Please note that I have no relationship with the products or services I describe here. I developed this site partly to encourage me to put more effort into fixing my own back, but also to inspire others to go take control of their own back care.

Hopefully you may find some of the ideas here useful, and maybe can discuss them with your doctor.

If you find mylowerbackpain.com useful, please add a link to it from your website or blog.

Thanks, Steve.

Retired Massage Therapist: You BET massage helps everything!!!

by Aleta
(Palm Springs, CA.)

OMG! I have to disagree with you to a certain extent! Here is my story in short!

Years ago, after a severe fall, I was sent to therapy. That therapy included (my first) massage along with several other modalities. After that massage, I told everyone in the doctors waiting room I felt like a million bucks and how much it helped the pain!!! So much so, that I left there, and registered in massage school! State rehab denied paying for me as they thought I would not be able to do this work with the constant strain on my back (that it IS). After profuse crying at my denial meeting, they decided to send me for testing (which I passed) & they paid for school, a table, etc. I was SO happy as a MT and don't mind saying I was excellent at what I did.

Thru the years, my pain did increase so bad that I eventually HAD to quit (I miss it so). Now, having taken NSAIDS for 15 years, advancing to vicoden, norco, and now morphine, I have to say that I would do anything to get a massage now. Not only does it help (>NOT TAKE AWAY<) the pain, but is incredible for improving the physical <(yes) AND emotional state in dealing with chronic pain.

Because of the lack of ACTIVITY associated with chronic pain, massage helps the body do what you can not; (hence move lymph, increase blood flow to muscles, etc) and the emotional aspect is so much far far greater than taking amitriptyline or something else for depression in dealing with constant pain. (I use to float about a week after a massage).

Maybe I'm nuts, but I was blown away by the effects a massage given by a person who knew how to give a great massage. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to be a blessing to so many out there. (Thank you all) I haven't had a massage for years but would be the first to stand up and say that not only is it physically beneficial and rewarding, it is absolutely unaquivically outstanding. Too bad that doctors don't see the benefits of this while they are writing out their pain meds/antidepressants. We would all be far better off, if only for a week or so.