Back pain and Shiatsu massage

[Denisec4502]

I have had an intermittent bad back for the past 8 years. I am 38 years old 5ft 8 and a size 12, so am not overweight, I have had x-rays which were fine, blood tests all OK, I had regular treatment by an osteopath up until a couple of years ago, the osteopath actually made my back worse for the next week after the treatment, and I was going every 3 weeks, so it seemed pointless. The osteopath told me I have bad posture (probably where my job envolves sitting at a computer for 8 hours per day). For the past 5 weeks my back and hips have been really really stiff (worse when getting out of bed in the mornings) with burning pain inside and cracking and clicking of the joints. I went for a Shiatsu massage last weekend, the therapist said my upper spine was very tight and affecting my shoulders and arms, she stretched my spine and done loads of movements on my back. It has not helped though, in fact, it has actually pulled my stomach muscles now. The only relief I get is from hot baths. People have recommended exercise but I am very wary of this, as I do not want to make it any worse? I dont like taking painkillers all the time either. Any suggestions...?

[Scarlett]

If you have had back pain for 8 years I would go to your Doctor and stamp your feet, and ask for an MRI scan. It could be that you have a slipped disc or similar, which wouldn't show up on an X-ray. You could try seeing a chiropractor rather than an osteopath. Regarding the exercise, I would really recommend swimming. You can do it nice and slow, and you are supported by the weight of the water. It will maybe ease your joints a bit, getting them moving. Also, don't write off a treatment the week after- often you will feel worse for a week, but better in the long run. Also I would try a detox. Muscle and joint pain may not be straightforward- you could get some natural anti-inflammatories like Rose Hip or Devils Claw, and do the Carol Vorderman detox for a few weeks. Very often a food allergy or intolerance can affect your whole body, and eliminating it for a few weeks can make you feel a whole lot better in all respects. It's worth a try anyway!

[Scarlett]

Just another thing- give yourself a 5 min break to stand up and stretch and walk about a bit- preferably every hour, at your desk. You can also buy these heat pads for hurting muscles which are BRILLIANT. Stick them onto your back or hips or wherever is hurting, and they stay hot for hours- the equivalent of being in a hot bath- at work!

[Lil O'lady]

I have found a mixtureof occasional doses of voltarol and painkillers, a decent non-sagging bed, and above all - length swimming at my local pool - works best. Like you I sit long hours at the PC and that is a killer but you gotta earn your feed.

[beejaybee]

i second using devil`s claw. i use it in the gel formula. i`ve also bought a memory foam topper & am not stiff or achy at all in the mornings.