I don't foam roll my back, because my understanding is you shouldn't roll directly on the spine. I do, however, use a lacrosse ball to roll out my back. I also use the back buddy.
Thanks for your insight on LDN. I will be finding a new PCP soon-ish to get an annual physical, and maybe I'll talk with them about it.
Here are a few things that have helped me. Much of my pain is due to muscle tension in my head, neck, shoulders, upper back, and jaw. Understand, though, that what helps one person may not help another.
• If you have the resources, locate a massage therapist knowledgeable in the neuromuscular system. Ideally, get a massage on a consistent (weekly or bi-weekly) basis. Treating the pain consistently, from my experiences, is more beneficial than treating on an as-needed basis. knock out the tension before the pain starts.
• Tiger Balm and a large heating pad is my secret sauce. I literally have tons of Tiger Balm in every room of the house.
• Look into trying out a TENS unit. It’s a device that sends electric pulses to electrode pads placed on your body. Using this with a heating pad is great too. You can find TENS units on Amazon for about $30.
• Buy a trigger point massager from Body Back. They’re great. Trigger Point Massager
I hope some of this helps you out. Wish you the best.
It's a device that you can use to give self massages.
This was totally by accident, but I found the BEST chew toy for my daughter's Belgian Malinois: a pressure point back massager. I found it on Amazon, and I've had it longer than the dog is old. She carries this thing with her around the house and it's indestructible.
Best $30 you'll ever spend:
Body Back Buddy Classic - Trigger Point Massage Tool, Neck and Back Massager Handheld, Manual Self Massager, Massage Cane, Muscle Knot Remover with Instructions (Blue Marbled) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006VJ6TO/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_4PQHPXNQT5GVXFK32R2W
About 50% of my migraines begin in my neck and shoulders. I have tried numerous methods to treat this including ashiatsu (high pressure massage of walking on body), acupuncture, cupping and every medication you can think of. In seeing neurologists and pain specialists, they state this is very normal and I am currently getting Botox. I have had less of those migraines. A tens unit place at the back of the neck can help. Also, this helps as well which will massage the neck area when it comes on:
Body Back Buddy Classic - Trigger Point Back Massager, Full Body Muscle Pain Relief, Handheld Massage Stick, Massage Cane, Instructions Included (Blue Marbled) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006VJ6TO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_AQ72HMQ192YF989D21M2
Also, if the vision aspect she is experiencing is not an aura like others are stating, which normally occurs before or during the onset, vision issues while having the migraines can also be due the brain needing to regenerate during extended periods of a migraine. The migraine fog is due to the lack of the brain need to regenerate and the only thing to fix this is good sleep.
This isn't a med, but I have a terribly tight neck and upper shoulders. Can't get them to release. I got this weird s shaped message thing and it really works. I can put as much pressure as I need to and I can shit for hours moving it around. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006VJ6TO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_ieb2Fb6F16FG4
One time we went camping and I brought it. Sitting drinking around the fire, everyone was making fun. Then they tried it and shut up
The Body Buddy and lots of time on the floor helps mine. The learning curve is small and the effects are mighty! I haaaate that pain. Are used to fantasize about taking a drill into my traps, just to relieve that pain.
Body Back Buddy Classic - Trigger Point Back Massager, Full Body Muscle Pain Relief, Handheld Massage Stick, Massage Cane, Instructions Included (Blue Marbled) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006VJ6TO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_MCJGFb6W1CNWD
I have a back massager similar to this, since my spinal fusion means my back doesn't move in the fused areas I find the balls to be really uncomfortable unfortunately! Between that and my husband giving me back rubs when I ask for them I get by. :)
The shoulder issues I have come from side sleeping and predate BJJ. I ended up getting frozen shoulder in both shoulders 5 years ago from letting my infant son fall asleep on my arms to put him to sleep. Took about 3 months of PT to get ROM and pain free, but now I'll have a flare up if I side sleep with my arm outstretched (which is hard not to do, since I'll shift positions in my sleep even if I start out on my back).
Nowadays, when it starts hurting even a little, I ice the hell out of it, will do wall stretches, and bought this: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Back-Original-Trigger-Therapy/dp/B0006VJ6TO/ to work on the trigger points in my shoulder since my wife has weak hands.
I have this problem. It's caused by the Rhomboid trigger point. Google this for info and diagrams of where the pain is. Hurts like a SOB and no amount of stretching will relieve it. Three things you can do: Go to a deep tissue massage therapist; lay on the floor on a golf ball under the pain spot and roll around slightly; buy one of these https://smile.amazon.com/Body-Back-Companys-Trigger-Therapy/dp/B0006VJ6TO/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505818262&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=rhomboid+trigger+point+massager
All of these things will hurt worse than the pain you now have while you are doing them, but you will have IMMEDIATE relief afterwards. there are also youtube videos on releasing this trigger point.
Well, I use one of these but trigger point release only helps for a day or so. Heat is nice, also if I can get a massage from my husband and his strong thumbs. Stretching and exercise seems to make things more stiff, though.
I got one of these things (we lovingly call it, "Steve") to help me really dig into that muscle that kind of tucks behind the shoulder blade...it gets a knot so bad that even an hour long massage with a licensed massage therapist can't get it out. Steve helps a lot. Side to side, slow neck stretches help as well (bend all the way to the side - ear to shoulder - and hold for 30 seconds....repeat on other side...5 sets 5 times). Those things are keeping me sane while I wait to hear if I'm covered. I've been going through this cycle for 10 years, and am finally deciding to do something about it. Don't stop fighting! You will still want this when you're 40!
I have a bunch of therapy related things around my desk because of this ranging from lacrosse balls to this amazing thing.
This thing is awesome for getting the knots out that you cant reach.
Here you go:
http://www.amazon.com/Body-Back-Buddy-Self-Massage-Tool/dp/B0006VJ6TO
It was the first result that came up when I searched for butt plugs last night. They say it's a body massager, but it looks more like a dildo teeter-totter or some shit. I think with a bit of flexibility, you could get four people on that thing and make some kind of awesome sex pinwheel.
The best option would be Massage therapy, if you can afford it.
Otherwise try trigger point therapy on your own. You can use a lacrosse ball for some areas. However, I find that tools like this one help me reach other areas of my body: http://www.amazon.com/Body-Back-Buddy-Self-Massage-Tool/dp/B0006VJ6TO
Hey, if it's just soreness (like tightness, not actual damage), self myofascial release could be a big help. The best two things I've done for my neck and back have been cheap and effective.
The first is a body back buddy.
The second is just grabbing a pack of lacrosse balls. One is useful for stubborn knots, and putting two side-by-side inside a sock and tying it gives you a great roller for your neck, shoulders, and the muscles connecting to your spine.
When I search for sex toys on amazon this always comes up. I assume there's some way to attach a dildo to the ends (although it might require simple modification of one or both things).
If you have a lot of knots and soreness this has helped me a lot https://www.amazon.com/Body-Back-Trigger-Therapy-Massage/dp/B0006VJ6TO/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=trigger+point&qid=1617644873&sr=8-9
Self massage/tension release- tennis balls, lacrosse balls (solid core means more pressure than tennis balls), foam roller, and my personal favorite pressure point bar
What kind do you have? How is it getting stuck? There are different kinds.
There's also this: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Back-Trigger-Therapy-Massage/dp/B0006VJ6TO
How about lacrosse balls?
I call this an S bar massager, meant to relieve knots around your body. Its hard plastic. Here is an Amazon link for a visual: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Back-Trigger-Therapy-Massage/dp/B0006VJ6TO
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Body Back Buddy Classic - Trigger Point Massage T… | $29.95 | $29.95 | 4.5/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Massage sticks. Many types to target specific.
Body Back Buddy Classic - Trigger Point Massage Tool, Neck and Back Massager Handheld, Manual Self Massager, Massage Cane, Muscle Knot Remover with Instructions (Blue Marbled) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0006VJ6TO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0Z188GC1P7PV2WQJQBN3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Electric massager
MIGHTY BLISS™ Deep Tissue Back and Body Massager {Cordless} Electric Handheld Percussion Muscle Hand Massager - Full Body Pain Relief Vibrating Therapy Massage Machine, Neck, Shoulder, Leg, Foot https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07GJY3J5B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4DBYCPVEJ1FYWMDSWE3Y?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Trigger point massager, similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Back-Trigger-Therapy-Massage/dp/B0006VJ6TO
heard him talk about back pain the other day, quick google search for back pain tool leads to something like this
I get this knot a lot too. I would HIGHLY recommend getting a fitting done if you can swing it. Great post about it recently. I, like you, assumed my issues were from something other than the bike but we made adjustments to my handlebar height and I now realize some of that tension was definitely from riding. We lowered the handlebars quite a bit during my fitting. I started typing the long explanation of *why* lowering them worked for me and it is just too long. TL;DR, a fitting would be a great next step whether or not you think your issue is from the bike. Pro tip: If you go to schedule one and all the dates are super far out, schedule it and check back in a couple days. We initially thought we would have to wait until January and I decided on a whim to click "change appointment" and they had availability a few days out.
​
In the interim, this is the best
A massage cane https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006VJ6TO
Thanks! I actually managed to find it on Amazon for anyone else who is curious. https://www.amazon.com/Body-Back-Trigger-Therapy-Massage/dp/B0006VJ6TO
Body Back Buddy -- https://www.amazon.com/Body-Back-Trigger-Therapy-Massage/dp/B0006VJ6TO
Body Back Company's Body Back Buddy Trigger Point Therapy Self Massage Tool - Lower Back Massager - Neck Massager - Shoulder Massager - Myofascial Release Tool - Deep Muscle Massage (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006VJ6TO/
Here's a link to the amazon page I found it on. It contains many more pictures of the device in use.
This has helped me a TON! i stretch and then use it to massage my hips and back every night before i go to bed.
A good trigger point tool like the back buddy. I keep mine at my desk and I have frequent visitors who use it.
So this might be a weird suggestion, but every time i look at sex toys on amazon (don't buy from them), this item comes up which always makes me wonder.
Not 100% why this would be the case but I've always wondered if you can fairly easily mount a dildo (vac-u-loc, or one with a hole for a bullet) to this device. My guess is it would require at least minor modification of the massager (i imagine you may have to carve down one of those knobs to be smaller).
Sorry if this is off base with your request. There is also the pogo sick type device, though that sounds more expensive and I've heard more likely to break.
Edit: there are also similar massagers for much less on amazon than the one linked.
If money isn't tight, get a Back Buddy or a Theracane instead (or in addition). It's a lot easier to try different sore spots with one of them.
If money isn't tight, get a Back Buddy or a Theracane instead (or in addition). It's a lot easier to try different sore spots with one of them.
Incase no one posted this yet. best explanation+animation I've seen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sltGyJvbvWw
Also the "Body Back Body" is one of my favorite things. http://www.amazon.com/Body-Back-Buddy-Self-Massage-Tool/dp/B0006VJ6TO
Have you ever considered seeing a massage therapist or a physical therapist? It sounds to me like you are maybe experiencing trigger points, particularly in the area of your rhomboids. A physical therapist or massage therapist can use manual manipulation techniques to help work those trigger points out. An orthopedic specialist also might be able to help, or offer proper referral. There's also something called a thera-cane that can allow you to reach those trigger points, and essentially massage them out yourself. However, if you don't think this is your problem, then I would definitely recommend seeing an orthopedist, they should be able to identify exactly what the knots you're experiencing are.
I really want these boots that u/Angelshavethetardis linked ...but ugh money is suddenly a butt right now :/
I honestly can't remember >.<
Binding is screwing up my skeleton. One of my ribs is going into subluxuation (the rib slips out of place). This makes my shoulder freeze up so I can't move it. I have to keep going back to the osteopath to get the rib finagled back into place. it's interfering with my job.
Good to hear that T is helping to make binding more tolerable.
But for those of you who want these muscle helpers:
Zyllion ZMA-13-BK Shiatsu Massage Pillow with Heat $80 http://www.zyllioninc.com/shiatsu-heated-massage-pillow-zma-13-bk.html
Body Back Buddy $36 http://www.amazon.com/Body-Back-Buddy-Self-Massage-Tool/dp/B0006VJ6TO
I would list the magic wand here, but apparently there is disagreement on Amazon about which item the "real" Magic Wand. Looks like it'd be around $50-75 once you pick one.