There are a variety of products and gadgets that claim to provide quick fast acting back pain relief. Here is a little information about which deliver and hold up to their claims. Back pain stops us in our tracks and we want relief fast. Other than taking pain meds, most of us want a way to achieve natural relief. Thatβs where back pain products and gadgets come into the picture.
For the most part, a lot of the gadgets online, even expensive ones donβt necessarily provide the back pain relief that most of us are expecting. This means they donβt remove the pain completely and life goes back to normal. These are made for temporarily relieving pain when symptoms present and through consistent use to strengthen, lengthen,Β and stretch out the sore muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc, in a preventative fashion.
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We are not knocking these products/gadgets, as we use these ourselves. But remember these are tools that are made to help out with back pain conditions, just like the tools chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists utilize in their practices. That being said this article is to help you make wise decisions about which back pain gadgets can help.
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These are wearable sensors that vibrate when you begin to slouch, sway forward, hunch over, etc. The pain-relief claims that slouching puts a strain on your spine and that improving posture will help prevent strain and pain.
While this is true what the experts thought about this product was that, while it does help maintain proper posture it is not meant to relieve immediate pain, but rather to re-train your body in maintaining good posture. Therefore pass on this product if your goal is back pain relief.
Slouching places added stress onΒ the lower back leading to strains and back pain. These devices can be helpful, just be aware to not hold yourself in an abnormal position causing more problems.
If poor posture contributes to your back pain, try these:
Dr. Jimenez adds that if you exhibit constant poor posture, consult a spine doctor or chiropractor to see if it is a structural issue.
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The QUELLΒ TENS transcutaneous electrical stimulation is a new brand unit that is worn on the calf. The pain-relief claims that it sends out safe electrical pulses that trigger the bodyβs natural pain relief response. The QUELL can help and is just like most other TENS units.
These units activate opioid nerve receptors, which is one of the reasons they provide pain relief. You can get them for under $50 at drug stores and online. Instead of being applied directly to the sore areas,Β itβs worn on the calf and operates on the same TENS principle.Β The cost currently is around $300. However, with any TENS unit, be aware that there can be aΒ relief tolerance that builds up and eventually might not work anymore. TENS units work well, but theyβre best used in a physical therapistβs/chiropractic clinic because individuals can become habitually used to them.
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This is a handheld massager that generates pulses of deep pressure along with strong vibrations to loosen and release tight areas. The pain-relief claims that it is similar to a deep tissue massage. These work and do help ease pain symptoms, but are not like a real therapeutic massage. There is limited research on these products but most state that percussive/vibrating massage tools, which can cost hundreds of dollars, could be a little better than a traditional massage for relieving muscle soreness. This has yet to be determined.
High-force massagers could exacerbate or cause further/new injury/s other than muscle soreness when used by untrained individuals. However, in a professional clinic setting research suggests that high vibration applied to the back is an effective physical therapy for low-back pain.
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Low-intensity light therapy is used in treating neuropathy pain. The principle is that it triggers biochemical changes in the cells. The pain-relief claims that it reduces inflammation alleviates pain and promotes healing. There is not a great deal of evidence that it helps back pain, but that is only because there is not enough research yet. It doesnβt mean you wonβt benefit from it. Laser therapy, which is sometimes utilized in physical therapy and chiropractic clinics, can provide relief for a range of conditions, and this includes back pain.
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These consist of foam rollers, lacrosse balls, wraps, massage pads, and handheld muscle rollers. The pain-relief claims that they provide mini-massages for sore muscles. These work and can help when used correctly.
These products do not have a great deal of published material on the benefits of these tools. But physical therapists have recommended using these tools along with professional chiropractic/physical therapy. These low-tech massage tools can make your back feel better. They are effective for muscle spasms, are gentle to the soft tissues, and improve blood flow circulation with very little risk of tissue damage.
Exercise balls can be included in exercise programs that function in extension and flexion postures. Sitting on them to safely engage and strengthen the core muscles is an added benefit and they are great for maintaining proper posture.
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Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Information on Popular Back Pain Products" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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