While the holiday season is known for evoking feelings of joy and merriment, we know that back pain can dampen even the most festive of spirits. That’s why we’re devoting this episode to our Top 10 Gift Ideas to promote a healthy spine. If you have a friend or family member struggling with back issues this holiday season, consider a gift that will help them stay active and pain-free in 2021.
1.    Traditional Medicinal Tea. Medicinal teas are available at most grocery stores, and many contain ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and meadowsweet that can reduce inflammation in the body and control or modulate your immune system. Dr. Lakhia’s favorite https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/products/turmeric-with-meadowsweet-ginger/ (Tumeric with Meadowsweet & Ginger) $5.79/box.
2.    Lumbar Support. Whether you suffer from back pain or not, we can all benefit from lumbar support. A lumbar support is a cushion intended to help create proper lordosis, or proper curvature, in your low back. You can use a lumbar in any of your chairs. Dr. Lakhia recommends the https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FZ3F20?ots=1&slotNum=5&imprToken=aebb1f23-bd42-2301-39f&ascsubtag=%5b%5dst%5bp%5dck6l7o2xs00176cy6j4w8yncu%5bi%5dwAYKKW%5bd%5dD%5bz%5dm%5bt%5dw%5br%5dgoogle.com&tag=thestrategistsite-20 (Core Products Small Inflatable Lumbar Cushion) $30.
3.    Foam Roller. A foam roller is a cylindrical tool that you can use almost as a portable massage therapist. Placing it on the ground, you use the roller to target problem areas. A quick search on YouTube will return numerous exercise options. Dr. Lakhia recommends getting two sizes, a smaller one and a longer one, to target specific areas. Foam rollers are a cheap and critical tool to have in the toolbox as you battle any sort of back issue. Try the https://www.amazon.com/Gimme-10-Massager-Myofascial-Trigger/dp/B07G2ZWLD2/ref=asc_df_B07G2ZWLD2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312130834541&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17198902202841562862&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9060246&hvtargid=pla-583753266400&psc=1 (Gimmer 10 Foam Roller) $23.
4.    Thera Cane. A Thera Cane is a handheld tool for self-treating myofascial trigger points and tender points in your back, hip, and pelvis. The Thera Cane’s design allows you to get leverage to address your pain points if no one is around to assist you. Dr. Lakhia recommends the https://www.amazon.com/Body-Back-Massager-Handheld-Massage/dp/B005F9F5H4/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=theracane&qid=1607361822&sr=8-8 (Body Back Buddy Elite) $30.
5.    Trigger Point Manual. If you’re purchasing a Thera Cane, you will also want to pick up the Trigger Point Manual. It’s a patient education manual and it shows you where you can find all the trigger points. (Learn more about trigger points in our episode on https://www.backtalkdoc.com/whatrsquos-the-point-acupuncture-vs-dry-needling---back-talk-doc-podcast-episode-18.html (Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling)) https://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1608824942/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=trigger+point+manual&qid=1607361789&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyUUdRWEdLQ0tUTEw1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzgxNDA4MkRaVzVaVDNNTU9aRSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTUyNzgzMTRIRDQ1VklLQU9RUyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU (Trigger Point Therapy Workbook) $20.
6.    HeartMath. HeartMath is a biofeedback tool that provides you with guided breathing exercises to help you develop what’s called heart and brain coherence, where the energy of your heart center can become in tune with the energy of your brain. The HeartMath tool takes you through daily breathing exercises. Over time, it can improve your heart rate...