sore back ideas

[Guest guest]

Ken-

I was a massage therapist for seven years. A lot of times, sciatic pain is

caused by the piriformis muscle clamping down on the sciatic nerve.

Piriformis is one of the hip rotators... muscle in the butt... come off of

your hip joint like spokes on a wheel. See if you can find a good massage

therapist in the phone book. Ideally you want somebody who specializes in

neuromuscular therapy. Would say in the advertisement usually.

Alternatively, try having somebody press firmly on your butt all around

until the find parts that really hurt. Massage therapists call them

" trigger points " . Basically, have your friend hold pressure on the point

for 10 seconds or so. Should help it release. You can also try to do this

yourself by sitting on a soft ball and moving it around until you find the

very painful points.

Ice is always good for a muscle spasm. You can make your own " soft " ice

pack by filling a ziplock baggie 1/2 with water and 1/4 with alcohol

(rubbing, vodka, whatever). Then seal it and put it in the freezer. The

alcohol lowers the freezing point of the water mixture, so it doesn't freeze

totally.

If you want to do contrast therapy (alternate hot and cold), an easy way to

make a hot pack is to fill a sock or pillow case with uncooked rice (brown,

white, basmati, whatever). Tie the end and then pop it in the microwave for

2 minutes. Should stay hot for 10-15 minutes. Can re-microwave if needed.

Can reuse your rice hot pack for about 6 months, then change the rice.

Also try stretching out your lower back. Basically, lying on your back,

bring first one knee towards your chest, then the other... then both knees.

If you have trouble grabbing hold of your knee, try wrapping a towel or rope

around your knee and holding onto that.

Good luck!

Karla