From Doctors to OTC Drugs

Pretty much everyone that I know has suffered from low back pain at some point in their lives.  Some worse than others.

For me, I was in so much pain that I passed out one day at work.  It had been going on for weeks.  It was even too difficult to tie my own shoes or even get out of bed.

Doctors and nurses that I worked with at the time couldn’t help me other than suggest over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain killers.  Since I’ve been choosing the natural route towards healing for many years, there was absolutely no way I was going to take drugs eventhough it was tempting with the amount of pain I was in.

Natural Supplements

Normally for acute pain, I take ginger, turmeric and holy basil as a secret triple formula.  (Check out my blogs: Ayurveda Part 1  and Ayurveda Part 2  for more information.)  Together these work as a natural anti-inflammatory.  I use this formula for things like menstrual cramps, mild headaches and other minor aches.

Well, in this case, my natural anti-inflammatory didn’t work but at least I could sleep at night by taking between 200 – 400 mg of magnesium before bed.  Magnesium allowed me to find pain relief at night not only by relaxing my mind but it also acts as a natural muscle relaxer.

Acupuncture

The biggest issue is that it hurt to stand but it hurt even more to sit.

My healing began after finally making the decision to go to an acupuncturist.

Acupuncture is an alternative health practice from traditional Chinese medicine.

Luckily I was able to find an affordable acupuncturist near my home who felt sorry for me as a knelt on her floor to fill out my new patient paperwork.

I spent about 45 minutes with her which not only included acupuncture but also stretching and cupping.

Cupping is probably one of the strangest looking modalities for healing but absolutely amazing (see blog image).  It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine and according to Mindbodygreen.com , it is used to improve circulation by pulling out toxins from body tissue.

After my session, I was able to bend over to put my shoes on and walk to the car without leaning on my husband AND without pain.

The Secret to my Pain

Between sessions with my acupuncturist, I was still suffering from low back pain for majority of the day and X-rays showed that I had not injured my back, so what the heck was going on?!

Finally, a miracle occurred (well, it felt like a miracle to me).

I was invited to go to a free crossfit class.  Yeah, I know what you’re thinking…she’s suffering from back pain but then she does one of the most extreme workout routines – crossfit!  She’s crazy!

Okay, yes, I admit, I’m crazy but luckily before the group workout started they asked if anyone had any known injuries.

I admitted that I had been suffering from low back pain for a few weeks.  They pulled me aside from the group and had me work with one of the trainers one-on-one.

After asking me a couple of questions about where it hurt, the trainer had me do some intense stretching for about 30 minutes or so.

While I stretched, he explained to me that I didn’t have to worry because it wasn’t my back that was the issue (Wait, what?! Does that make sense?)  I slowly realized right there and then that in fact, it all made sense.  He told me that my legs, especially my lower legs or calves were extremely tight.  The tightness in my legs due to overwork and under-stretching was causing the inflammation in my low back, hence the pain I was suffering from.

The reason I believed what he was saying is because the more I stretched my legs, the more relief I felt.

Stretching

I am truly grateful that I had the opportunity to meet that particular trainer and I highly recommend finding a trainer at a local gym or YMCA.  They can teach you a variety of stretches that you can incorporate in your daily routine.

I emphasize making stretching part of your daily routine.  Whoever you are and whatever you do, our bodies crave a good stretch.  It significantly helps with circulation of oxygen and blood flow.

Stretching also increases health of our adrenals  and lymphatic system , and reduces injury risk while increasing flexibility and energy levels.

Exercise Routine

If you have trouble finding a good trainer, there are many great trainers online.  I especially enjoy a few on Youtube that have beginner stretch routines , as well as, chair stretching  and yoga stretch workouts .  There are also quick  pre and post-workout total body stretches.

I also found that yoga is an amazing form of exercise that significantly helps with back pain by lengthening the body.

Even though there are many yoga videos online, I suggest going to at least a couple of yoga classes so that the yoga instructor can help you with your form.  You will be surprised how flexible you can become and how much better you will feel.

If you are in the Sarasota area, check out the weekly yoga classes at Wild Ginger Apothecary.  They are highly affordable and great fun!

 

Be well always!

Cynthia Moon

 

Next topic: Brain Health

To purchase my favorite Magnesium product click here for Pure Therapeutics, Just Relax.