Reply #5: Yeah, pillows under knees if you're on your back, between them if you're [View All]

[havocmom]

on you side. Believe it or not, when my back flares up bad, the hammock works well, with pillows under knees.

I found Orudis works best of the OTC stuff when the pain really gets bad. With it, or Aleve, go for the therapeutic (aka: perscription) dose which is more than on the label, but only if you liver functions OK.

Lots of fluids to flush out the bad acids in the muscles. Get enough calcium (which is a mild sedative too), magnesium. potassium, and zinc, to replace what you wash out. The right amount/ratio keeps fluid balance in the cells. You need lots of fluid to clean out the muscles, and keep your joints lubed. Dehydration can do terrible things to your body most of us don't even consider.

If you can get to a place that sells whole herbs, some raspberry leaves are nice. Brew up tea from them and drink it hot or cold. A little sweetener makes it very tasty and real raspberry is another mild muscle relaxant. I love REAL raspberry tea for summer evenings as it is refreshing but won't wire me and keep me awake at night. The raspberry flavored teas you can get ready made are NOT the same.

Short periods of rest and movement, moist heat, lots of fluids and the right minerals, OTC anti-inflammatory, meditation, warm baths (when getting in and out of the tub is possible - I know there are times it won't work), relaxing music.... go all out to de-stress while you give you body everything you can to help it heal.

Let us know how you are doing. It can be very frightening when your back goes out. Makes one feel a bit helpless. It will pass. Hope it is better very soon.