can i use shiatsu to relieve back pain?
150498
Shiatsu is worth a try.  The treatment also depends on the type of back pain you have.  If it's a muscular pain, a good massage will help.\n\nIf it's a spinal or disc issue, chiropractic treatment might be better.
43258
The above answer is both correct and incorrect.  True, chiropractic will likely not have a profound effect on your injury, but chiropractors, including myself, treat extremities (ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, shoulders, TMJ, etc.), not only spinal injuries.  Any joint in the body can be effectively treated by a chiropractic physician.
1032865
Seriously, take back pain seriously.\n\nFirst, you need to see a chiropractor, or other health professional to be sure your back is properly aligned.  These  people are not quacks, as they have restored my alignment a few times, especially following my car accident.\n\nIf your bones are ok, your nerves are next.  One could be hung up between your vertebrae.\n\nIf it's not your nerves, muscles or tendons could be overworked, or too weak for the work you do.\n\nIf a tennis player has tennis elbow, for example, he has to  \n1)  rest it \n2)  massage it\n3)  treat it - heat /cold, ointment, muscle relaxer, sauna/whirlpool,etc.....and once the pain subsides, \n4)  exercise  to strengthen it - including sensible weight training\n5)  stretch, stretch, stretch\n\nThese 5 points are routine maintenence for a lifetime.\n\nBy the way, contributing to the problem could also be your matress, or the way you sleep, or unsafe lifting practices.\n\nOne more thing comes to mind:  you can expect back problems to surface as your stomach muscles weaken.
955981
Acupuncture is wonderful.  It has helped every ailment I've had, including anxiety/depression/back pain/trauma.  Several sessions do the trick.  It doesn't hurt at all.  It is very relaxing.
959141
I use it for low back pain
1028831
A good chiropractic technique for scoliosis is Chiropractic Biophysics - CBP, which combines adjustments, traction, and exercise to correct spinal misalignment. The adjustments remove subluxations and allow the nerves to conduct impulses properly. The traction works to correct the curve, or at least prevent it from getting worse, and the exercises strengthen the ligaments so they can support the new posture. Since CBP is a technique that aims to make relatively drastic changes to spinal column but in a gradual, safe way, your chiropractor will probably want to see you 3 times a week for 8-10 weeks. \n\nBut no doctor can guarantee a cure. It also sounds like your headaches and neck pain could be caused by pinched nerves in your neck region, in which case a chiropractor could also help. No matter what you decide to do, I wish you luck!
935917
Check with a doctor. Pilates exercises are great for posture but you also spend a lot of time on your back. I would definitely stay away from the stretches where you curl up into a ball and roll along your entire vertebrae (unless of course doc says its ok).
232620
My boyfriend has an inversion table and it does help both of our back pain.  Try physical therapy, acupuncture, water exercise, heat and cold therapy....
714561
i am a chiropractor and specialize in spine related injuries. the disc acts as both a cushion and a spacer between each vertebrae. if a disc is bulging/herniated, that bulge can put pressure on the nerves exiting between each vertebra which causes a "pinched nerve." also if the disc is wearing out (getting thinner) you lose the space between the vertebra, which leaves less room for those nerves to exit--and again can pinch a nerve. the nerves in your cervical spine (neck) go all the way down your arm while the nerves in your lumbar spine (low back) form the sciatic nerve which runs all the way down your leg. if any of these are "pinched" they can cause pain, numbess, tingling, weakness wherever these nerves go (down arms/legs).\n\nas a chiropractor i see this type of scenario on a daily basis. for those who have degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, disc bulging, etc.--normal chiropractic care can usually help with those problems. but there are also many people out there that have had this problem for many years and can't find relief with anything they try--including chiropractic. \n\nbut now there is a treatment that is perfect for your situation and the best part is: it's non-surgical and non-invasive. if you haven't heard of it yet it is called spinal decompression. this type of treatment focuses on disc injuries and the problems they cause. i use the DRX9000 spinal decompression system in my office and it works wonders for people with these types of injuries (approx. 90% successful). the DRX9000 is fda approved and is the best decompression system available (there are cheap knock-offs that don't give the same results). \n\nmy recommendation would be to see a chiro, especially if you've never tried it before-just to see what they have to say. also do some research on this treatment and then contact someone (usually a chiro) who uses it in their office. i would just google "DRX9000" to find info on it and doctors in your area who may have it. this treament is able to encourage the disc to go back to it's normal orientation and also rebuild its height--which then takes the pressure off whatever nerve it is compressing. pain meds, cortisone shots, epidurals won't do anything to solve the problem--all they do is cover it up and they become less and less effective over time. surgery AT BEST is 50% successful and usually doesn't solve the problem since most people need another surgery 5-10 years down the road for the same issue. it's typically a viscious cycle. remember: surgery is always an option, so try something prior to surgery to see if you can avoid it--cause once you do the surgery there is no going back.\n\nthis treatment is extremely effective for degenerative disc disease, disc bulging, herniation, etc. and also sciatica type of cases, especially if you haven't had surgery yet. i've had many patients who were scheduled for surgery, tried this treatment as a last resort, and then ended up cancelling their surgery altogether after treatment was completed. it really does work and that's what my recommendation would be for you. good luck and hopefully this gives insight to others experiencing similar problems--there is a solution!!!
114319
Most of the time (95% or better) conservative chiropractic care is very effective for work related cervical spine injuries.  Most of these injuries involved "deranged" spinal joints (and often involve shoulders, upper back, jaw and other regions) and associated damaged soft tissues, including muscles and tendons, but ligaments, fascia and other connective tissues which attach to and surround the spine, which need to be rehabiliated and restored to normal function, when possible.  It is important to do a thorough history intake and physical examination, including taking two or more X-rays of the site of suspected injured structures, to evaluate, identify and diagnose what is wrong.  Without figuring out what is most likely wrong (diagnosis), it is very likely to provide a faulty and potentially useless or harmful plan of care.   I have found that a multi-modal approach which combines "chiropractic adjustments", also called chiropractic manipulative treatments, followed by passive modalities (hot, cold, muscle stimulation, ultrasound, therapeutic massage, etc) and therapeutic exercises targeted to any specific physical deficits, done to the capacity and tolerance of a patient, work very well, usually done at 2-3 times a week initially, and then less often with continued demonstrated signs of improvement until the patient is at or near a pre-injury status (if possible).  If a sinister injury is suspected, or if a patient fails to recover as much and as rapidly as expected, then a second opinion consultation with a specialist, and advanced diagnostic tests, are arranged.  It has been estimated that Chiropractic care is about 100 times safer (or more) than taking an aspirin for these kind of problems, when provided by a properly trained and licensed Chiropractic physician or licensed Chiropractor.  There is nothing "fake" about properly planned and provided chiropratic care.
132913
I've never heard of this technique.  Is it offered everywhere in the country?  I'd love to do something that isn't very high impact b/c I have back problems so maybe this might be good for me.  Thanks for bringing it to my attention! :)
398937
swedish massage might be better for lower back pain. It will relax the muscles in the area, allow improved circulation, and release tension. \n\nUltimately, you might want to do some form of yoga also, to complement the work of the massage, and improve the flexibility and strength of the muscles in the area.
863227
look up yoga stretches for stretching your back, there are many that should allow you to strengthen your back and in turn create less pain for ya.
770622
I go to the chiropractor for scoliosis and TMJ. The first week I hurt because my muscles and spine were moving. It is completely natural for you to hurt. I took ibuprofen to take away some of the pain. After a couple of weeks you won't hurt anymore. That is, unless you miss a visit! ;-)
776308
I am an expert on back problems.  Not because I am a nurse, but because I have the same problem.  Has he ever had an MRI?  He may have herniated discs by now.  If these are not checked out, they can lead to ruptured disc and that is very, very serious.  I had surgery eventually.  Meantime, use what I have been telling everyone.  Apply heat to the area for about 10-15 min a session, followed by ice for the same amount of time.  I really don't condone acupuncture especially if he has bad disc.  I believe it could make it worse, that's just my personal opinion.  Tell your dad I will be praying for him.  I hurt just thinking about him.  By the way, I still have 5 more herniated discs and It hurts.  God bless your dad, and you for your concern.  You must bve a wonderful son to your parents.
539659
Yoga or other types of exercise may very well complement a chiropractic adjustment, but it would not be a substitute for a quality chiropractic adjustment.  The stretching and strengthening of muscles would help in allowing an adjustment to "hold" for longer if the exercises are done correctly.  Performing exercises improperly or over-doing it could have the reverse effect.  I hope this helps.
15713
Courtney, you should try chiropractic care.  It is a safe and gentle way to help with chronic back pain, even from scoliosis.  I work for a chiropractor in South Carolina and she uses a new technology of chiropractic treatment that doesn't have any twisting, poping or cracking when the adjustment is delivered.  It is called the Pro-Adjuster and many chiropactors all over the world are beginning to use this technology.  We had a 27 year old male with chronic back pain from his scoliosis and he received dramatic relief in just a few treatments.  Make sure to do your research on doctors in your area, so you can find a chiropractor who fits into your specific needs.  If you want more information on the Pro-Adjuster and to find doctors in your area using it, go to www.pro-adjuster.com.