Back Pain Ruining Your GPA?

There’s nothing worse than having to write the mid-terms... except maybe doing it with a crippled low back. I can remember being a student, having to deal with my chronic low back pain, but since I was a student in a massage college, it was not really a big priority. But, unless you have the luxury of getting several massages a week, here are a few tips that you can do.

1.) Ice. When the back pain is acute, or at its crippling worst, apply ice to the area. Ice takes down swelling and reduces pain. In all reality, a cold beer to the area works very well.

2.) Water Intake. Dehydration can lead to poor restoration of the discs of the back. It can also reduce elasticity of the tissue. Since the body is comprised mainly of water, keeping hydrated is important.

3.) Stretch. Yoga or pilates based stretches are great for reducing some of the pain, but again, use your common sense. If you can barely move, it may be time to seek help.

4.) Exercise. Doing some form of exercise works quite well for reducing back pain, but not when it is crippling. A vigorous walk, a bike ride, or some rehabilitation exercises can help reduce the pain. Maybe stay away from the more extreme sports like cliff diving.

5.) Massage. A good massage therapist will assess your back and find out what is causing the problem. Massage isn’t just rubbing the back, but rather a very effective form of manual therapy.

So, the question is, “Why deal with back pain when you don’t need to?” I am going to offer up a bonus. The first person to tell me the price of an Americano at Forbidden Flavors will receive a free half hour massage. Email me the answer, and I’ll respond if you are the winner!

Ja-On Hillman, RMT rmt04@me.com

Reactive Massage Therapy 4-1502 Rosser Ave Brandon, MB