Working Well Ergonomics Information Website

Home	Prevention	Treatment	Products	FAQ & Articles	About Us

COPING WITH BACK PAIN

• What is Cumulative Trauma Disorder or Repetitive Strain Injury?

• Troubleshooting Pain

• Therapeutic Resources

Massage & Exercise

Massage is a clinically-proven way to ease muscle tension, to promote circulation, and to manage pain-inducing stress. Self-massage of the upper back/neck throughout the day is very effective, as are regular upper-body and full-body massages. Backnobber II

For self-massage, the Backnobber II tool is effective in releasing tension in tight back muscles. The tool comes with an informative booklet with techniques and exercises for a healthier back. Available from: www.massage-tools.com/backnobber.html. $30

Exercises strengthen the muscles needed to support your back and can be extremely helpful in the treatment of back pain.

Back Info/Exercise Websites:

The website of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons orthoinfo.aaos.org has many great exercises which will help you strengthen your back.

The website of the Mayo Clinic has a lot of great exercises and useful information about back problems and what you can do to reduce or eliminate them.

Back Exercise Book:

7 Steps to a Pain-Free Life : How to Rapidly Relieve Back and Neck Pain
by Robin A. McKenzie ($12.00)
Practice these seven unique exercises (the book includes seven each for the back and neck) consistently and at regular intervals. Just about anyone can cure his or her own back or neck pain without the help of professionals. McKenzie believes self-treatment is actually more successful than medical interventions like surgery, chiropractic, or physical therapy. Recent research does show self-treatment to be a highly effective method.

Posture Training

Balance significantly reduces pain, increases strength and agility, and improves your posture. Learn how to place yourself and practice balanced positions in a class under the guidance of a motivating instructor.

Contact:
The Balance Center
www.balancecenter.com
560 Oxford Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 856-2000

Other movement therapies are also helpful in the alleviation of pain. The Alexander Technique, Tai Chi, and Yoga are a few examples.

Website created by: