Posts Tagged ‘andy kirschner’
Monday, February 28th, 2011
Last week, I worked with a woman who had been experiencing low back pain for over a year. She had been to two M.D.s, a D.O., and a chiropractor with no relief. Upon examining her and reviewing her history, it took me all of 5 minutes to figure out what was wrong with her and about 10 more to treat it. Her pain is gone. GONE.
Now it isn’t that I’m so smart- her problem was pretty straight forward. The other doctors should have seen what was wrong with her, but it boils down to the fact that people know what they know, and they do what they do. This is true for physicians and patients.
I am working on my second book, which is largely about the lifestyle factors which can either cause or relieve back pain, and in researching what has worked and what hasn’t worked for patients it has become really clear that for all of this rhetoric about ‘thinking outside the box’, no one really does. We learn things throughout all of our lives which cause us to behave and respond in certain ways- and those are the things we stick with. They become part of our identiy.
The woman I told you about only needed a pretty simple stretch to fix her problem. In medical school, we talked about stretching for about 15 minutes- so it clearly wasn’t a priority. Stretching wasn’t to become part of what we as physicians know. I probably wouldn’t have understood how straight forward this patient’s pain was had I not been open to understanding the role of stretching in helping to relieve back pain. This only came about because a friend of mine, Jorden Gold, is a stretching coach- really rammed it down my throat. Now, stretching is a regular part of my treatment plans. I increased my knowledge base, and expanded what I know, and what I do- and I am a better physician as a result.
I truly believe that most back pain is the cumulative effect of a ton of lifestyle factors- many of which are based upon things we know- and behaviors we may have been doing for a really long time. As you take your journey through recovery- try to be ok with the fact that you know what you know, and sometimes what you know may be wrong, or simply not enough. Be open to new ideas methods- who knows what you might learn?
Tomorrow- the three mistakes most back pain sufferers make.
Thanks for stopping by,
Andy
Spring is coming soon!
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, andy kirschner, Back Pain, back together, backtogether, kirschner, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, stretching, Tips
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Tuesday, February 15th, 2011
I thought that might get your attention!
For me, the winter is a tough time of the year. Since I was a teenager, I have suffered with very bad seasonal affective disorder and this has always made the winter difficult. Over the years, I have been able to identify several things which help me get through it all- and more importantly, my wife has too.
When my younger daughter was born, my wife Donna suffered with a serious case of post-partum depression. As a result, we’ve both developed methods for maintaining our sanity and well-being. Here’s what Donna has to say about one of our most important coping mechanisms- Date Night:
About five years ago, when I suffered from post-partum depression, my husband, Andy, and I decided to try out couple’s counseling. We found a great therapist who gave us some useful communication tools. We also found our way back to our relationship, apart from what the counseling sessions offered.
Because we had treated the counseling as critical, we managed to marshal the support of my in-laws, who provided babysitting for our girls. We would go out to dinner after each session. We once again began to revel in each others’ company and soon realized that the time alone as a couple proved just as beneficial as the counseling.
We have now made a weekly date-night a regular fixture in our lives. It’s not always easy to budget this but we see it as a priority. When funds are tight, we call in favors with family or swap babysitting time with friends. Come hell or high water, Andy and I make time to be alone together each week.
If you are in a relationship, especially one in which pain figures in largely, consider weighing the costs of not having a date night. That time apart from your kids, your pain or your other obligations will make an extraordinary difference in your lives. Then think about how much fun you’ll have together outside of the counselor’s chair.
Happy dating!
-Donna
Keeping yourself sane is one of the best things you can do to relieve back pain. Pain effects virtually everything you do- maintaining a sense of normalcy will always help to keep the pain at bay. Time with someone you love is one of the most normal, wonderful things you can do.
Now, here’s the sex…
Check out my newest post on Martha Stewarts Whole Living Daily blog about back pain and comfortable sex.
Please share your experiences with ways to experience a comfortable sexual experience while recovering from back pain.
Thanks for stopping by!
-Andy
Spring is coming!!!
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, andy kirschner, Back Pain, back together, backtogether, couples, date night, dating, kirschner, Low Back Pain, martha, Martha Stewart, Neck Pain, sex
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Tuesday, February 15th, 2011
Good Morning!
I am so excited- there is so much going on at Back Together Central as we prepare to launch my first iPad app, and I am putting the finishing touches on my second book. In preparation for the launch of the ipad app, I am pleased to announce the launch of the Back Together Forum- an on line forum for people to discuss their experiences dealing with back & neck pain.
In the forum, you will find sections to discuss alternative medicine, an ask the doctor forum, and much much more. The lower part of the forum is dedicated to the hands-on techniques of back together. Whether you are reading from the Back Together books, or using the iPad app, you can use these forums to share your experiences using the techniques with other users. What worked? Which combinations gave you the best results?
Click here to sign up and check out the Back Together Forum!
Look for a post Valentine’s Day article from my wife and guest blogger, Donna Kirschner, PhD. Tomorrow.
Thanks so much for stopping by,
Andy
Screen shot from the new Back Together Forum.
Tags: alternative, Andrew Kirschner, andy kirschner, Back Pain, back together, backtogether, forum, forums, kirschner, Low Back Pain, medicine, Neck Pain, Sciatica
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Friday, January 21st, 2011
A patient asked me what I felt was the role of prayer in the treatment of chronic pain. Check out my new post to read my response.
Stay warm this weekend, and be well.
-Andy
Back Together DVD program now available from Amazon. Click here to order!
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, andy kirschner, Back Pain, back together, backtogether, kirschner, martha, Martha Stewart, Neck Pain, prayer, Spirituality, whole living
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2011
Viewer Question Regarding Anti-inflammatory Medications…
“My doctor recently prescribed an anti-inflammatory for a sprained back. It does seem to take some of the edge off, but I feel like I am just putting a band-aid on the pain, without really helping things to heal. Shouldn’t I be doing physical therapy or something to help get myself out of pain?”
-Jason
Jason, thanks so much for your great question.
It can often feel like pain medications are just, as you put it, a band-aid, but anti-inflammatories are an interesting sub group of pain medications. You see, while drugs like Motrin do reduce pain, they may actually help you to heal faster as well. Sprains and strains of muscles and other tissues result in inflammation which occurs in the form of swelling or edema. What this swelling can do is inhibit blood flow to the areas which are healing, and actually prolong the length of time it may take for you to feel better. While sometimes additional treatment like physical therapy may be helpful, it is important to note that every injury is different- and this may not be right for you. Additionally, some injuries require time to become less acute before implementing more physically intensive approaches. If you have questions or concerns, you should really speak to your physician, and tell them what you are thinking- they should be willing to discuss your treatment options, and the thoughts behind their treatment decisions.
I hope this helps.
Updates…
I have been working furiously to finish up the Back Together iPad application, and it is getting much closer to being finished. The other programmer, Jessie, and I have been going to great lengths to make this a truly great program. Check back here for more updates.
Next week, I will be headed to Miami to do the final shooting for my next book, ‘Back Pain: The One Thing.’ I am really proud of how this is all turning out, and I know you will really love the book.
As everyone embarks upon living up to their new years resolutions, you might have noticed that I haven’t posted a Fitness Challenge update in some time- check back later in the week for the latest news. In the mean time, why not let me know how you are doing with your own fitness goals.
Thanks for stopping by,
Andy
OK- Let’s see how geeky my viewers really are. What’s wrong with this picture?
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, andy kirschner, app, Back Pain, back together, backtogether, iPad, kirschner, Low Back Pain, Medication, Neck Pain, NSAIDS, pain
Posted in General Health Information, Tips | No Comments »
Monday, December 27th, 2010
Last year I offered a brief post on this topic. This season, when many people are facing economic hardships, I thought it would be a good time to revisit the topic. HERE is a link to my most recent post on Martha Stewart’s Whole Living Daily blog.
Have you had to find ways to more affordably manage your medications? Please share your experiences here on the blog.
Best,
Andy
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, andy kirschner, back together, backtogether, cost, drugs, economy, kirschner, Low Back Pain, martha, Martha Stewart, Medications, medicine, Neck Pain, Sciatica
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Tuesday, December 21st, 2010
Good evening! I hope the holiday season has been treating you well. If you or your partner have low back pain, this may be a terrific holiday gift…
I love simple solutions to problems. One common problem I receive questions about here on the blog, and in my practice is how to enjoy intimacy without exacerbating low back or sacroiliac pain. If you are recovering from low back issues, you probably already know that it can adversely affect intercourse. Folks are always asking me about ways to enjoy each other without hurting during or after.
Usually, I give advice regarding positions or stretches to do before or after intercourse, but rarely do I encounter products which can actually be beneficial in alleviating low back discomfort associated with sex. Last year, I did have one post on a company which offered some useful products, but by and large, there really isn’t much out there.
I recently met the designer of a product called The Bouncer made by a company called Amoroso Innovations at a convention, and while it is essentially offered as a sexual aid, it was clear to me that it would be a great help to couples where one member may be suffering with low back or sacroiliac issues.
Basically, The Bouncer is a short chair with a resilient bouncy seat one partner can sit on, which provides support for their lower back while still allowing them to bounce up and down. I love this product- it works great, and could save you a lot of problems if back pain has been disrupting your intimacy.
Needless to say, I went back and forth about whether to include more graphic photos with this post, but I figure you can check out their website if you really want to see more.
Thanks for stopping by,
Andy
Tags: amoroso, Andrew Kirschner, andy kirschner, Back Pain, back together, bouncer, kirschner, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, sacral, sacrum, sciatic, Sciatica
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Friday, December 17th, 2010
Here is my most recent post on Martha Stewart’s Whole Living Daily. The holiday season is a time of giving, but is it possible to give too much? Here are some tips on surviving the holidays without wearing yourself too thin, and burning out.
Have a great weekend,
-Andy
The Eye overlooking the Thames.
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, andy kirschner, Back Pain, back together, kirschner, martha, Martha Stewart, Neck Pain, sciatic, Sciatica, spasm, whole living
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Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
Here’s a nice simple one for those of you who are getting new computers or workstations for the holidays: When you are positioning all of your equipment, use your glasses to help figure out the height of your computer screen. By placing it so that the arms of your eyeglasses are parallel to the floor, you can be certain your neck will be in a neutral position when working, or on line.
Check back later this week for great tips for breastfeeding mothers, as well as a review of a wonderful sexual aid for folks with back pain.
Thanks for stopping by!
Andy
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, andy kirschner, Back Pain, back together, backtogether, computer, computers, kirschner, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, spasm, tip, tip of the day, Tips
Posted in Ergonomics | No Comments »
