Back Pain

The number one medical problem in the US and the fastest growing physical disability in this country. Not wanting to miss out on a trend, I have what I believe is a herniated disk. I am going to see a Physiotherapist friend of mine to see what can be done.

After spending most of the morning looking at back-pain related websites, it seems that I am not alone and that my treatment of lying flat and waiting for it to get better, is the most recommended of solutions.

I thought that I was just getting old before my time, but it appears that 80% of people will suffer from back pain some time in their life. As such, there is a huge amount of information on how it occurs, how to prevent it and miracle cures to fix it. These include magnetic beds, faith healing and even water. I am not going to try these and so will not knock them but think what could be achieved with a faithful magnetic waterbed!

During my last episode I tried Acupuncture as recommended by my father. My trip to the acupuncturist actually made it much worse and instead of 2 weeks to recover it took a record 3 weeks. I must say however that my Dad swears by this treatment. I think for back pain it is a case of see what works for you.

Just got back from my good friend Richard the Physio and I am walking straighter and with more confidence. In the past, resting for a few days (or week) gets me to this point. Now I have begun the gentle stretching and exercises that usually come in the second week of recovery. He was saying that "back people" make up about 70-80% of his clients and more than 90% of them recover quite quickly. Big thanks to Richard and if you have a back problem, go see the man.