Upper Back Aches

[babygroomer15]

Hi groomers!

I am new to grooming (less than 1 yrs experience) and already I am noticing my back is bothering me. I can't blame it completely on grooming (my posture is TERRIBLE) but it would be nice to not be so achy all the time. My question is, does anyone out there use any sort of back brace? If so what kind? My aches aren't really lower back, more shoulder blade area. I go to massage therapy once every few months, should I go more often? Hoping for helpful hints/tips/tricks

Thanks!!

[Hucksmom]

I go to massage appointments every couple of weeks. Especially during really busy times like Christmas.


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[Brit]

I found a great chiro and that was the end of my backaches, but not all chiros are the same.

[babygroomer15]

Hucksmom- yes I have an appointment booked for right after Christmas as I knew it was going to be hard!

Brit- do you think chiro is better than massage therapy?

[Brit]

Many good chiros also have a masseuse on staff, or will recommend one. If there are alignment issues etc, well the masseuse just make things feel better but doesn't correct the issue. So I would first want to know what is causing the issue with a chiro and not eliminate the massage.

[Dragynwing]

I go for acupuncture once a week and she works on my wrists. I have noticed a complete resolution of the pain I was beginning to have. I was seeing a massage therapist twice a month but I have to wait until I'm out of my first trimester until I can resume that. It definitely helped with my back and shoulder pain. My massuse is a bit of a beast. January can't come soon enough!

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[wild4westies]

While I certainly agree with above posts regarding chiropractic and massage therapy, there are daily options to help you avoid or manage the backaches. I have scoliosis of the spine between my shoulder blades, so I wear a back support while I groom. The one I have says Harbinger on it and is a machine washable belt that velcros closed through a loop. Very comfy and secure...I think it was about $35. I bought from Amazon. It can be worn under your clothing as well. Also key is building a strong core. Yoga, Pilates, or some other core strengthening exercise will help reduce your chances of pain and injury. If you have to treat your aching back, Tiger Balm, or any other "cool" rub is best. Be well!

[Admin]

Don't overlook shoes with correct support, it can make a world of difference too.

[Pretzel]

I also agree with what everyone else is saying...find a good chiro, massage therapy, stretching, etc... (work on your posture! )

Also consider the shoes you are wearing. You need a good support shoe. Anti-fatigue mats are great too. if you have access to lifting tables/tubs that will help.

Not sure if this will help you, but turmeric is amazing for pain caused by inflammation. (although I don't think upper back pain is usually caused by inflammation.) I take turmeric for joint and wrist pain every day and I haven't had a flare up in months. Used to get bad pains in my wrists that lasted a couple days at least every two weeks. My husband also takes it for his sciatic nerve which causes him an insane amount of pain when it flares up. It's really helped him a lot!

[Loria8]

Do you have an electric or hydraulic grooming table so you can adjust the height so your not stooping? Same with bath tub, use a shelf to raise the little ones up.

[Emma123]

Do you live a fairy healthy life, with some sort of light exercise like walking or stretching, a moderate amount of food so that weight doesn't become an issue, no smoking, not much drinking, and enough sleep?

[Lacey33]

I also agree with what everyone else is saying...find a good chiro, massage therapy, stretching, etc... (work on your posture! )

Also consider the shoes you are wearing. You need a good support shoe. Anti-fatigue mats are great too. if you have access to lifting tables/tubs that will help.

Not sure if this will help you, but turmeric is amazing for pain caused by inflammation. (although I don't think upper back pain is usually caused by inflammation.) I take turmeric for joint and wrist pain every day and I haven't had a flare up in months. Used to get bad pains in my wrists that lasted a couple days at least every two weeks. My husband also takes it for his sciatic nerve which causes him an insane amount of pain when it flares up. It's really helped him a lot!

Pretzel, I'd like to know more about the tumeric. Is this just the spice that you take, if so how much, or are there pills out there now?

[Cyn]

Pretzel, I'd like to know more about the tumeric. Is this just the spice that you take, if so how much, or are there pills out there now?

I also take tumeric......it comes in pill form .

[travelswithann]

Well I've been grooming since 1963. Yes, I'm old. I'm a poodle specialist and that can take a toll on the body. I've had 14 surgeries. 3 necks, 3 backs, both carpel tunnels done. Both hips replaced. arthritis removed from left wrist and . And I still work. Part time. I don't bathe dogs only groom clean dogs. Only small ones too. Don't try and be greedy and do everything. Hire a bather. I won 1st place in Toy Poodle grooming in 1980 in the first mini national dog grooming contest in Orlando fl. First contest Liz Paul won in miniature division. Chiropractors and massage therapy and acupuncture is wonderful. Good luck all you newbies. Quality work is most important for a good reputation. And enter as many contest you can. And learn from people like Teri D' Marino and all the top groomers. If you don't keep up with industry you will stagnate and start hating your job.


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[ItzaClip!]

What also helps is strengthening the surrounding muscles. My physio, chiropractic and sport massage therapist all recommend it. They give me exercises to strengthen those muscles. Swimming laps helped tremendously so did working out. I have slacked the last few years after 15 years of weight lifting 3 days week, and now my back issues are coming back so I need to start up again.

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