Whole Living Daily

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During the past few weeks, a number of patients have approached me with various gadgets and doodads that were guaranteed to rid them of their back pain. These occasions usually come in waves. Is there a back pain-product season, I wonder? In any case, patients had seen these products in magazines or infomercials and either wanted to know whether they actually worked or had already purchased them and wanted to know why they weren't working. Were they doing something wrong?

Most of these products are akin to books about the next great cure for this or that ailment. Every once in a while, someone releases a book claiming to have found the cure for all back pain. “If you just eat asparagus every day, your pain will disappear!' (I swear, I've read stuff like this.)

First, the bad news: As well intentioned as the creators of these products may be, everyone’s pain has different causes and contributing factors, and there is no cookie-cutter solution for all of it. I wish there was; it would make my job a whole lot easier.

Now the good news: you can learn a lot by looking at these products and incorporating some of what they hope to do to alleviate your discomfort and improve your quality of life. You may find that some of the ideas behind these products will help if you take the time to weed out the ones that are either a) ridiculous or b) simply don't apply to your situation.

Many of the gizmos you see advertised can be easily created at home using things you have lying around your house. For example, I've been asked several times about a device you sleep on that helps “correct” the curvatures of your spine through supporting your lower back. This product is marketed under many different names. I've had patients swear that this device fixed their pain, and others who experienced no relief. Instead of spending $39.95 on a product that may or may not work for you, how about rolling up a small towel or a t-shirt and placing it under the small of your back while lying down? At least as many patients who’ve had positive results from the plastic doohickies we've all seen on TV have reported that this improvised version has lessened their discomfort.

Many of the other products out there can be “MacGyver’d” with a little thought, saving you money and time. Now keep in mind, the best self-help approach to back pain is education. By understanding the particular mechanics of your own back pain, and learning how different aspects of your life can affect it, you can take specific action steps to reduce it.

Andrew Kirschner, D.O., is a board-certified physician with a private practice in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, and a consultancy in Miami, Florida. He specializes in treating individuals and couples with musculoskeletal and back pain. To learn more about his practice, please visit BackTogether.org.