Advice from The House Clinics

Relief of Pain Through Posture

Acute Neck or Neck & Arm Pain

The posture illustrated shows the patient in a semi reclined position which reduces the strain on the neck by providing support and holding the neck in a neutral position. In general, tilting your head backwards or to the side will cause most pain. Occasionally nodding your head forwards may also cause pain in the neck.

If you have referred pain to the shoulder or arm, supporting the arm in the sling position helps to reduce the irritation to the nerve.

Movements which intensify the pain should be avoided and an application of ice to the painful area (wrapped in a tea towel to protect the skin) will help to reduce the pain and inflammation.

Lower Back Pain With or Without Leg Pain

1. Side Lying

Lying on the side which is the most comfortable with the pillow between your knees to stabalise the spine helps to reduce back pain. Its is most common that pain relief is achieved when the side which is most painful or the side with leg pain is upper most.

Movements which intensify the pain should be avoided and an application of ice to the painful area (wrapped in a tea towel to protect the skin) will help to reduce the pain and inflammation.

2. Lying on your Back

Lying on your back with pillows under your knees helps to reduce the strain on your lower back.

Movements which intensify the pain should be avoided and an application of ice to the painful area (wrapped in a tea towel to protect the skin) will help to reduce the pain and inflammation.

3. Laying in a seated position

Laying on your back with your calves resting on a chair, provides support for the spine and helps to reduce muscle spasm.

Movements which intensify the pain should be avoided and an application of ice to the painful area (wrapped in a tea towel to protect the skin) will help to reduce the pain and inflammation.