Back pain is, unfortunately, a common side effect of aging. Many people between the ages of thirty and fifty develop back pain at some point. This back pain can be the result of an injury, overstretching or genetic weakness. When the spine becomes strained or compressed, back pain can become unbearable, the sedentary lifestyle that many of us adhere to can also increase the incidence of back pain.

What are your options if you suffer from back pain? Surgery should be considered as a last resort for back pain. The surgery is difficult, and not always effective. Before you consider surgery, look into the variety of options available to help treat your pain.

• Heat - Heat is an effective treatment for back pain. There are different types of hot wraps available that can be worn under clothes. Gentle, constant heat works in several ways to reduce or eliminate back pain. The heat increases blood flow to the affected area. It also increases the elasticity of the tissues in your back. Finally, heat allows for a greater range of motion and improved mobility.


• Supplementation - Chondroitin sulfate is commonly used as a joint supplement. This may work to repair cartilage in the spine that is causing back pain. Fish oil capsules have been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body, and may help with back pain. Both of these supplements are readily available and reasonably inexpensive.


• Stretch and strengthen - While back pain may leave you wishing that you were in bed, a gentle and regular stretching and strengthening program may provide a relief to your back. Strengthening your core muscles can provide support for your spine, and careful stretching can relieve pressure on the area as well. The most important part of any exercise program is regularity. If you do not perform the exercises consistently, they will not be effective, and if you work out hard one day, only to take it easy the rest of the week, you can cause more harm than good.


• Implement relaxation techniques - Because much of the pain associated with the back can result from tension, it is important to implement relaxation techniques into your life. Some types of relaxation can provide double duty, such as yoga. Yoga is not only relaxing, but provides therapeutic stretching as well. Other forms of relaxation include meditation and biofeedback training. Adding enjoyable diversions to your day, such as reading or walking the dog can also provide an outlet for stress.


• MBT footwear - MBT stands for Masai Barefoot Technology. This footwear was developed to mimic the natural gait while walking barefooted. The shoes, while a little odd looking, can effectively reduce and even eliminate back pain for many people. MBT footwear has a specially designed sole. They improve your posture, and help to relieve stress on the back and joints. The shoes are particularly effective because they exercise a large number of muscles in the back and legs that are not normally active. They work whether you are standing still or walking. The support provided by the shoes allows the muscles in the body to regenerate and develop in a more fully functional way.

Walking on an MBT shoe is similar to walking barefoot, the soft surface and natural instability causes your body to unconsciously activate supporting muscles throughout your body. This process increases the activity of your back muscles, strengthening and realigning them. The shoes also realign those small back and leg muscles, which are overwhelmed by tight hamstrings or quadriceps. MBT shoes also encourage a natural walking gait that allows the body to absorb shocks through the feet, joints and back in a relaxed and pain free manner. This helps to reduce the amount of tension in the back.

How long should it take to see results from these therapeutic activities? It depends on the person and the degree of back pain, but for the most part, you should see some relief nearly immediately. Some therapeutic activities may lead to minor discomfort before the pain improves, but do not let that scare you away from performing them. Adding stretching and strengthening exercises to your lifestyle will probably lead to temporary soreness. This is normal, and as your body becomes accustomed to these activities, the soreness will decrease.

Wearing MBT footwear may also lead to temporary soreness or muscle fatigue, but, again, this is because you are working your muscles in an unfamiliar way. This type of pain is different from pain caused by an injury. If at any point you feel numbness or sharp pain, stop what you are doing and see a doctor. Muscle soreness and aches are to be expected until your body becomes accustomed to its new way of moving, but pain, numbness or muscle spasms are warning signs that you are pushing too hard.

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About Author: Cynthia Andrews is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning fashion and shopping often highlighting certain brands such as MBT Shoes.