Forums > Social Discussion > Help with Back Injuries...
Login/Join to ParticipateCrazy Nutter stuck in Farmidale...
264 posts
Location: Newcastle, Australia
264 posts
Location: Newcastle, Australia
Posted:
This has gotta be the perfect place to come for advice....!
I have a friend that I teach with who injured his back snow-boarding after landing on his back in a bad fall.
Does anyone have any ideas to help him out with discomfort??
He has been told by his physio to not do any excercise, and is doing regular work with the physio, but is finding it difficult to even walk around.
He describes the discomfort as feeling as though someone is winding his back up and tightening the muscles.
He is a really physical person and is taking this pretty hard.
Does anyone have any suggestions for herbal remedies/oitments/ideas??
Anything would be fantastic...
Thanks a million guys!!!
This has gotta be the perfect place to come for advice....!
I have a friend that I teach with who injured his back snow-boarding after landing on his back in a bad fall.
Does anyone have any ideas to help him out with discomfort??
He has been told by his physio to not do any excercise, and is doing regular work with the physio, but is finding it difficult to even walk around.
He describes the discomfort as feeling as though someone is winding his back up and tightening the muscles.
He is a really physical person and is taking this pretty hard.
Does anyone have any suggestions for herbal remedies/oitments/ideas??
Anything would be fantastic...
Thanks a million guys!!!
We all take different paths in life, but no matter which path we take, we take a little of each other everywhere...
BRONZE Member
veteran
1,247 posts
Location: lost, Canada
veteran
1,247 posts
Location: lost, Canada
Posted:
A few things,
- there is a homeopathic product called Traumeel that is very effective to speed healing and offer pain releif. It can be used internally, and also is available in a cream. I would use both. Very safe and not too expensive.
- If herbs/ nutrients are preferred, something with high doses of tumeric and bromelain, used in conjunction with serrapetase ( sp? ) can be effective at reducing inflammation( taken away from food three times a day) MSM and glucosamine can help heal tendons, ligaments and muscle fascia if that is the nature of the injury. A bit of a natural antiinflamatory too. Again, use pretty high doses, get a herbalist or nutritionist to advise based on the persons body weight and severity of injury etc.
-If there is nerve damage, a tincture of St Johns Wort may be helpful. Some people use various comfrey formulations, internally and topically, for general healing. A tea is a common way of doing it internally. Again, make sure to get a proper dosage.
**Some of these plants can have side effects if used inappropriately, and wont work at all if too little is taken...
-Muscle relaxants, kava kava is helpful- if used properly , for sleep and mental anxiety too. But sometimes muscle relaxants, even natural ones, are contra- indicated if the issue includes mal- alignment of the spine- sometimes the muscles are straining to hold alignment, and drugging the signals to force them to relax is actually defeating the efforts. A good physio or chiropractor can advise on that one. Ask if they think it is okay to do massage, if so, get a qualified massage practitioner involved. You can do superficial soothing massage yourself in many cases,without concern, gentle touch is healing overall.
The physio should suggest a variety of therapeutic exercises ( and stretches) to do at home.For more than just the back, so he does not lose too much muscle mass while recouping.They also can suggest if the use of hot/cold contrast baths or bottles would be helpful. (Sometimes heat is relaxing to spasming muscles, but do not use when inflammation is present. Then, cold ( ice packs) is better. Alternating is sometimes useful too. )
Without more knowledge of specifics, that is the best I can offer for now! I wish you friend well, and good luck!
~a
A few things,
- there is a homeopathic product called Traumeel that is very effective to speed healing and offer pain releif. It can be used internally, and also is available in a cream. I would use both. Very safe and not too expensive.
- If herbs/ nutrients are preferred, something with high doses of tumeric and bromelain, used in conjunction with serrapetase ( sp? ) can be effective at reducing inflammation( taken away from food three times a day) MSM and glucosamine can help heal tendons, ligaments and muscle fascia if that is the nature of the injury. A bit of a natural antiinflamatory too. Again, use pretty high doses, get a herbalist or nutritionist to advise based on the persons body weight and severity of injury etc.
-If there is nerve damage, a tincture of St Johns Wort may be helpful. Some people use various comfrey formulations, internally and topically, for general healing. A tea is a common way of doing it internally. Again, make sure to get a proper dosage.
**Some of these plants can have side effects if used inappropriately, and wont work at all if too little is taken...
-Muscle relaxants, kava kava is helpful- if used properly , for sleep and mental anxiety too. But sometimes muscle relaxants, even natural ones, are contra- indicated if the issue includes mal- alignment of the spine- sometimes the muscles are straining to hold alignment, and drugging the signals to force them to relax is actually defeating the efforts. A good physio or chiropractor can advise on that one. Ask if they think it is okay to do massage, if so, get a qualified massage practitioner involved. You can do superficial soothing massage yourself in many cases,without concern, gentle touch is healing overall.
The physio should suggest a variety of therapeutic exercises ( and stretches) to do at home.For more than just the back, so he does not lose too much muscle mass while recouping.They also can suggest if the use of hot/cold contrast baths or bottles would be helpful. (Sometimes heat is relaxing to spasming muscles, but do not use when inflammation is present. Then, cold ( ice packs) is better. Alternating is sometimes useful too. )
Without more knowledge of specifics, that is the best I can offer for now! I wish you friend well, and good luck!
~a
"God *was* my co-pilot, but then we crashed, and I had to eat him..."
GOLD Member
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
what part of his back is bunged? which particular muscle groups? my partner is a massage therapist and could provide some insight...
what part of his back is bunged? which particular muscle groups? my partner is a massage therapist and could provide some insight...
Laugh Often, Smile Much, Post lolcats Always
SILVER Member
veteran
1,433 posts
Location: 8 days at Cloudbreak, 6 in Perth, Australia
veteran
1,433 posts
Location: 8 days at Cloudbreak, 6 in Perth, Australia
Posted:
Screwing around with back injuries can lead to serious trouble...the person should (for now) take the physio's advice....but in the mean time look into other alternatives like accupuncture, remedial massage etc etc.
I have a bad back injury also and found acupuncture is quite good for some temporary relief.
Physio did nothing for me...
Chiro's made my back worse...
Yoga and Pilates (very light relaxing stretching not the heavy duty kind) did wonders.
But it would (as bender said) depend on where the problem is, if it is muscular, disc or skeletal....also the severity....
See what worked for one person could make another person worse.
Screwing around with back injuries can lead to serious trouble...the person should (for now) take the physio's advice....but in the mean time look into other alternatives like accupuncture, remedial massage etc etc.
I have a bad back injury also and found acupuncture is quite good for some temporary relief.
Physio did nothing for me...
Chiro's made my back worse...
Yoga and Pilates (very light relaxing stretching not the heavy duty kind) did wonders.
But it would (as bender said) depend on where the problem is, if it is muscular, disc or skeletal....also the severity....
See what worked for one person could make another person worse.
Heaven doesn't want me, and Hell is afraid I'll take over
192 posts
Location: Wolverhampton
192 posts
Location: Wolverhampton
Posted:
If your friend is seeing a physio, it's usually best to follow their advice first and wait until they say the injury is sufficiently recovered to look at other treatments. The physio should be able to say which alternatives will be useful and not do any more damage than has already been done.
It really depends on the kind of damage and the extent of it - I broke my back in three places, took a long and very painful time learning to walk again and the only pain relief that really worked for me was acupuncture (bit bizarre, 'cos I couldn't feel any of it!) and much better than screwing my head up with industrial-strength medication!
sin
If your friend is seeing a physio, it's usually best to follow their advice first and wait until they say the injury is sufficiently recovered to look at other treatments. The physio should be able to say which alternatives will be useful and not do any more damage than has already been done.
It really depends on the kind of damage and the extent of it - I broke my back in three places, took a long and very painful time learning to walk again and the only pain relief that really worked for me was acupuncture (bit bizarre, 'cos I couldn't feel any of it!) and much better than screwing my head up with industrial-strength medication!
sin
"Abashed, the Devil stood and saw how awful Goodness is"
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
So this is the sort of injury that is right outside the realm of medical therapy.
It's great for PHYSICAL therapy, but herbs, remedies, and drugs are not the solution other than ibuprofen, which will help relieve the pain temporarily.
So this is the sort of injury that is right outside the realm of medical therapy.
It's great for PHYSICAL therapy, but herbs, remedies, and drugs are not the solution other than ibuprofen, which will help relieve the pain temporarily.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
BRONZE Member
member
72 posts
Location: On the far left of sane, Ireland
member
72 posts
Location: On the far left of sane, Ireland
Posted:
I had to add a reply after seeing tumeric mentioned, as this nearly killed my dad. It was reccommended to him too, for back pain, but whoever reccommended it gave him the wrong amount. He had approximately a heaped teaspoon of the stuff, mixed with food, and it caused his muscles to relax. All of his muscles. Which is neither pretty nor safe. So be careful.
I had to add a reply after seeing tumeric mentioned, as this nearly killed my dad. It was reccommended to him too, for back pain, but whoever reccommended it gave him the wrong amount. He had approximately a heaped teaspoon of the stuff, mixed with food, and it caused his muscles to relax. All of his muscles. Which is neither pretty nor safe. So be careful.
I am not a bitch.
I am THE bitch.
And Im Miss Bitch to you.
SILVER Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
2,666 posts
Location: Preston, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
2,666 posts
Location: Preston, United Kingdom
Posted:
tumeric? Isnt that something you put in food?
tumeric? Isnt that something you put in food?
Chief adviser to the Pharaoh, in one very snazzy mutli-coloured coat
'Time goes by so slowly for those who wait...' - Whatever Happend To Baby Madonna?
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Yup. But like some other spices (nutmeg, for example) a tiny bit has very little to no effect because the liver filters it out.
And a huge amount overwhelms the liver and then it has an effect.
Yup. But like some other spices (nutmeg, for example) a tiny bit has very little to no effect because the liver filters it out.
And a huge amount overwhelms the liver and then it has an effect.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
GOLD Member
HoP's Barman. Trapped aged 6 months
4,437 posts
Location: Staines, United Kingdom
HoP's Barman. Trapped aged 6 months
4,437 posts
Location: Staines, United Kingdom
Posted:
Well at least its through doing a proper extreme sports,as opposed to Bovrilmonkey who screwed his up through playing frisbee
I guess the only thing your mate could do is rest it really
Well at least its through doing a proper extreme sports,as opposed to Bovrilmonkey who screwed his up through playing frisbee
I guess the only thing your mate could do is rest it really
An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind
Give a man a fish and he'll eat 4 a day hit a man with a brick and you can have all his fish and his wife
"Will's to pretty for prison" - Simian
BRONZE Member
veteran
1,247 posts
Location: lost, Canada
veteran
1,247 posts
Location: lost, Canada
Posted:
Hmmn.
I am concerned that the people responding, might have missed in what I wrote the repeated references to consulting the physio, a herbalist or nutritionist, and getting appropriate recommendations for dosage? ( from a qualified proffessional). I thought I did emphasis that. But maybe not enough? Sorry...
I agree with using caution-- of course. Self treating serious injuries/illness is often unwise. I don't suggest "messing" with an injury of any sort.
However, I thought it would be useful to present various options regarding treatment, so you would have some ideas to ask the physio and any other practitioners involved about, and research for yourself. Sometimes one is not even aware of the possibilities. And often doctors are too busy and/or too focussed to initiate the discussion of alternatives.
I would suggest actually writing down any questions your friend has about his therapy, and potential therapies of interest, and bringing that in to the next appointment with the doctor/physio. That way they have something to refer to and can make sure all their concerns are addressed. Otherwise, appointments can be busy and intimidating, questions go unasked, and important things may be missed.
Yes, tumeric is a spice. Tumeric, cucumin and bromelain
( enzyme) are perfectly safe mild anti-inflammatories if used properly. Doc, it sounds like you are suggesting that it is filtered out by the liver because it is dangerous, and no effective dose is possible without "overwhelming" the liver( by which you imply harm) . That is not the case, actually. Maybe I misinnterrpretted it?
It is hard to do oneself harm with them, to be honest. Far easier to do so with Ibuprofen! I am sorry your dad( Akashala) took such a huge amount and in that form-- and glad he is alright- - most people could not even keep down a straight teaspoonful all at once! Instant vomitting. Typically it would be recommended in controlled dosage/quality, capsule form, in a product formulation balanced specifically for treating inflammation.
I do agree with the gist of what you are all saying, always use caution with self medication-even so called natural ones. Caution, but not paranoia. Any substance, food based or otherwise can be dangerous if taken improperly. Meaning the wrong form, the wrong amount, for the wrong condition, wrong person, or in the wrong combination etc etc... That is where one benefits from consulting a qualified herbalist, or nutritionist. It can be a valuable adjunct to physical therapy and mainstream medications.
Hope that clarifies my thoughts for you!
Good luck!
Hmmn.
I am concerned that the people responding, might have missed in what I wrote the repeated references to consulting the physio, a herbalist or nutritionist, and getting appropriate recommendations for dosage? ( from a qualified proffessional). I thought I did emphasis that. But maybe not enough? Sorry...
I agree with using caution-- of course. Self treating serious injuries/illness is often unwise. I don't suggest "messing" with an injury of any sort.
However, I thought it would be useful to present various options regarding treatment, so you would have some ideas to ask the physio and any other practitioners involved about, and research for yourself. Sometimes one is not even aware of the possibilities. And often doctors are too busy and/or too focussed to initiate the discussion of alternatives.
I would suggest actually writing down any questions your friend has about his therapy, and potential therapies of interest, and bringing that in to the next appointment with the doctor/physio. That way they have something to refer to and can make sure all their concerns are addressed. Otherwise, appointments can be busy and intimidating, questions go unasked, and important things may be missed.
Yes, tumeric is a spice. Tumeric, cucumin and bromelain
( enzyme) are perfectly safe mild anti-inflammatories if used properly. Doc, it sounds like you are suggesting that it is filtered out by the liver because it is dangerous, and no effective dose is possible without "overwhelming" the liver( by which you imply harm) . That is not the case, actually. Maybe I misinnterrpretted it?
It is hard to do oneself harm with them, to be honest. Far easier to do so with Ibuprofen! I am sorry your dad( Akashala) took such a huge amount and in that form-- and glad he is alright- - most people could not even keep down a straight teaspoonful all at once! Instant vomitting. Typically it would be recommended in controlled dosage/quality, capsule form, in a product formulation balanced specifically for treating inflammation.
I do agree with the gist of what you are all saying, always use caution with self medication-even so called natural ones. Caution, but not paranoia. Any substance, food based or otherwise can be dangerous if taken improperly. Meaning the wrong form, the wrong amount, for the wrong condition, wrong person, or in the wrong combination etc etc... That is where one benefits from consulting a qualified herbalist, or nutritionist. It can be a valuable adjunct to physical therapy and mainstream medications.
Hope that clarifies my thoughts for you!
Good luck!
"God *was* my co-pilot, but then we crashed, and I had to eat him..."
addict
422 posts
Location: London
422 posts
Location: London
Posted:
I (having broken and fractured mine) have lots of experience in the area that is back pain. I found that if you ask the physio to give you a list of exercises to do at home, also use a lumber roll when your sitting watching TV or reading. I personnally found that heat packs helps. The worst thing to do is to lie still and do nothing as this causes the muscles to seize up.
I (having broken and fractured mine) have lots of experience in the area that is back pain. I found that if you ask the physio to give you a list of exercises to do at home, also use a lumber roll when your sitting watching TV or reading. I personnally found that heat packs helps. The worst thing to do is to lie still and do nothing as this causes the muscles to seize up.
There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers...
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