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[Starving.Wolf]

So... I pulled my back planting trees today, and every time I sit down for more than 2 minutes, my muscles start to set up on me.  Anybody know any good techniques for softening up that mess?  It's specifically my lower back, right above where my hips stop and my back muscles start.

Ugh...   Starting to freeze up in the time it took to write this.  I hope someone has some love for my poor back!!!

~ SW

[green]

I have had luck with arnica homeopathic gel in the past.Also hot water soaks

[Selkie]

Arnica does work really well, I've had severe back problems my whole life, and had surgery in 6th grade on it...The only thing that's truly worked is Anthoposophic injections to relax the muscle...Stops pain for around 6 months for me. Pretty big deal if you've had chronic pain for so long...

Also, just to alleviate pain, I like using a heating pad, or hot water bottle, and taking epsom salt baths. And as bad as it might sound right now, stretching and movement are always good. Or maybe try laying on a really hard flat surface for awhile until you feel your lower back touch the ground. I like having my boyfriend walk on my back sometimes too, though I dont know how good that is for my muscles.

Do you have some sort of non-mainstream doctor? I think overall that's made the biggest difference with my health and such.

[Ink]

I can also vouch for arnica. I've used it in gel and lotion form, as well as those little homeopathic sugar beads you hold in your mouth. If the injury is a large area, I tend to get better relief from the beads. Arnica seems to speed the healing process in any circumstance in which I've overused and abused my body.

Also, tiger balm feels good. Since the more you rub it in the better it works, it's also a great excuse to get a little healing human touch.

The stretch that I've found works the best for the lower back is to lay down on a carpeted or padded surface and pull one knee at a time toward your chest, holding for a while, then switching legs. If it's not too painful, you can also pull both knees to your chest and hold on to them, making your back arch, and rock back and forth like a rocking horse. I really like that last one for hip stiffness, but it's a bit too intense if you're really in pain.

Finally, you might try sitting on something that you can wiggle around on, like a big exercise ball.

[jhereg]

Ice it.

Keep an ice pack or summat on for 15-20 minutes at a time. You might want to alternate 15-20 minutes of ice, then 15-20 minutes of heat, then back to ice.

[green]

I also forgot to say massage,if you can hook that up, would be great for your back

[Starving.Wolf]

Thanks, guys!  The laying flat last night seemed to have worked some, though it got tiresome and somewhat uncomfortable not being able to roll over and change position.  I tried sitting on one of those pilates balls (my wife does some yoga) and that helped loosen things up, too...

My wife is also suggesting I do some basic yoga poses with her, and I think I'm feeling up to giving it a try at this point.

Thanks again for all the advice!

~ SW

PS:  I couldn't find that arnica stuff -- where would one go about finding it?

[green]

You could find arnica homeopathic gel at a natural food store or health shop.

[RHex]

In case you still have problems with your back you should get some Pedicularis groenlandica, or pretty much any other plant in the pedicularis genus. Highly effective muscle relaxant.

[Æthelbera]

Question: Is arnica better than chamomile for this?
I've never used it before.