Hi, I am researching treatments for spinal problems. Please post your imput here. Here are some things that I have found effective in treating my problems in order from most effective to least effective;

1)Acupuncture
-No negitive side effects only reliefe

2)Tui-na treatments
-Very efective at correcting problems simmilar to chiropractic care

3)Traction
-It helped me but I was using a table which hung me by my feet and caused a knee problem (If you get one get one that hangs you from your knees with gutial support or a body bridge like I reciently ordered).

4)Chiropractic adjustments
-Though effective at first it has actually made my condition worse but has merrit.

5)Massage
-This acually could go with tui-na but I feel they are too different to go together. I feel the most effective form is Thai massage, next comes deep tissue, then Shiatsu, while sweedish is ok for relaxation before a chiropractic adjustment.

6)Other little things that help me:
-Herbs(nerer used but researching), ligiments (Traumeel, also used in little white pills), ice, heat(especially icing then using heat), glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, streching (consistently every single day), and being aware of me posture to include how I get out of bed and having things in my back pocket when I sit down.

Ok now lets help each other and post whatever helps you

,Mike

Hello Mike,

I've tried nearly everything and the best I've tried (which is kind of miraculous if the therapist got the right teaching) is myotherapy.

Nathalie

BTW Nathalie I learned that myotherapy is a massage therapists way of doing the ostioopathic adjustments that I am getting now. I also find it to be very effective. It is also refered to as myofacial release (spelling).
,Mike

I found this very interesting do a search ad check it out.

,Mike

I'm another who gains relief from acupuncture along with physiotherapy. I also believe in keeping as fit "as possible".

I fully realise that maintaining fitness is an individual ability, but it helps to know your own body. Learn what it is that you can and can't do....recognise your limits.

I've felt so much better by keeping at aquatherapy and have been attending an aqua class (gentle for oldies) for a few years now. Anything less than regular twice weekly is not worth the effort....results come from persistance. The water is protection for joints, movements in water are fluid with less jarring. I also do a half hour walk every day....my dog makes sure of this.

Yes Swimming is great.

I seem to be making good steady progress in my recovery. I also wanted to mention that I stopped using ice each day and have seen no change as to when I would ice daily for 10 minutes.

Also my wife is now doing 5 minute mini massages on me twice a day after I do yoga where she applies a little pressure to the spinus processes of the twisted vertibra to help them slowly untwist themselves and ease my pain and it is working very well.

,Mike

I was talking to a few people this evening who were discusing the relationship between back problems and foot problems. I thought it was very interesting. I'm going to get my feet checked out at the VA as soon as I can.

,Mike

I have been reading about yoga therapy and it has really cought my eye. It is like physical therapy except it is all done with yoga rather than machines and those exercises which lack a good flow to them. Very cool.

As a side note my condition is improving very well. Right now I am getting about a 1% improvment each day. Also I started alternating the temperature of the water in my shower from cold to hot then finish on cold. I have found this helpful.

,Mike

What is myotherapy? Can you please explain

I found the Osteopath is wonderful
Mine is also a registered massage therapist.
So I get the full treatment.
Everything gets realigned and she works wonders on the facia that are all melded together.
Also being in the "lazy river" pool at the aquatic centre. Nice warm salt water that moves you around a circle. The circualation is improved by this.