Twenty-five years ago I was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Porphyria. While the disease started out with mainly abdominal pain, gastric upset and nerve pain, it eventually went into a whole host of other problems like chronic back pain.
On some days, I don’t know which is worse…the belly pain or the back pain and on those days, I just want to crawl in bed and hide. Today, I thought I would share some tips with all of you on how I deal with my chronic back pain. Looking for more help and ideas? Check out CFAH.org for informative articles, helpful tips, and support.
1. Invest in a high-quality bed mattress. I went with a Tempurpedic mattress system. I found that this type of bed cradled me in complete comfort and was the best choice for me.
2. Purchase orthopedic-correct bed pillows. Having the proper bed pillow can help to relieve pain or at the very least, help you be more comfortable while lounging in bed during bad pain episodes.
3. Consider yoga and meditation. I found that the stretching exercises in yoga really helped my back and legs. Since taking up yoga, my nightly leg cramps have stopped and the muscle in my back feel more relaxed.
4. I bought a high-quality oversized heating pad. This heating pad does not have a removable cover (no slipping of covers to burn you) and it automatically turns itself off after 2 hours. Applying heat to my mid and lower back does bring me some relief.
5. I joined a walking group and go out for a casual walk with the group 2 to 3 times a week. Walking is one of the best exercises for the human body! You can go at your own pace and walk for however long you want. In the summertime I do a lot of indoor walking through our local mall track and during the other 3 seasons of the year, I walk outdoors.
6. I indulge in a massage twice a month by a licensed physical therapist. Having the massage done regularly helps to stimulate blood flow and helps to reduce muscle tension in your back. Love getting my massages!
The next two things I would like to get would be: A Treadmill and an Inversion Table. I think adding both of those things would really help me in getting my body healthy and helping to reduce my pain.
Do any of you suffer with chronic back pain? If so, what kind of things do you do that help to relieve it? Got any suggestions for me and our blog readers? If so, leave your comments below!
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Thanks ladies for all of your comments. Back pain is a terrible thing to live with as it also affects your neck, shoulders, hips, legs…well, you get the drift.
Luckily besides the occasional pull I don’t. I think what helps quite a bit is our mattress. We bought one of the first sleep numbers almost 20 years ago now, and it was the best investment we have ever made- we skimped and saved to buy it, but it is still wearing like iron.
I have enough wrong with me and glad back pain isn’t amongst it all, but you sure gave some good tips!
I have some back pain, but mostly joint pain. I walk as much as possible. I haven’t yet tried yoga. That is the nest thing for me to do. Thanks for sharing your list
This past year, when I am sitting up for a long period of time, my back stiffens so bad that I cannot straighten myself up for at least 5 minutes and some times it gets so stiff that I cannot walk, bend over or sit without feeling like I can’t breathe. What helps to allieviate the pain are the Icy-Hot back patches AND Tylenol.