back pains and the benefits of a waterbed
 A waterbed can
assist the treatment of a backache by enabling those who suffer to sleep in a more comfortable and
beneficial position. A unique distribution of support for the body assures that all parts of the
body are evenly supported and that body weight is evenly distributed. Floatation systems remove
pressure from the spine allowing the spinal muscles to fully relax. Doctors have also found that
the addition of heat speeds up the relaxation process and increases circulation to rejuvenate
problem areas.
With your back against the wall
Most of the back complaints are caused by lesions at the ligaments, tendons, muscles or
by damage of the spinal discs (discus). A well known example is the herniated disc, a protrusion of
the discs core, which might cause pressure on the central nervous system or the spinal column.
Many conditions, due to a wound, are spinal injuries. Examples: fall on backside, landing on
a hard surface with
 both feet...
There are also specific back disorders, such as the Bechterew Disease. This is a chronic
rheumatic infestation of the spinal cord, which generally appears around the age of 25.
Typical neck problems are:
- Whiplash: when the neck is overstretched, for example a road accident, where a vehicle is hit
from the rear or the side.
- Torticollis: stiff neck, due to strain on the neck - and neck muscles, followed by a cramp-like
contraction.
Finally backache can be caused by psychological complaints or other disorders: osteoporosis,
kidney problems, cancer, zona...
Put your shoulders underneath
Back and neck pain are treated differently depending on the type:
It is important that you rest for a while first. Afterwards the situation can be corrected
with exercise therapy.
In the meantime, the pain can be treated with e.g. ice, a warmth treatment, relaxation or in
some cases light painkillers.
If the pain doesn't disappear contact:
- your general practitioner. Several treatments can be prescribed, from massage and manipulation
techniques to electrotherapy and ultrasound.
- a physiotherapist recommended by your doctor, for massage, specific treatment techniques and
preventive exercises;
- a lumbar school for prevention, assisted by a team of specialists. Your physiotherapist
will help you find the addresses.
Prevention of back and neck complaints:
- by doing regular recreational sports, for example walking , going swimming. If you already have
back complaints, however, be careful that it doesn't get worse.
- by changing your posture atleast every 20 minutes .
- by making sure you have a good back hygiene, this means keeping your back straight and
certainly not bending it forward for your daily activities or while playing sports.
Lifting and carrying
- Never bend over to lift anything up, but bend through your knees instead. If necessary, place
one knee on the floor.
- Always lift objects straight in front of you, never with your upper body fully or partially
rotated.
- Keep the object as close as possible to your body.
- Don't lift anything above your schoulder.
- Ask for assistence, use a cart or trolley or some other means of help to lift heavy or big
objects.
Standing straight and sleeping
- Put one foot on a bench or pedestal if you need to stand up for a long time. Alternate leaning
on your left and right leg.
- Stand with your back straight. Don't bend over with stretched legs.
- Walk with your head straight up.
- Avoid carrying heavy shoulderbags, handbags or suitcases.
- Don't wear high heels if you're planning to do a lot of walking.
Sitting down
- Choose a chair that invites you to sit straight but also forces you to move around. Place your
chair as close as possible to your desk.
- Make sure the desk is high enough.
- Lean against the backrest and support your lower back, perhaps with a pillow. Don't sag or bend
over.
- Tighten your abdominal muscles when sitting on a stool or chair without back support, so your
back remains straight.
- Adjust the distance and height of your steering wheel in your car. Make sure you're not too far
from the pedals, putting your lower backside under pressure. If possible, use a pillow to adjust.
Lying down
- Sleep on a mattress that supports your back perfectly, for instance a waterbed. 4D-Comfort
waterbeds offer the best support for your back.
- The mattress should deform sufficiently to make sure your spine is in a horizontal position
when lying on your side.
- Preferably sleep in a sideways position with slightly pulled up legs.
- When lying on your back it's better to place a pillow under the back of your knees.
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