Do you suffer from back pain? If so, you're not alone. In today's aging society, perhaps the most commonly reported ailment is low back pain. What's the reason? Mainly, years of poor posture and sedentary living.

That's the bad news.

The good news is that there are many resources out there that can help reduce, if not eliminate, your back pain without surgery.  Using back supports throughout your day and incorporating a few simple strengthening/flexibility exercises can significantly reduce your discomfort.

The following are a few well-reputed, non-invasive treatment options.

The McKenzie Method

"Robin McKenzie is the most influential person in Orthopedic Physical Therapy."  - "Honoring Our Giants" survey from Advance for Physical Therapists & PT Assistants Volume 15, No.14 June 21, 2004.

Robin McKenzie is considered one of the forefathers of treating back pain. Although the source of back pain can be complex, The McKenzie Method is a leading treatment philosophy that focuses on self-care through exercise and spinal support. His best selling self-help book, Treat Your Own Back, is in its new eighth edition and has helped millions of back pain sufferers achieve freedom from their pain. This inexpensive book contains a handful of exercises, stretches, and other advice designed to help you correct poor posture habits and other imbalances contributing to your back pain.

For Robin McKenzie entire resource library click here

Original McKenzie Lumbar Supports
Perhaps the cornerstone of Robin McKenzie's approach is simply improving your posture by supporting your spine while you sit and sleep. Doing so greatly reduces strain on the muscles surrounding your spine resulting in less inflammation. Our spine has a natural curve in the lower protion known as the lumbar spine and McKenzie lumbar supports are specially designed to provide the optimum amount of support for a natural curve. (Too much support will again result in discomfort due to overstrain.) OPTP is the exclusive distributor of The Original McKenzie lumbar supports and we offer a wide variety of shapes, sizes and densities.

For more information, and to view our entire selection of McKenzie Lumbar Supports click here

Original McKenzie Sleeping Aids
Do you wake with back or neck pain? On average, we spend 6-8 hours a night sleeping. This is an awfully long time to spend in the same position if you're lacking the proper support - and this could be aggravating your back pain. Pillow tops, airbeds, tempurpedics, are all comfortable to a degree, but none of these can make up for (or eliminate) the pain that's caused from your spine flattening.

The Original McKenzie night roll is a soft, plush support that ties around your waist while sleeping. The comfortable, easy compressing foam supports your spine while you sleep snugly on your back or side.

The Original McKenzie Cervical Roll conveniently tucks away into your pillowcase, properly supporting your cervical spine. Wake well rested and free from neck stiffness with the McKenzie cerivcal roll.

Lumbar Stabilization
Another treatment method for back pain, or injury prevention, is to develop strength, coordination and edurance of the trunk muscles. The muscles of the trunk include the transverse abdominis, obliques, multifidus, and the lumbar extensor muscles.  Resources such as Lumbar Spinal Stabilization Floor Exercises and Stabilization Functional Exercise booklets are good for beginners. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider or trainer to make sure the exercises are appropriate.

OPTP has published a variety of informational newsletters on this, and many other important topics. To view our newsletter archives click here: OPTP Newsletter Archives