Posts Tagged ‘Back Pain’
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
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
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
Posted in Announcements | No Comments »
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 »
Sunday, December 5th, 2010
Well, we are deep in the throes of the holiday season, and one thing that can make this time of year more stressful is financial stress. So, in the spirit of giving, and saving some money, allow me to reccommend a simple, free gift that your loved one will appreciate and enjoy.
As you may know, the foundations of my Back Togetherprogram are based on the couples-based approach to finding relief from pain. For the holiday season, what could make your loved one feel more appreciated and loved than a nice, slow relaxing massage (perhaps even followed by some nice nookie….)
Even if you don’t know much about massage, you likely have some idea of the kinds of touch that will make your partner feel relaxed. For this to be an effective gift, and not a cheap out- plan on spending some time. An hour or so would be nice. You don’t need to, but you can pick up some body lotion or scented oil to make the experience a little more special. My favorite low-cost additions are some candles throughout the room, as well as some soft music (anything by Ella Fitzgerald will work- but that’s just me.)
Start with your partner’s feet- gently massage them out, and slowly work your way up their thighs, and then to their lower back. Gentle pressure is all that is needed to help your partner realx. Go over their whole spine, avoiding the center of their spine- and never pressing on the small bumps or spinous processes in the middle.
A gentle scalp massage, working down towards the temples will just melt the stress away.
Give this a try. I’ve never met ANYONE who didn’t appreciate this kind, romantic gesture.
Be well,
Andy
Covent Garden at Christmas Time
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, andy kirschner, Back Pain, back together, backtogether, Christmas, couples, gift, holiday, holidays, kirschner, love, Low Back Pain, massage, Neck Pain, partner, partners
Posted in Couples & Intimacy | No Comments »
Monday, November 29th, 2010
In the past week, I’ve gotten two separate letters from viewers whose physicians had told them that their pain was all in their head. Both comments arose from the observation that their pain had improved with the use of antidepressants.
Now, I’m not going to go into a long rant about this, but let me briefly respond in two ways:
First, antidepressant medications have long been used as an adjunct therapy for treating chronic pain- in particular, the class of drugs known as SSRI’s have been known to help reduce chronic pain.
Secondly, and in my opinion far more important, is the fact that your physicians don’t recognize the mind-body connection. It would be unreasonable to believe that someone in chronic pain would not eventually develop symptoms of depression- which would make the perception of their pain worse. Conversely, it makes complete sense that by relieving the depression symptoms that your pain would improve.
All of the systems of your body interact in various ways, and your psychological state governs how you perceive sensations from any of these symptoms. I’m sorry your physicians don’t acknowledge this connection, because it is real, and has ramifications on how you feel every day.
If you are dealing with chronic pain, perhaps you should consider finding a physician more understanding of your situation.
Thanks for your letters. I am writing a post for Martha Stewart’s Whole Living Daily blog this week about the winter blues, how they can effect your pain, and what you can do about it.
Be well!
Andy
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, andy kirschner, Back Pain, back together, chronic, chronic pain, Fibromyalgia, kirschner, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, psychological, psychology, syndrome
Posted in Viewer Question | No Comments »
Saturday, November 20th, 2010
Here is my most recent post on Martha Stewart’s Whole Living Daily blog, some great tips on making it through the holidays without screwing up your back.
My time in London
I will be returning from London in a few days, with some great video posts and photos. I will also be posting some responses to some of the wonderful viewer questions I have received over the past few days.
Working hard on my new book, and would like your help…
I have been working hard to finish my new book, Back Pain: The One Thing. It is turning into a really great read, but I would like your help. Those of you who check my blog out regularly may be familiar with my segments The One Thing, where I ask different experts and practitioners what their one best piece of advice for preventing or relieving back pain would be. I want to know your one thing- as you’ve discovered ways to help your discomfort, what is your One Thing? Share them with me, and they could end up in my new book.
Thanks for stopping by,
Andy
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, andy kirschner, Back Pain, back together, backtogether, kirschner, Low Back Pain, martha, Martha Stewart, Neck Pain, whole living, whole living daily
Posted in Announcements | No Comments »
Monday, November 15th, 2010
Larry from Ontario sent me this question:
“I have had sciatica for several months, and my doctor told me it was due to nerve root irritation, and he wants to give me an injection in my back. What does nerve root irritation mean, and will an injection fix the problem? I’m a little nervous about having a needle in my spine.”
Thanks for your question Larry.
I can totally understand you concern about getting an injection, but it may provide you some relief from your pain.
Nerve root irritation is an inflammation at the point where a nerve exits the spinal cord. In your case, this is the L5-S1 nerve root. You see, the hole the nerve exits through is very small, and even small changes to this hole, or exit foramina, can compress or irritate this nerve. These changes can be due to arthritis- which can deposit small bits of extra bone, osteophytes, along the edge of then foramina. They can also be from a disc bulge extending into the hole, or simply due to small amounts of inflammation which cause swelling to the tissue around the nerve.
It is this last example which is most responsive to an injection. Under x-Ray guidance, a physician will inject a combination of a pain medication and a steroid, which functions as an anti-inflammatory, into the space around the nerve. Often, this will decrease the swelling, and help reduce the pain, breaking the cycle of inflammation and provide longer term relief. Sometimes, a series of up to three injections are needed to get the long term benefit.
I hope this answers your question, and please keep me posted on your progress should you decide to get the shot.
Best,
Andy
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, andy kirschner, Back Pain, back together, backtogether, injection, kirschner, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, nerve, nerve root, sciatic, Sciatica
Posted in Sciatica, Viewer Question | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
As many of you know, I’ve been working with David & Jesse to get our iPad app up and running, and the prototype is simply wonderful. The amount of really usable content you will get for such a low price is really stunning. I know my readers with iPads will enjoy it.
One of the great side benefits of all of the work we’ve done to get this up and running are the back together user forums, which will go live on the Back Together website (backtogether.org) on the day the app launches. These forums will be available free to all registered users, and will have some wonderful features:
-Areas to discuss any of the techniques in the Back Together DVD, Book, app, or website, giving you the opportunity to discuss your experiences with other users, sharing tips and suggestions.
-An ‘ask the doctor’ forum, where you can submit questions to one of the several experts contributing to the forum.
-An alternative medicine forum, where users can share experiences with alternative approaches to back & neck pain.
-And much more!
We’ve worked hard to create what we know will grow into one of the most comprehensive back & neck pain resources on the Internet.
Stay tuned for more info. Check in tomorrow for a response to a video viewer question.
Be well!
-Andy
One of my favorite albums of all time, with one of the most interesting covers I’ve ever seen.
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, Back Pain, back together, backtogether, iPad, kirschner, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, sciatic, Sciatica
Posted in Announcements | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
As many of you know, I’ve been working with David & Jesse to get our iPad app up and running, and the prototype is simply wonderful. The amount of really usable content you will get for such a low price is really stunning. I know my readers with iPads will enjoy it.
One of the great side benefits of all of the work we’ve done to get this up and running are the back together user forums, which will go live on the Back Together website (backtogether.org) on the day the app launches. These forums will be available free to all registered users, and will have some wonderful features:
-Areas to discuss any of the techniques in the Back Together DVD, Book, app, or website, giving you the opportunity to discuss your experiences with other users, sharing tips and suggestions.
-An ‘ask the doctor’ forum, where you can submit questions to one of the several experts contributing to the forum.
-An alternative medicine forum, where users can share experiences with alternative approaches to back & neck pain.
-And much more!
We’ve worked hard to create what we know will grow into one of the most comprehensive back & neck pain resources on the Internet.
Stay tuned for more info. Check in tomorrow for a response to a video viewer question.
Be well!
-Andy
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, Back Pain, back together, backtogether, iPad, kirschner, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, sciatic, Sciatica
Posted in Announcements | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
As many of you know, I’ve been working with David & Jesse to get our iPad app up and running, and the prototype is simply wonderful. The amount of really usable content you will get for such a low price is really stunning. I know my readers with iPads will enjoy it.
One of the great side benefits of all of the work we’ve done to get this up and running are the back together user forums, which will go live on the Back Together website (backtogether.org) on the day the app launches. These forums will be available free to all registered users, and will have some wonderful features:
-Areas to discuss any of the techniques in the Back Together DVD, Book, app, or website, giving you the opportunity to discuss your experiences with other users, sharing tips and suggestions.
-An ‘ask the doctor’ forum, where you can submit questions to one of the several experts contributing to the forum.
-An alternative medicine forum, where users can share experiences with alternative approaches to back & neck pain.
-And much more!
We’ve worked hard to create what we know will grow into one of the most comprehensive back & neck pain resources on the Internet.
Stay tuned for more info. Check in tomorrow for a response to a video viewer question.
Be well!
-Andy
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, Back Pain, back together, backtogether, iPad, kirschner, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, sciatic, Sciatica
Posted in Announcements | No Comments »
