This is a complaint I literally hear on a daily basis. While sometimes there is something structurally wrong in the back, often times there is little to offer someone outside of exercise, massage, acupuncture, physical therapy and medication. While most people get better, there is a significant portion of people who go on to develope chronic back pain. In my practice, it’s one of the most frustrating ailments to treat.
But…I have hope again. I stumbled across a new book (to me anyway) that offers guidance on treating the back. Esther Gokhale an acupuncturists and former victim of back pain, found a way to address the issue to reduce and/or remove back pain. She focuses on posture and decompression of the spine in order to achieve this. She outlines this information in her book 8 Steps to a Pain Free Back.
The reviews are excellent. I’m already recommending this to by patients.
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Another factor that can help many people with back pain is to be sure the sleeping surface is comfortable and does not add to muscle tension. The usual spring mattresses most people use can cause uncomfortable pressure points to build up during the night. Memory foam surfaces support the weight more evenly, which reduces tensions and can help improve posture over time in the experience of many people. Many M.D.’s are recommending this to their patients.