When you spend enough time working with people who are in pain, you hear it all: anger, fear, hope—but mostly frustration. Whether you are going through a treatment program for your back pain with a chiropractor or physical therapist, or trying your own exercise program (Yoga, Pilates, pumping iron at the gym, etc.), if you’re not getting relief, let me share with you a widely known “secret.”

Knowledge Is Power
Our mission is to inspire you through education. We know that people who understand their situation and their condition get better care and faster results, regardless of the type of treatment they are going through. The reason is simple: They have more control. (more…)

We’ve all heard about the 80/20 Rule—the idea that 80 percent of your gain will come from 20 percent of your effort. The 80/20 rule can be applied to most anything in our lives. But have you ever considered how this rule might apply to your health?

I will use wealth as an example because everyone can relate to having it or not having it, which is the underlying premise of the 80/20 Rule. If someone starts a business and hires people to make widgets, a handful of worker bees do most of the work and the owner gets most of the money (it’s not fair, but this process is repeated over again and again throughout the world). (more…)

While this article is aimed at those who suffer froom back pain and those close to them, much of what I’m going to tell you can be useful in all aspects of your life and for any difficult situation you may face.

When dealing with serious back pain, you have to realize that your condition is going to have an impact on everyone around you and that it will be toughest on the one you love.

I got an e-mail this morning and could not stand to go another day without telling you my thoughts. Believe me, this question is not unique. Please read the following e-mail, and then I’ll give you my response:

Steve,
My husband recently had a severe flare-up caused by a herniated disc. He’s had it for five years. Now it’s in both sides of his body, from his back to his toes. He is using a scooter to get around. He cannot walk and is hunched over at the waist with severe pain. He is currently taking three meds: Motrin, Vicodin and Flexeril. They help very little! He has been seen by his doctor, and he will have an MRI plus physical therapy. Can you help him?

What this poor lady must be going through. (more…)

If done correctly, massage therapy can work wonders for people with back pain. It may not always be the best choice, and it may not work for everyone. But most people will get great results if the massage therapist has a good understanding of the human body, muscle imbalances, and how to work with them. A word of caution: Massage therapy should never be considered a substitute for proper medical attention.

As a massage therapist for the past 10 years, I have watched massage therapy grow in popularity and credibility to the point where the practice is now commonplace for those who suffer from back pain. There is no denying the positive effects massage can have on the body. Most massage therapists use a variety of techniques during a session, such as energy techniques and stretching, along with traditional massage. The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami has coordinated more than 100 studies that document the therapeutic effects of massage. One study on massage and back pain found that massage decreased back pain and depression while also improving sleep and range of motion for most joints. (more…)