by Anease Lacaze

Created on: September 25, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Inexpensive Back Pain Treatments

Back pain can strike at any moment. But for someone who suffers from chronic back pain, the spans of time between spasms are only less painful. Any pain that lasts for longer than 3 months is considered chronic, and in many cases the cause(s) elude doctors and physical therapists. The back is a complex structure comprised of bones, muscles, connective tissues and cartilage. As a result, ailments can at times be quite difficult to diagnose. Patients are often left only with expensive treatment options as inexpensive ones tend to fail. There are less expensive at-home treatment options; it seems the public is simply unaware of the products. The following products are tried and true tools for at-home massage therapy. With help from a trusted physician and/or physical therapist, back pain can be tackled- successfully.

Trigger points are painful spots in your muscles that when pressed are quite tender. Often, trigger points are found where larger muscle groups meet in the body. Most of the shoulder blade is surrounded by muscle that is prone to trigger points. Sore trigger points can reduce range of motion and limit physical activity significantly. Not to be confused with Fibromyalgia, trigger points are not always severe or chronic. Occasionally, a trigger point can pop up from lifting a box improperly or carrying a child. To alleviate the sometimes sudden pain of a trigger point, try the Body Back Buddy (www.bodybackbuddy.com). The cane-looking instrument was designed by Paul Nash, CMT NMT to be lightweight, inexpensive and easy-to-use. The Body Back Buddy comes in an array of sizes for convenient use on any budget. The blue model is the most popular and features 11 knobs to press on and massage pesky trigger points. The pressure is initially intense, but the muscle is quickly eased into a relaxed and calm state. One should limit treatment on a specific trigger point [per the instructions] as too much pressure can lead to a "pain response" from the brain. Over time, the Body Back Buddy will minimize the effects of trigger points, and claims have been made that the Body Back Buddy can eliminate chronic trigger points indefinitely.

Tension from back pain can make sore muscles feel tight and rigid. Severe back pain along with stress can make the body's natural "still points" or lulls throughout the day. Still point tools can have a great effect on back pain and tension while relaxing the mind and body into a moment of stillness. The folks at Body Back Company created the Still Point Inducer to provide release of tension in the area where the head meets the neck. Back pain can radiate from neck and head tension leading to headache and fatigue. For a mere $30 or less the Still Point Inducer relaxes the head and neck muscles, leaving the sufferer soothed and comfortable. It is far from uncommon to fall asleep while resting on the Still Point Inducer; its calming effects can be felt for hours after treatment. With time, the Still Point Inducer can help to quiet the important muscles in the head and neck. Please note, still point therapy is not for everyone; a physician should be consulted before beginning any new treatment.

Chronic back pain can be exhausting for sufferers and doctors alike, but with the help of a little know-how and the right tools, back pain can be pain of the past. Visit www.bodybackbuddy.com and make a purchase sure to reduce or eliminate back pain for good.

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