32 Unusual ways to heal back pain

The back is the control center, the operating system, the nervous matrix of the body.  It is subject to a lot of tension just by way of having to hold everything together.  On top of that, we usually sit down for too long, curve the back too much, lift heavy objects without thinking much, do not give it enough rest, and alas! then we wonder why it hurts.

I find that people asking the question want an answer fast, right now, a sequence, tips on what to do, what to avoid, and pronto!

I relate, I had back pain when I started yoga and have a mild scoliosis which did not make things easier. The long sitting hours in front of the computer did not help either, but the pain only subsided by a gradual change in lifestyle. Every other method seems to alleviate the symptoms just temporarily.

Since there are so many cases and so many different variations and ways to address the issue I came up with 32 unusual suggestions, I hope the right one will resonate with the right person.  May our backs be healed.

1. Rest when you need to.  Back pain is related to overexertion, to stress, the nervous system is sending a message from the core, so it is a good idea to listen.  And speaking of "core" as Krishna wisely says in the comments, work on the core area of your body, strenghten your abdominals for better back support.
2. If you do not have an exercise/yoga daily routine already, start walking for 15 minutes a day, then 30.  If it is too cold, then walk indoors or see 4, or 5.
3. Go to a Vipassana or other meditation retreat that suits your individual mental constitution. Meditation brings about much deeper awareness of every part of the body, and better awareness always brings about fruit full insights into which direction is needed for healing.  Here are 9 reasons why I think Vipassana is the best meditation technique out there, but I must admit that it is not for someone just stepping in, for that you may want to try just classes or a Shambhala retreat, which is a little more gentle and has shorter starter retreats.
4. Take up yoga, and of course I will suggest ashtanga yoga.  Why? because it goes slow and only adds poses when you are ready.  Also work on the back begins immediately, and gently.
5. Don't want to do yoga in a studio? get one of these DVDs and start a home practice, no need to rush, you can build it up slowly.  Also here are some I-Pad download suggestions.
6. Do sun salutations every morning, both the A and the B versions of it before yoga.  This is not a needed reminder if you do Ashtanga yoga, but for other styles it might be.  Also, just doing sun salutations is pretty good in the beginning, pad yourself in the back if you are just doing this. Good job!
7. Relax your jaw, at all times.
8. Learn to love yourself, here are 32 unusual ways to do so
9. Step away from the computer and walk around the desk at least 10 times a day for a few minutes, let the mind clear, let the back stretch and move.
10. Make sure to get sunlight even if a little of it, and whenever possible.  For those of you in London, or Seattle, there are some great electric sun lights that help.  The brighter our mood (increased by sunlight) the more likely we are to move that back a little every day.
11. Ensure you are going to the bathroom for both number one and number two, every day, no exceptions.  Many times back pain is linked to constipation.
12. Take that overdue vacation, make it a good one, yes you can.
13. Lay in corpse pose twice a day, become aware of all your muscles and relax them one by one.  Relax your back in particular.  Just bringing awareness and relaxation to the back will help, not right away, but it can build into a routine of back care.
14. Make sure you are drinking enough water.  Even if you think you are, you probably are not.  
15. Talk to a yogi near you and ask for an oil recommendation, or go to the Whole Foods or a place that specializes in massage and oils.  Buy a nice one that appeals to you, or better yet get an Ayurveda consultation and get the one that is right for your constitution, then massage your back every day before showering.  Or if every day turns out to be too much, then start with three times a week.
16. Take a Castor Oil bath on Saturdays, or on Tuesdays, or whenever your day off is.
17. Get a massage, a gentle one at first, and as you get to know your body venture into some deeper tissue massages.  Always respect the signals of pain, be gentle, use your wisdom to heal.
18. Learn about the anatomy of the back and connect with it.  Get specific and isolate what is hurting, the more aware you are the better connection you establish with your body and the higher the chances for better future choices around healing.
19. If you scratch your back when you are nervous stop it, take it as a sign of respect and love for your body, and heal that addiction.
20. Scrub weekly and lotion your back daily.
21. Talk to your back, ask her what she needs, then listen. Simply shut up and listen for at least 30 seconds, pay attention to what it tells you.  If it does not tell you anything try again, every day, for 30 days. It WILL talk to you in  one way or another, it might direct you to avoid certain foods, or certain positions or to eat more greens, who knows?  I would love to hear what happens if you try this.
22. Avoid strenuous weight lifting or heavy lifting of any kind and whenever involved in life activities, if your back hurts, stop doing that.  Ask for help if necessary.
23. Visit a chiropractor, just ensure it is a good one, check references, or get recommendations in your area from someone you trust.
24. Think about the things you "carry" on your back, both metaphorically and in reality, reduce them.
25. Give away things you do not need and unclutter your life slowly, one room a month is a good rule to start by.  As you unclutter your surroundings you also make new space for new healthy habits and for healing energies to come in.
26. Take a look at what you are eating and drinking.  Do you drink wine before going to sleep? consider that even one glass of wine will interfere with your sleeping patterns.  Some people say they have no problem with it, and maybe that is the case, but if I was caring for my back I would rest it early and get the body very hydrated.
27. Prayer is helpful because it acts as a "surrendering" aid.  Asking an energy greater than ours to help us heal is humbling and powerful.
28. Thank your back for all the good things it has done for you in your life, like carrying you in a straight position everywhere you have gone.  
29. E-mail me if you have other questions
30. Trust that just reading this means your focus is already in healing, and therefore healing is coming.
31. Before you go to sleep breath deeply a few times, and relax
32. When you wake up in the morning warm up the back slowly before starting the day, and even before starting yoga

All of these suggestions aim towards bringing awareness and love towards our own backs, and to alleviate pain. May we all be healed.

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