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Bad backs - a remedy?

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BradfordLass72 Tue 22-Jan-19 08:27:12

I haven't been here very long but I'm amazed by the number of people who have bad backs.
Have you tried a TENS ( *Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation*) machine?

I had one after two motor accidents and osteoarthritis affected my spine and it was marvellous. It got me walking again when I had been told I'd need a wheelchair.

Mine is about the size of a pack of cigarettes, has little pads you put at the site of the pain and then switch on the battery operated machine. It buzzes across your skin, with a strong or weak (you control) electrical charge sending message to the brain which then release painkillers.
You can leave it on all day if you wish. I wore mine at night as well and programmed it to turn off after 90 mins.

In the UK, a physiotherapist can loan you one and if it works for you, it might be worth buying one; they cost between £10 to £200. Mine's a cheapo but does everything I need.

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paddyann Tue 22-Jan-19 09:13:12

I have a herniated disc,I lost weight and do Pilates daily .My pain has all but gone,I have the odd day when its bad but usually because I've been stupid and moved furniture or stood too long .I'd always try the natural way to get rid of health problems before considering other methods ,I dont like taking pills

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Carolina55 Tue 22-Jan-19 09:32:05

I’m with you Paddyann, I do a 1 minute plank every morning and it keeps my back strong. Whenever I’ve been lazy and not done one for a few weeks I can feel my back about to ‘go’ and never want to be in that state again.

It’s a year since I had to walk with a stick, brace belt and Naproxen to get me through a horrendous week and I swore then that I would do whatever it took to stay well. I started off only able to do 2 seconds before collapsing in a heap but have built up to a minute over the year and I also go to the gym 5 times a week for aerobics and light weights.

I’ve always been a couch potato but as I get older I’m scared of being immobile or in pain so now I’m retired I spend some of my time staying healthy.

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