I was reading today about the overtreating of back pain.  It's an epidemic.  You go into the doctor's office with pain.  They order tests.  You walk out with prescriptions for pain killers and anti-inflammatories.  And so the downward spiral of meds, denial, and chronic pain begins.

I was not surprised to learn that with proper rest 90% of back pain will heal on its own.  The key is listening to your body's early whispers that there is a problem and act accordingly.  My professional opinion as an acupuncturist and yoga instructor is to do the following when something feels a little "off":

1. As much as you possibly can, lie flat on your back with your knees bent and the soles of your feet flat on the floor.  This position gives the lumbar just enough traction to open the space between the vertebrae and give the nerves enough room to lay freely.
2. Take an epsom salt soak.  Pour 3 - 4 cups of epsom salt in a warm bath and soak for twenty minutes.  This will relax and detoxify muscles.
3. Drink plenty of water.  8 - 10 cups per day is good to keep your muscles hydrated.
4. Light stretching will keep the lumbar muscles supple.
5. Commit to a few acupuncture sessions.  Moving qi and blood through the region may hasten your healing process.

With these five suggestions you will be back to your normal activities in no time. 

Thank you for reading.
Tamara ZumMallen