour core muscles strengthen.

Good luck!

P.S. I am not a doctor and I don't play one on TV (or ever intend to) and I'm often wrong.

[Allyoop]

9. Back Pain

I second (or third or fourth, etc.) the chiropractor/acupuncture route. The chiropractor will also recommend naturopathic (herbs, etc.) remedies. Shop around for a good one. Health food stores usually have someone in their "drug" department who can advise you.

I have had a lot of relief from a product called FYI (for your inflammation) by Garden of Life. I get it through Vitacost at a discount - just Google it. I had pain in my hip for a couple of years that made me sell my stick-shift Saab because it hurt to shift gears. That pain left me after 2-3 weeks of using this product. It will still get sore if I sit in the car too long when we're traveling or if I don't get regular exercise - but it's gone for the most part. It's worked for everyone I've recommended it to.

[mvd]

10. Locking

DU members are not qualified to provide medical advice. The mods suggest that you seek the advice of a medical professional. Sending good vibes your way.