Back pain

[andrea35]

I've been suffering from back pain, probably from sitting at a desk for hours on end.  My friend suggested visiting a GP who can now refer you to an osteopath.  
I'm afraid this will take weeks.  Another friend suggested yoga therapy -
does anyone know if this is available through your local GP? Thanks Andrea

[gymdandee]

I suggest you look at the Nubax Trio Traction Unit
The Nubax Trio provides an innovative alternative to inversion traction in the comfort of your home. Operating on the simple principal of leverage, the user kneels in the device, leaning forward. The trunk of the body becomes suspended over a common pivot point, while being held at either end of the back, hip and shoulders. A strong gentle traction is created along the spine as gravity forces each end to move apart around the pivot point. Ideal for lower back pain relief or pre-activity warm up.
I bought this direct from the company and it's great. I paid about $250. plus shipping
takes about 10 minutes to put together.

[hava]

For back pain, yog postures, makarasana and markatasana help in strengthening the back and so reduce the pain gradually. You can look these up and do the postures everyday. Also search youtube for 'Baba Ramdev-Yoga for Vertebral Column-Spinal Cord (English)' if you want to see a video.

[Paxiled]

Having just gone through this, it depends on what your insurance covers.  If you don't have insurance and it's on your own dime, you can do whatever you want, but if this is an insurance thing, you'll have to follow whatever the hoops are that are set by your policy and what it covers.  Some cover osteopaths, some don't.  Some cover chiropractors, some don't.  You won't usually get many visits.  Your GP can do an x-ray, but most likely he'll refer you to an orthopedist, who will most likely request an MRI, and then most likely refer you to physical therapy.  Yoga therapy isn't covered by any but the most Cadillac of plans, and you have to be careful who you choose to do it because yoga can be hard on the back if the teacher doesn't know you have a weak one, or if the neophyte doesn't know they have a weak one.  Lots of options, no?