Back pain tips with Dr. Myles Dixon
I’d like to introduce you to Dr. Myles Dixon!
Myles is a friend of mine, and a Doctor of Chiropractic, practicing in South Dakota.
Over the past few months, Myles and I have gotten to be pretty good friends. We go to the same church, each have young children, and both promote natural health. We’ve been having lunch together every week – and we always order the same thing: Chicken Caesar Salad!
Did you know that back pain is the #1 reason people stay home from work, and the #2 reason people go to the doctor?
Within the next five weeks, Myles & I are going to be releasing a brand new ebook about how to eliminate back pain naturally, which will cover the following topics:
- What causes back pain and back problems?
- Home remedies for back pain
- When (if ever) is back surgery necessary?
- How to choose a chiropractor or a doctor
- Back pain and arthritis
- The myth of slipped discs
- Spinal curves
- Subluxation
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Choosing the right bed to sleep in
- Home exercises and stretching
- Vitamins and supplements to help relieve back pain
- The role of water and a healthy back
- How to improve your posture
- Back tips for people who work at a computer
- and much more!
Here is a short article Dr. Dixon wrote specially for you, my blog readers:
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If you suffer from back pain, I want to let you know that I empathize with you. I had a back injury in 1999 and have dealt with back pain myself for several years.
The advice I have for you is not only from my 10 years of experience as a doctor of chiropractic, but also from my own personal experience with back pain.
I wanted to give you some easy tips to help relieve your back pain fast.
One of the most simple things to do, and please don’t miss this because of its simplicity, is to take time to relax and rest.
What I mean by relax, is to take a few moments to sit or lie in a supportive position (a firm upright chair or lying on your back with a pillow under your knees) and consciously release the tension from your muscles. Begin by relaxing your Jaw then your neck, now your shoulders, until you have worked your way down your body to your feet.
You should focus on your breathing while relaxing your muscles. Take several slow, deep breaths using your belly (diaphragm). This will supercharge your relaxation and get fresh oxygen to every cell of your body. A nice side benefit that you will receive is a nice smooth burst of energy and renewed focus.
Another basic tip for relieving your back pain is to try ice or warm MOIST heat. You should always try ice first to the area of your spine that hurts. Putting ice on will not cause any problems, but putting heat on an already inflamed (warm/swollen) area will make the inflammation worse, and inflammation is what causes pain. So ice first (15-20 minutes), if it’s of no help, then try warm moist heat (15 minutes) immediately following the ice.
Alternating cold and heat will really help improve the blood circulation to the sore area. If you get the most relief from the moist heat, then continue using it just on the muscle area of your back. Moist heat will penetrate deeper then dry heat and usually fells better. But remember when in doubt, use ice/cold, especially for new injuries and pain that just started.
Here is something else to consider when caring for your spine. Avoid poor posture, as this is a much greater stress to the back then most people realize.
Focus on sitting and standing in a tall upright position. Avoid forward head posture and rounded shoulders as this places unnecessary stress to the muscle, joints and discs of the spine and shoulders.
Yes it takes practice and you will catch yourself slouching or rounding your shoulders, but when this happens, pull your shoulders and head back and before long it will begin to feel natural. Also getting up and moving periodically (every 30-45 minutes) will help reduce the stress and get the blood flowing.
Remember life is motion, keep moving to stay healthy. These tips have helped me and my patients; I hope they help you as well.
Dr. Myles Dixon
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I will keep you updated on the release of our new ebook on back pain as the release date nears. Right now we’re looking at February 14th, 2008.
In the mean time, we would really like to get YOUR input! We want this ebook to be the best, simplest, most helpful book written on back pain… but we can’t do it without your help!
Do you or someone you love suffer from back pain? What are your biggest problem areas and questions regarding back pain and back problems?
If you leave your comments and email address below, we will send you a FREE downloadable copy of our ebook as soon as it is released!
Please leave your comments in the space below. Thanks!
Joe
Comments
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Interesting, but I have found that simply strengthing the stomach muscles and maintaining good posture helps a great deal. Add some simple stretches and even an octogenarian like me can reduce my back pain.
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Back problems are all around me I had surgery 12 years ago for herniated disc. After injuring it 6 major times. I also have flat feet. At 12 my mom discovered my back was croked. I also have a curviture in my neck. I also carred my books,kids and purse on my left side. I think it did something to my posture aswell. I also have a longer torso. I have been to back clinics, read what I could and would be glad to read your ebook as well. My mom and two of my daughters have bad backs and my mother in law also had surgery. We have ben left with numb ness in the leg. I also have lots of friends that have back or neck problems. I am forwarding this email to some of them. Looking forward to discovering some natural help.
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I have lots of friends and family that have back problems. My mom discovered mine at 12. I also have flat feet and a crooked neck. I carried my books,kids and purse on my left side. Probably didn’t help with the posture.I had back surgery for hurniated disc 12 yrs ago. I had 6 instances totatly incapasitating me before that. The surgery instantly helped but soon had the aches and swolen mussels from the curvitures. I also have numbness in the lower leg. My mom and two daughters have had problems as well. I have lots of friends and family I will be sending this message too. I would appreciate your ebook. I have read and took classes on back and exercised and walked.
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my Husband had a stroke 12 years ago…..and is just now developing bad back pain…he is paralyzed on the right side……..what are some excersizes I can do for him…….he can’t handle pain so it is difficult for both of us……Julia
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Hello,
I have two herniated discs as a result of a car accident in 1990, and my job requires me to sit in front of a computer for 8-10 hours a day. Needless to say, I am in a lot of pain day and night. I have tried it all…from Chiropractors to physical therapy to accupuncture, pain pills, etc. I am at the end of my rope. I know I should change jobs, but I really can’t afford it, and with my trade I would be doing the same thing any where I go.
Any suggestions you might have in relieving the pain will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
~Stella -
I have had back pain for over 6-7 years due to a fall. The last disk in my lower spine is wearing thin and thus presses on my nerves. I go to my chiropractor & also take 2 meds for the back pain and headaches. I also suffer from diverticulosis so I have to watch what I eat. Neat site here!
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I find all the above comments very interesting, especially the letter about the hemangiomas in the spine as I am told that I have several of these. Would appreciate anyone else who has this problem to hear from them. I too have lower back pain on getting up in the morning. I set my matteress on firm which I think has helped some. I have never had back surgery but have had two shots in the spine to help with pain. This has helped. I have osteoperosis fairly bad in the spine and therefore am afraid to go to a chiropractor. Also I have several buldging disks. Any help you have for any of these problems would be appreciated, am looking forward to your e book.
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I have chronic neck and back pain. I have scoliosis and I have some lower back pain, which my doctor says it is arthritis. It takes me at least half an hour when I wakes up in the morning to be able to function as the pain is so severe most of the times. There are times when I can’t stand or walk no more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time before I have to sit. I will really appreciate reading your e-book. I would love to hear more about ways to relieve this pain, as it often interferes with daily activities and the over-the-counter pain medicine only helps for a short period of time.
God Bless You
Josephine Bobbitt,January 4th, 2008 at 6:27 pmGod Bless You
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Thanks for coming out with an e-book covering back pain. Mine is probably related to arthritis and poor posture. I would love to be able to straighten my posture. Hope the information in the book will help. Looing forward to the Feb. 14th release. Thanks, MA
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I haved suffered back pain for fourteen years now. I wake up every morning with pain between the shoulders. Sometime a hot shower will relieve the pain. New Years eve I was helping my husband wash the truck and when I went to stand up straight my back caught and then it starting hurting in my lower back really bad. It has been very difficult to sit down or sand up. I have been to the chiropractor two days in a row for adjustments and therapy. I am fifty years old and have started an exercise program back in december. I need all the help I can get.
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Hi! My husband bought your e-book on acid reflux out of desparation and it was the best investment he made. The raw honey actually worked! Now he can save his prevacid for emergencies. He was taking it twice a day and now down to one or none.
I am looking forward to the e-book on back pain because I myself have had lower spinal arthritis for many years. Discovered when I was 29. On the tips from Dr. Dixon, if I only do the posture thing and nothing else I think I’ll see some improvement. It’s the simple things that we neglect that are sometimes the most important. Thanks again!
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I have had lower back pain for 3 years caused by a hip injury. This caused the muscles in my lower back to clamp up. I have used a chiropractor who refered me to a muscular/skeletal specialist and then finally a recareactional massage therapist. I also have used a memory foam mattress topper that has given me relief at night. My symptoms sound familiar to a lot of others, very stiff getting out of bed in the morning and moving more freely by the end of the day. I have special back exercises to do morning and night to strengthen my inner core and stretch my muscles. I seem to have tight ham strings that affect my lower back. Over time I have made steps forward and am seeing gradual improvement in my back’s tightness and pain level. Looking forward to reading more tips for freeing up my back though. Thanks Joe. Kathy
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I have suffered from back pain for most of my adult life – sometimes minor, sometimes more acute. I have found the most relief from conservative chiropractic adjustments. I now work for my chiropractor! Good posture, stress relief, rest, and exercise also help a lot (I like swimming and walking.)
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I have found sleeping on a Tempura mattress is helpful to my ongoing back pain that stems from having a scoliosis of the spine as well as arthritic joints. Also regular chiropractic keeps things in order enough for me to cope without any medication. I have been eating a healthy diet and taking supplements for quite a number of years now and find cutting out sugar helps a lot in controlling pain and depression. Those things Dr. Dixon wrote about good posture and relaxation are indeed very true and have helped in my case. It can also often be of help to control pain from the mind and emotional aspect.
I look forward to any further suggestions and the release of your ebook in Feb. -
yes i would like to read your book . i have back pain almost constantly. one day i woke up and i bent over to pick something up fast . and got a sharp pain. that was two yrs ago and every sence i have had the pain come and go. the pain is in my lower back on one side. it use to go all the way up my neck. but has recently stayed at the lower back region. thanks for the info .
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Hi Joe,
I do not have back pain but I have pain behind my neck due to poorly placed monitoring TV as part of my work. This went on for a few years before it was corrected. Now the neck pain comes on when I do not hold my head correctly. When that happens I do simple neck excercise and this relieves the pain.
To strengthen my back I stand straight against the wall and push the small of my back as far back to the wall as I possiblely can several times. This can be down anywhere as long as there is a wall. I do this everytime I am waiting for a somebody or when I have a few minutes to spare. This simply excercise has make my back strong.
Mary -
I am 57 years young and suffer from tension/pain mostly in the neck and shoulders which many times causes headaches where my whole head feels like its in a clamp. I avoid painkillers and anti-flammatoryiesas much as possible and only take painkilers when stretching exercises do not ease the tightness. Many times I wake up with a headache and tightness in the neck and shoulders. I have scoliosis in two areas of my spine, my neck and middle back. Over the years I have been to various chiropracters, physiotherapists and tried massage and acupuncture. Also did Bikram Yoga for a year. I try to watch my posture (do spend a lot of time at computer). No matter what I do, the problem eases but never goes away. I look forward to any new practical suggestions.
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My husband has suffered low back pain for many years. He feels it is due to a football injury early in his life and has decided he just has to live with it. He sleeps only three or four hours at night and then must retire to a recliner with his heat pad. It has not been a crippling type of thing but he is constantly in pain to some degree – sometimes severe, other times livable. I sure would like to run across something in your new book that would convince him that there could be some relief somewhere. He is 84 years old and still a very active man taking no prescription drugs.
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I have what the doctor said is a “scoliosis attitude” back problem. I have some stretches/exercises I do that help a lot.
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Hi, both my husband and I suffer from back pain from time to time. I find when I go berry picking, which involves bending right to the ground, that a naproxin before and after is a great help. Also I have done some simple exercises which have helped a lot too. Looking forward to your book.
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I would love to read this book in February 14, 2008.
I too have lower back pain…osteoporosis and bone cancer. I hope this book can help me especially interested in what vitamins to take. Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks.
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I am very excited about the new info coming out about back pain. I have had chronic pain for years. Most the time I am okay, but just a week before Christmas I was unloading the dishwasher and I had a terrible pain shoot up my spine, and knew I had thrown it out again. I was flat on my back for 3 days and then was able to get to the doctor to get vicodin and voltaren just so I could function again. I hate that I have to rely on these drugs but don’t know what else to do. I love the idea of using natural remedies, if they work, so I am waiting anxiously for your ebook. Thanks so much.
Sincerely, Lori Aston (San Diego) -
I have had neck and back pain since I was young, because of whiplash I received in automobile accidents. I now regularly go to a chiropractor at least once a month. As soon as I start getting headaches, I know it is time for an adjustment. I also have a very stressful job as a legal secretary where I sit a lot in front of a computer. I do stretch exercises in the morning and when I go to bed, but sometimes they are not totally effective. I look forward to reading about vitamins and supplements and other ways to help back pain. Thanks for your great reports and keep up the wonderful work that you are doing to inform people of various ailments. Happy 2008 to you and your family!
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I was rear ended in a car accident about 4 years ago and I now have constant back pain. I have had a series of shots to my back, but after a short time the pain is back. I have been to chiropractors but there is no relief there. Waiting for your book.
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This sounds like a very valuable book. I practice the piano often because I play at my church. I also sit at a desk with a computer. Yes, I have muscle pain in my shoulder and sometimes back pain. I do see a chiropractor who gives the sonar spinal adjustment. This has helped the back spasms tremendously. I find that the information I received from you about urinary infections is extremely helpful.. Thanks and keep up the good research and work.
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Constantly suffer from back pain for the last 6 years. Need help. Thanks
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I have fused vertabrae and arthritis in my neck and spine. I have chiropractic treatment at least once a month as my hip and my neck are so often out of alignment. I do focus on improving my posture but find that the postural improvement exercise if kept up continuously gives me backache.
Is there anything that can be done to improve my neck and spine? Apart from these conditions, I keep excellent health and manage to control the pain of arthritis as I exercise and take mega antioxidents and multi minerals along with a supplement that stimulates the body to produce glutithione.
I look forward to reading your ebook.
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Your book plan sounds great. I have suffered with back pain for years with a variety of treatments used. I think the following information would be particularly helpful:
* a clear description of exercises to do (and those not to do) on the floor
* walking goals
* activities to avoid
* benefits of a spine pillow (what to look for in support when you must sit on lengthy plane and road trips)
*massages – the type that is most beneficial
*yoga – to do or not to do
*how to select a chiropractor (I have been to three different ones with different techniques)Thanks for asking for input. I would love to receive a copy of your ebook. Thank you, Ginger
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I have been having back pain for almost twenty years now. It is not so serious but it remians with me all the time. The pain is on the right side of the spine in the lower back and also in the middle part of the back.
I feel that this pain is due to a lot of hard work I used to do on my farm when I was young. I started working on the farm when I was 8 years old. Many at times I used to lift heavy loads which I feel had put pressure on my back.
This pain becomes more serious when there is a sudden change in weather.
I have seen some doctors but there has been no major improvement seen.Thanks
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This reply is being sent on the 14th January From Birmingham Graet Britain. I have read all about other participants problems relating to back pain etc., I have no back problems but my wife has suffered back pain for several years and now has a degenerative problem in her upper back affecting her ribs. During those years she has had Xrays, CCT and bone scans in much the same way as other sufferers. She can not exercise without suffering pain the following day. Chiropractioners have not achieved any result. However, she has had a lot of relief from a simple little device called a “Tens Machine” which costs around £15 in sterling and available from most Chemists/ Pharmacists. It is worn on a belt or hooked on to the waist line and comprises two or four small sticky jelly like removeable pads which must be placed on the area of pain. Wires lead off the back of the pads and are connected into a small cigarete size plastic box devise which contains two “AA” size batteries. Inside the device are transistoried circuits which send out controllable electrical impulses or continuous if required through the wires to the sticky on pads and affect the area of pain. It has provided my wife with tremendous relief and can be worn for 10-20 minutes at a time when the pain is really bad. She has used this machine for four months and has only just replaced the batteries and the replacable pads. The key to using the pads is to ensure they are placed on the area of pain on the back. My wife alose feels good when she uses the machine without having to take tablets. I wish others luck should they decide for the sake of a few pounds/dollars wish to tryout this machine. Yours Sincerely, Derek Dudley
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Hi Joe,
I have suffered moderate back pain since 1993, I do not believe in chiropractors…
I just recently discover an incredible relive from my old back pain by changing sleeping position. My Chinese therapist advised this… now, I sleeping on my right side (one pillow under my head) with bend legs placing regular pillow between my knees and the other regular pillow is under my left arm (my left arm hags or gangs over the pillow) This relaxing posture completely stretches and relaxing spine and the back pain is automatically subsides.)
I would like to receive the copy of your new e-book. I hope that it would be helpful to many of as who suffer with the back pain for many many years.
With the most kind regards,
Galina L.
Poughkeepsie, New York. -
Thank you Joe,
I have had and cured my own back pain.
Unless it is caused by an injury, I have found these causes.1, Hamstrings to short: When sitting, I have found that many sit down too long, i.e Sitting at the computer and driving, if the hamstrings in the legs never get stretched, when sitting for long periods we tend to round the lower back, thus causing nitrogen gas to form between the Virtibrie which in turn pushes the disc onto the spinal nerves, at the same time we never work the muscles in the lower back and let the muscles relax(love handles on the hips). In the end there is nothing to support the lower back, this takes many years to happen and many hours of excerise to correct. When bending down never keep the legs straight, this puts oo much pressure on the lower back, always bend your knees. Never touch you toes with straight legs, always put your chest on your thighs then stick your bottom in the air, never take your chest off the thighs.
2, Over working muscles on one side: We are all left or right handed and we cause the muscle to over tense when doing repetitive work. This produces nitrogen gas between the virtibrie which in turn causes the disc to push on the nerves of the back, this needs to be released by a chiropractor, but ideally the the muscle needs to have calmed down otherwise the symptoms will just return when the gas is produced form the tense muscle pulling on the spine after the correction.
3, Coffing: This causes the middle of the back to round and is similar to over worked muscle and can be released by a chiropractor once the coffing fits have finished.
4, Over working the tendons: When lifting too heavy or straining with an object that vibrates, this can be from undoing nuts or opening jars the tendons swell and act like taught string giving headaches and toothache pain in the back are some syptoms, massage and warmth will relieve the pain, I haven’t found a precaution for this as it is mainly cause by a quick jerk and can happen in well postured people.
5, Lifting heavy objects or young children over long periods: This will cause the middle of the back to round like coffing, the muscles of the back will strenghten, but holding the spine in the wrong posture. Never bend over to pick anything up, always use your knees.
Ideally do Yoga (sun salutation) and visit a good Chiropractor.
Never listen to what one doctor told me “Chiropractors don’t work if they did there would be one on every street corner” My chiropractor fix my back problem in two sessions what the doctor couldn’t after two years and over £2,500 of insurance money spent on physiotherapy.And must say Joe your Kidney stone cure dumbfounded many top doctors and they could not understand where my kidney stones had gone. Thank you!
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Hi, I’m 51 and have suffered with on and off back pain since I was 21.By June of 2007 I had four major episodes of back pain that year, the last one lasting for six weeks. I started going to a new chiropractor in March, but was not following through with some of the exercises he asked me to do. After the last flare up it got my attention. It was so bad we thought I might have to have surgery at one point. I saw a great orthopedic surgeon who told me with physical therapy I would be fine. I did my therapy with my chiropractor, and started seeing results slow but sure. He eventually assigned me twelve different exercises which I did pretty faithfully. I tracked my exercises and my success. It’s been almost six months now, and have not had any major flare-ups. My chiropractor uses the Active Release Technique, which sets him apart from the others I had gone to. The exercises take a huge committment, but how bad do you want it. I was desperate. I also used nutrition, supplements for inflammation, drank water, walked, got a temperpedic mattress, and tried to be positive. I think the exercises was the key. I feel great now.
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I am sure the information you are publishing will be well received and is needed. Please don’t forget to include the value of Tai Chi and Qi Gong exercises. They heal many people’s back problems, as they tone and strengthen muscles and increase blood supply to internal organs and muscles as well.
Wishing you well in your enterprises.
Bee Brewer (Saint Louis, Missouri) -
I have multiple back problems and am in almost constant pain. I have degenerative disc disease, arthritis, spinal stenosis and sciatica, plus arthritis in my feet. I don’t feel like doing much, and sit too much. Have lost my desire to get out of the house and participate in activities. I am interested in your back pain program, but wonder if it will be same-0, same-o. I’ve tried all the chiropractic stuff for years. The last chiropractor I visited was honest and told me he couldn’t do any more for me.
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Dr. Dixon, I got back pain since several weeks. I saw a chiropractor a few days ago. I hope his treatments combined with the tips in your ebook could help me. Thanks.
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Thanks for the tip!
I am 41 years old now and my lower back has given me trouble since I was 21 years old.
I have tried many things such as situps & rev situps but I think what has helped me the best was to eat right, LOSE WEIGHT, pushups, running, lower back weight training and my invert machine.
Hope this message will help anyone as it has me.
I have not ever tried chiropractic treatment but have tried massage therapy and this also worked well.
I would be interested to read your e-book .
I also would like to know if most lower back pain is caused by problems with the bones or muscles.
Thanks again! -
Hello Joe and Dr. Dixon, I just posted a question in your blog about getting off of heart meds. My husband John has HBP.(and multiple scoliosis.I have Post-Polio Syndrome.I stopped taking Voltaren for my arthritis but I still take Neurontin for nerve pain.I recently tried the Homeopathic Dr.Frank’s Pain Spray for my bone pain and muscle pain.It seems to help because without it, I can’t move.I also take Rhus Tox 30X for the arthritis and Arnica Montana for the extremely severe muscle pain.I wear a back brace due to crushed, compressed and fragmented vertabrae.I also wear a leg brace.I am allergic to glucosimine products. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.Thank You. Kori Gilbert
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I have back pain sometimes — not constantly. I’ve purchased a support belt thing, which helps a little, probably by forcing me to stand up straight when the pain makes me want to slouch. I actually took a course in back exercises, mainly to strengthen stomach muscles which they said would help support my back. I have hip and knee problems which sometimes cause me to walk unnaturally. I’m sure this passes on problems to my back. I’ve been told that ALL of my problems are because I’m fat. That may be, but in the meantime, things hurt.
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Information requested on Degenerative Disc Disease, Arthritis and Spinal Stenosis
Would appreciate receiving free copy of your e-book
Thanks and best wishes. -
have lower back pain found out my back curves to the right i have been having problems sleeping on my side and back what can ido ???
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thank you for your advice on my lower back pain ,that no doctor can tell the cure ,i apprecite if you will send me more advice on how to cure from it.
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[…] Back pain tips with Dr. Myles Dixon […]
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i am suffering from back pain from almost 2 years. the most painful part is my upper back but i do have middle an lower back pain too. i have this pain when i wake up in the morning especially in cold day. sometimes i can’t sleep due to back pain when it’s raining or the weather is cold. i had gone to the doctor but they gave me some medicines which only reduces the pain till i have it or i would say it’s not helping me. i had not gone to physio yet but i want to know what is causing me this pain? is this due to cold. once i was a tuberculosis patient so is it due to it? i want to know the reason and cure for my back pain. i sometimes have diclofenac n massage when it’s too painful. is it correct to do so? so please can you give me my answers and cure?
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I wish I could go back, I would have become a chiropractor. I have had a few issues over the year with back pain. As an elite marathoner it really takes your range of motion and comfort away having to deal with any forms of back issues when trying to train. Not much else you can do is rest and use the modalties you mentioned such as ice and heat. Good read, appreciate your post.
I suffer from osteoporosis and have the dowager hump which became noticeable after a fall several years ago. Is there anything Dr. Myles can suggest that can help me improve my posture and reduce the curvature of the spine? I have a lot of pain in the area of my left shoulderblade area of my spine.
Thanks.