Any foods that work well for back pain?

[richedie]

Hey all!

Are there any well known raw foods to alleviate low back pain? I have read ginger, pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, to name a few. I have been eating raw ginger for about a week now and really trying to increase my pineapple intake for the inflamation.

Thanks!
Rich

[solarliving]

Water

I've also heard of garlic taking away aches and pains, probably due to the high sulfur content.

[spicyfull]

I just think RAW WORKS for EVERYTHING......Just give it some time. It has so much Stuff to push out and around before it gets to all the treats it has for us. Like getting us xexy.......and PAIN FREE......

[richedie]

How much water?

[Veganforlife]

At least half your body weight in ounces.
A hot water bottle on your back is very comforting too.
Tiger balm (an old, old remedy) rubbed on your back.
Losing abdomen fat.

[lafsalot]

Might want to consider adding MSM to your green smoothies - works for me. ~ Cathy

[richedie]

Half my body weight in ounces? Wow! Lots 'o water.;) That doesn't seem right. I am 6'3", 208 lbs....so I need 1668 ounces!? Ha, I think you mean that would be about 104 ounces.

What is MSM?????

[Veganforlife]

Well, you figure our bodies are 70% water, so it's really not a lot of water.

MSM has surfaced recently as a food supplement to help with joints. Check this out:
http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/herbsvitaminsad/a/MSM.htm

I personally do not know that much about it and caution it's use or should I say HOW it is processed for use. When companies get a hold of a produce that is promoting health, all kinds of "snake oil salemen" jump in and want to make the almight dollar. I have got to read more about it before I trust it or find a reliable source.

Here's another article:

http://ww2.arthritis.org/resources/arthritistoday/1999_archives/1999_11_12explorations.asp

[exurb]

for low back I really recommend a recumbent exercise bicycle. (the kind where you're sitting slightly reclined in a chair with a back, not a bicycle seat). If you do that regularly, you might be amazed with the results.

Is the pain from a disc issue, or muscular/fascia? Discs benefit from us increasing their blood flow by movement, they don't have their own pumped blood supply, they get their blood as we move and supply them with blood, so the right stretches and regular movement that doesn't increase inflammation is a big benefit.

A long term epidemiological Scandinavian study of military showed that people who had low back pain also generally had hardening of the arteries, so keeping healthy and your arteries clear will likely help you over the long run also.

Good luck!

[rawzeit]

I used to have back pains too but they were always related to cramps in my bowels. After I started eating better, the back pains have evaporated! How's your digestion?

[richedie]

Thanks everyone! They believe it is bulging disk related. I am waiting for final tests although Ankylosing Spondilitis is not rules out yet.

I work out with weights about 2-3 days a week and walk regularly with my arms swinging at my sides to increase oxygren and blood flow t the region.

Now, I learn I have a compressed Ulnar nerve in my left arm! Ugh!:(

-Rich

[richedie]

Hello again......

Switching to a raw foods diet or partial raw foods diet is getting closer for me.

It looks like I do have Ankylosing Spondilitis and have for some time but it is very mild, no complications or symptoms other than some low back aches and pains. To complicate things it looks like I do have a minor bulging disk that can apparently be corrected with the correct core exercises and lumbar strengthening exersices.

I found a site that discusses foods to avoid and foods to eat. They mention a lot of meat but I am a semi vegitarian with the occasional organic chicken or tuna.

Thoughts?

[gojipower]

walnuts, camomile and garlic chives

http://www.healingfoodreference.com/back_pain.html :)

[richedie]

Thanks! I heard about Ginger, Pineapple, Strawberries......and now Garlic, Chives, and Chamomile!