CAN THE WALK IN TUB HELP WITH BACK PAIN?

Free offer at the end of this article.
By Alan Knight


If there is one ailment that is universally common with aging, it must be “Back Pain.”  No one is immune, not even celebrities.  Celebrity status may come with some perks, but it doesn't shield people from back pain.  George Clooney, People magazine's two-time sexiest man alive, sustained a severe back injury while on the set of Syriana in 2005.  Headaches and pain related to the injury were so profound and unrelenting that the actor said he thought about suicide, according to an interview with Rolling Stone magazine.  I know that we can injure our back at any age and pay for it even more as we age, but getting older brings on its own set of problems.  After a car accident about two years ago and a follow-up x-ray, the emergency room doctor revealed that I had traces of arthritis up and down my spine.  I had never really noticed it.  I figured that occasional pains in the lower back were just a part of living.  Today, at age 66, I can really feel the onset of some problems.  Sitting too long at my desk, really takes its toll.  Flying on an airline is very uncomfortable, and even long drives get to be a real pain.  The reality is, 80 percent of us at some point will feel the effects of back pain. Maybe we can't totally cure lower back pain, but surely there is a way to manage the pain.
Courtesy of  www.flickr.com

Stephanie Watson, writing in WebMD, along with a review by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS, gives several ways to manage low back pain at home.  Since about 1 in 4 Americans say they've had a recent bout of low back pain, maybe we should pay attention.  Here are some tips from her article:

CHILL IT.  Ice is best in the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury because it reduces inflammation, says E. Anne Reicherter, PhD, PT, DPT, associate professor of Physical Therapy at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine.  “Even though the warmth feels good because it helps cover up the pain and it does help relax the muscles, the heat actually inflames the inflammatory processes.  After 48 hours, you can switch to heat if you prefer.  Whether you use heat or ice—take it off after about 20 minutes if pain persists and talk with a doctor.”

KEEP MOVING.  Our spines are like the rest of our body—they're meant to move while doing your daily activities.  Make the beds, go to work, walk the dog.  The worst thing one can do when suffering with back pain is to become lathargic.  They imagine that giving the back plenty of rest will be the best remedy, so they lay on the couch for days.  Wrong!  Our body is not built to be an overweight house-cat.  We were all built to be thoroughbreds.

Courtesy of pixabay.com
STRETCH.  Don't sit slumped in your desk chair all day.  Get up every 20 minutes or so and stretch the other way.  Because most of us spend a lot of time bending forward in our jobs, it's important to stand up and stretch backward throughout the day.  Don't forget to also stretch your legs.  Some people find relief from their back pain by doing a regular stretching routine, like yoga.  People who participate in yoga or stretching classes are more likely to reduce their intake of pain meds compared to people who manage symptoms on their own, according to a 2011 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

THINK ERGONOMICALLY.  Design your work-space so you don't have to hunch forward to see your computer monitor or reach way out for your mouse.  Use a desk chair that supports your lower back and allows you to keep your feet planted firmly on the floor.

WATCH YOUR POSTURE.  Slumping makes it harder for your back to support your weight.  Be especially careful when lifting heavy objects.  Never bend over from the waist.  Instead, bend and straighten from the knees.

WEAR LOW HEELS.  Exchange your four inch pumps or flats or low heels (less than 1 inch).  High heels may create a more unstable posture, and increase pressure on your lower spine.

KICK THE HABIT.  Smoking can increase your risk for osteoporosis of the spine and other bone problems.  Osteoporosis can lead to compression fractures of the spine.  Recent research found that smokers are more likely to have low back pain compared with non-smokers.

Courtesy of  commons.wikimedia.org
WATCH YOUR WEIGHT.  Use diet and exercise to keep your weight within a healthy range for your height.  Being overweight puts excess stress on your spine.

EXERCISE.  This is a great way to improve back strength and relieve chronic back pain.  Strengthening exercises like weightlifting not only help build bone density, they can ease back pain.  Although weightlifting can help reduce back pain, make sure you're doing it right.  Always warm up before hitting the weights, and practice good posture and proper breathing during your workout.

MAKE TIME FOR MASSAGES.  Massage therapy can also help soothe the sore area—a 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that massage therapy eased chronic low back pain and improved function even after six months.


Short video about the benefit for pain relief with the walk-in tub.

Many have asked whether or not the new Walk in Tub can help with back pain.  Imagine an upright bathtub with a door.  Entering the tub is easy.  There is no struggle to lift the legs over the wall of a conventional bathtub.  The step up is only 6 inches.  There is a seat that is contoured for the back and comfort.  Not only can you enjoy the benefits of warm water therapy, but the Walk in Tub is designed with both air and water jets.  Within easy reach and with the push of a button you can send soothing waves of relief to any part of the back.  The water jet ports are adjustable as to direction and pressure, so you can dial in your favorite setting.  The warm water jets will soothe the problem area.    The heat promotes blood flow to the inflamed part of the body, which allows the muscles to relax.  The pulsing action of the jets is like having a massage in your bathtub.  This is one home remedy that everyone should try. 

This article discusses how you can reduce back pain with various simple and natural methods. It also talks about the many benefits the walk-in tub provides for alleviating lower back pain. This article includes information about the available options to consider for getting the maximum therapeutic benefit from your walk-in tub.

If you’ve found this article helpful in any way, please post a comment and pass the article along to friend’s family and co-workers. 

Check out this short testimonial/reviews video.

Tub King has many great reviews and guarantees the lowest prices. Check out TubKing.com for current specials, closeout and scratch and dent models as well. Call today to arrange a consultation with a bathtub professional from Tub King.

Get your copy today!
Would you like to receive a free copy of our new ebook? - Tub King's Ultimate Guide to Cast Iron/Porcelain Tubs, Walk-in Tubs & Safety Suite Showers? Fill in the form below and we will send it to you for free! This book sell on Amazon for $4.99 but it’s yours for signing up to receive our quarterly newsletter. You can see this book on Amazon.com by clicking on this link


Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and I will personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.
 

Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com  in Jacksonville,  Florida. He has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. In addition to providing superior products, Tub King has been honored with “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Awards” for four years running. If you would like to contact Alan Knight, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to alan@tubking.com.


Related articles

No comments:

Post a Comment