Anyone use a back brace? Beware long post.

[Trek420]

Mine wasn't a reminder, more like enforcement

An aluminum frame that had a pad front and back at the base of my neck and then rigid down the sides and front. I could take it off showering but was told I should wear it swimming to enforce the no slumping rule.

The Dr said as he fit it to me "you're lucky, up till last year we would have put you on bed rest in a full body cast for 6 months. Now you just wear this"

But the back really does not bother me now. I'm very lucky, I could have been in the paralympics forum today. Always wear your seatbelt! I was sleeping in the car and had just taken it off for a moment to get more comfortable.

It was the wrong moment.

[fatbottomedgurl]

Omega 3 fatty acids are a natural anti-inflammatory that counteract the body's production of inflamatory prostaglandins.

Most heart patients are told that fatty acids will reduce their risk of heart attack. But I don't think many people know how important they are for every sort of inflammation.

There are also indicators that they can be beneficial for depression, ADHD, and other problems. The issue for us is a very unbalanced diet that emphasises Omega 6 which is found in processed foods, corn oil, red meat, etc.

Here are a few articles which explains the use of NSAIDS vs Omega 3.

http://www.orthopedictechreview.com/...aug05/pg30.htm
http://www.neurosurgery.pitt.edu/new...arthritis.html

[Tuckervill]

I buy Eggland's Best eggs for the Omega-3, but I don't eat them every day. Are you saying I can get Omega-3 capsules (is that fish oil?) and take that instead of an NSAID? It would have the same analgesic effect as an ibuprofen? Or is it just a supplement for overall health?

Thanks for helping me understand,
Karen

[fatbottomedgurl]

Karen: I wasn't getting any analgesia (pain relief) from the NSAIDS. And they are stinkin' bad for the tummy. So initially I don't see a big difference in that regard. But from what I have read they give the body the ability to control inflammation that is out of control. And after three weeks I am feeling better. Is it the supplement? I dunno.

Omega 3 as a supplement means either fish oil or flax seed. For joint-type issues you need 3 grams of Omega-3 a day. Most 1000 mg fish oil capsules have 300 mg Omega-3 which means you need to take 10 of the stinkers a day! And you are adding that much fat to the diet. I find it easier to eat 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed meal- I stir it into oatmeal, applesauce, yogurt, whatever. You can bake with it and substitute it for the oil in a recipe (I haven't tried that). I buy Bob's Red Mill brand at Trader Joes.

Read those articles!

[Tuckervill]

Oh, I've been meaning to work the flaxseed into my diet! We're not covered up with options for healthy food around here--I can get Bob's Red Mill stuff, but only the barest of variety, and flaxseed is never one of the choices.

But I SHALL spend the gas money and get some flaxseed. It has been so long since I made the decision (thanks Dr. Oz) I forgot what it was for!

Thanks!
Karen