Helpful Tips to Reduce Back Pain

If you suffer from intermittent (on and off) low back pain, here are some tips to make life easier:

1. If you are overweight, drop some pounds. You should notice a dramatic decrease in your back pain as your low back doesn't have to arc as much to support the abdomen. The best way, in my opinion is caloric restriction combined with cardio exercise. Increase intake of fiber and nutrient-dense food (colorful vegetables, nuts, berries), consume only lean, grass-feed meat; reduce portions of carbohydrates (potatoes, bread, pasta, refined sugar).

2. Wear soft-soled shoes. The Walking Company specializes in comfortable shoes that are easy on your back.

3. Place a rolled-up towel (about a 5" diameter) under your low back for a 20 minutes while lying on your carpet. This helps curve your back and ease muscle tension.

4. If you have flat feet, buy some shoe inserts with arch supports. You can get some at Walgreens.

5. Exercise with a medicine/ weight ball at the gym. This helps condition your back muscles to do movements common in everyday living. Get help from the gym's training staff.

6. Reduce your intake of acid-forming foods. This includes wheat and red meat. However, wheat grass is a good food to alkalize your blood.

7. Take bromelain and magnesium supplements. Bromelain helps dissolve scar tissue deposits that may be in your back muscles; magnesium helps with muscle contraction.

8. If you want to speed up the process, try a series of chiropractic spinal adjustments. Spinal adjustments can help your lumbar vertebrae move better, and reduce pressure between the joints.

Dan Perez, DC

San Ramon Chiropractor

500 Bollinger Canyon Way, Suite A-15

San Ramon, CA 94582

(925) 788-6253