This week is Men’s Health Week as well as Fathers’ Day so I thought I’d write about something that is common to both: Back Pain:

Back pain is an unspoken epidemic – 80% of the population will at some point in time experience it. It has become such a common occurrence like the common cold, that people have accepted it as being part of their normal life. I treat as many men as women with back pain but what I find is men tend to be reluctant to get it sorted: their machismo kicks in and they suffer in silence. Finally, their wives/partners will give them ultimatums, evening making the appointment with their GP! The doctor will prescribe painkillers of increasing strength. When it worsens, she/he will send them for physiotherapy, then x-ray, then more painkillers (even steroids!) and more physiotherapy until their life gets seriously affected by it, by which time they are told only surgery will do or they must just learn to live with the pain. This is what I was told: http://ow.ly/bzqpJ

BUT it doesn’t need to be this way. There are other options:

Mattress: if Man complains of back ache first thing in the morning, it is worth suggesting he check the mattress – a replacement mattress is called for if his is more than 10yrs old; a decent memory foam pillow will also aid a restful night’s sleep

Car: If he drives long distances, his car seat must be set up correctly or his back will definitely suffer: check these out for some information – http://ow.ly/bzrQ5 and http://ow.ly/bzrYT

Computer work: If Man spends long hours in front of a computer at the office, suggest that he has a workstation assessment (known as DSE Assessment) carried out and a decent Ergonomic chair if his current one is not supportive enough. Check this out for all information relating to safe computer use: http://ow.ly/bzs1Q

Recreational activities: if Man likes golf/running/cycling/gardening on the weekend then he has to ensure his:

• equipment is suitable, be those clubs, irons, bike seat or running shoes
• technique is correct – get help from a pro if needed
• body is prepared for the sport by doing some stretches and warm ups

Finally: STRESS is a big factor in everyone’s life so make sure Man gets a monthly, de-stressing deep tissue massage from a reputed therapist.

Why don’t you gift him one from FiXme? He will NOT be disappointed!

Happy Fathers’ Day!

This week is Men’s Health Week as well as Fathers’ Day so I thought I’d write about something that is common to both: Back Pain:

Back pain is an unspoken epidemic – 80% of the population will at some point in time experience it. It has become such a common occurrence like the common cold, that people have accepted it as being part of their normal life. I treat as many men as women with back pain but what I find is men tend to be reluctant to get it sorted: their machismo kicks in and they suffer in silence. Finally, their wives/partners will give them ultimatums, evening making the appointment with their GP! The doctor will prescribe painkillers of increasing strength. When it worsens, she/he will send them for physiotherapy, then x-ray, then more painkillers (even steroids!) and more physiotherapy until their life gets seriously affected by it, by which time they are told only surgery will do or they must just learn to live with the pain. This is what I was told: http://ow.ly/bzqpJ

BUT it doesn’t need to be this way. There are other options:

Mattress: if Man complains of back ache first thing in the morning, it is worth suggesting he check the mattress – a replacement mattress is called for if his is more than 10yrs old; a decent memory foam pillow will also aid a restful night’s sleep

Car: If he drives long distances, his car seat must be set up correctly or his back will definitely suffer: check these out for some information – http://ow.ly/bzrQ5 and http://ow.ly/bzrYT

Computer work: If Man spends long hours in front of a computer at the office, suggest that he has a workstation assessment (known as DSE Assessment) carried out and a decent Ergonomic chair if his current one is not supportive enough. Check this out for all information relating to safe computer use: http://ow.ly/bzs1Q

Recreational activities: if Man likes golf/running/cycling/gardening on the weekend then he has to ensure his:

• equipment is suitable, be those clubs, irons, bike seat or running shoes
• technique is correct – get help from a pro if needed
• body is prepared for the sport by doing some stretches and warm ups

Finally: STRESS is a big factor in everyone’s life so make sure Man gets a monthly, de-stressing deep tissue massage from a reputed therapist.

Why don’t you gift him one from FiXme? He will NOT be disappointed!

Happy Fathers’ Day!