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- $Unique_ID{BRK00324}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Hints for Dealing with Back Pain}
- $Subject{back pain pains Musculoskeletal muscle orthopedic neck muscles}
- $Volume{M-18}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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-
- Hints for Dealing with Back Pain
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-
- QUESTION: A bad back is not an affliction with me, it's a way of life. I've
- had the usual treatments, taken all the pain killers they make, but the
- problem never goes away for very long. My doctors say I must live with it,
- there is nothing dramatically wrong, but I thought you might have a suggestion
- or two that could help.
-
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-
- ANSWER: I am going to assume that all the causes of back pain have been
- investigated, and that essentially nothing was found. That means that some
- simple tips which look at the way you are using your back may help. At any
- rate I hope so. Don't sleep on your stomach, it's no help for your problem.
- Try to make it on your back, legs drawn up, but sleeping on your side is all
- right too. And don't use too many pillows that may stretch neck and back
- muscles. An orthopedic neck pillow may help, should this be the problem. Do
- you watch TV lying on your side, propping up your head with an arm? That's
- another no-no, as it puts your spine into a curve that stretches and abuses
- your muscles. If you are one of those people who stick your telephone between
- your shoulder and your ear, you may be provoking neck problems that affect
- your back. Use a speaker phone if you need to keep your hands free. Take
- some of the stress off your back when standing at a wash basin or table, by
- placing one foot on a foot rest or box. Alternate your foot placement from
- time to time to get the maximum benefit. These are all little hints that may
- help in a situation like yours.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-