No More Back Pain
Published by Mike Saros
Issue 1

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Table Of Contents:

1. Opening Comments: Mike Saros is writing a newsletter to help you get rid of your back pain once and for all.
2. Articles of Interest
* Back Pain
* Regaining Health Through The Power Of Water
3. Reader Feedback And Questions
4. Affiliate Announcement
5. Next Newsletter
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Opening Comments:

At the request of several emails over the past few months, I am sending out the No More Back Pain newsletter. I should have done this a long time ago but later is better than never.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Mike Saros. I live in Florida. I am 30 years old. I am an ex-fireman who now works for Exclusive Health Products, distributor of the world's most effective natural remedies.

I have suffered from back pain for several years. I have spinal stenosis. I have probably suffered with 6-8 herniated disks in my life. I had back surgery when I was 18 and I have the scar to prove it. I still get the occasional bout of sciatica from time to time but am mostly pain-free now.

I have tried a multitude of ways for eradicating my back pain--deep tissue massage, yoga, pilates, stretching techniques, aromatherapy, herbal therapy, chiropractors, hot tubs, eating the right kinds of foods, etc. The list goes on and on. Some of these techniques worked really well while others did not work so well.

Each person is different in so many ways. Someone with mild to moderate back pain may only need an hour in the hot tub to quell his or her back pain. Someone with more severe back pain is going to need more than just a hot bath or hot shower. My point is everyone is different and thus everyone requires a different solution.

What do I hope to accomplish with this newsletter?

I hope to offer you really good information on how to effectively combat, eliminate and manage your back pain in that order. Let me explain. There are 3 prongs of attack for back pain.

1. Combat: You need to put up a formidable fight against back pain. This means using all the tools in your arsenal.

2. Eliminate: After utilizing your entire arsenal of tools using a holistic approach (I will explain later) your back pain will be eliminated.

3. Manage: Once your back pain is eliminated, you must maintain your back using the right preventative measures to keep your back pain at bay.

If you can master these 3 prongs of attack, back pain will be a far off distant object in your rear view mirror. Ok, maybe I was not an English major but you get my drift.

It's really important that you understand the last prong of attack-Manage. I think a lot of people think that once their back pain is gone, they don't have to worry about it anymore.

Actually, the opposite is true. If you eliminate your back pain, pat yourself on the back but don't celebrate too long. You still have to manage and maintain your level of back pain using the several different techniques and strategies that allowed you to eliminate it in the first place. Don't think that you can just ignore your back because the pain is gone. Otherwise, you will just be on a rollercoaster of back pain for the rest of your life.

So, I'd like to offer you information on ways to combat, eliminate, and manage your back pain. I'd also like to offer you my own secret ways for getting rid of back pain. I'm always trying to find new and interesting ways to help people. If I find or discover something I will let you know immediately.

I also hope to provide several interesting articles about back pain in my newsletter. I will be sure to point out anything in these articles that you might want to pay special attention. Also I hope to provide this newsletter once every 3 or 4 weeks.

For new subscribers to my No More Back Pain Newsletter, you have some catching up to do with the rest of us. The good news is you will catch up to us. There is no bad news. I will send you a fresh newsletter about once a week until you do catch up. After that, my newsletter will be delivered to your inbox roughly every 3-4 weeks.

For your information, I recently released my brand new back pain relief program called The Secrets To A Pain-Free Back "Power-Pack." It is available now if you want the greatest information ever for getting rid of back pain.

I invite you to goto the website and learn a little more about me and the entire program at www.SecretsToAPainFreeBack.com. Check it out.

I suggest you do it now so you can get rid of your back pain and enjoy my newsletters a whole lot more.

You can email me directly at mike@exclusivehealthproducts.com if you wish to discuss your back pain issues, anything you might read in this newsletter, or have any questions, comments or suggestions for me. Please understand if I take a long time to answer. I already get several hundred emails every week. I do my best to answer them in a timely manner.

If you have any questions about an order you placed for Back Relief Elite at www.BackReliefElite.com or any other product with Exclusive Health Products, please do not email me. Customerservice@exclusivehealthproducts.com will handle all customer inquiries.

With that said, I thank you for reading and now here are some articles of special interest.

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Articles of Interest

Use These Doctor-prescribed Tips To Ease Back Pain While Riding.
Article by Lynda Bloom Layne

Back pain is a common problem among western riders, but James Warson, M.D., says that just because you have back pain doesn't mean you must give up riding. In February's print feature 'Hope for Hurting Riders,' Warson and riders who've 'been there and done that' offer insight into keeping back pain at bay, including modifying your tack, riding style, horse breed and exercise program. Here, Warson offers additional rider-fitness tips, plus explains how to manage back pain with medication.

Low-Impact Fitness
Regular walking can help you get and stay fit. But don't lace up those old, worn-out shoes. They won't offer the support you need to keep your back healthy. 'I like walking shoes that have gel inserts,' Warson recommends. 'They're terrific shock-absorbers.'

Swimming is another activity Warson strongly recommends. 'It's the best overall exercise you can do,' he says. 'You're weightless when you're in the water.' In addition to back pain, older riders might also suffer from bad knees and hips and joint discomfort. 'Swimming allows these people to exercise aerobically without aggravating hips, knees or arthritic joints,' Warson adds.

Medication Options
If you believe that taking an anti-inflammatory medication right before you get on your horse will temporarily relive their back pain, think again. 'I hate to break this to you,' Warson says, 'but these medications definitely have a downside that nobody talks about. In order for them to be effective, they must be taken daily. Some riders in their 40s and beyond might've already developed some natural wear and tear of their backs, or some arthritis. They might require chronic anti-inflammatory medicine not only to help relieve their discomfort, but also to slow the irritation and the arthritic buildup in their muscles and joints.'

However, Warson adds, 'If you still encounter pain, despite stretching, you should use acetaminophen on top of the anti-inflammatory medicine for pain relief.' If you aren't on chronic anti-inflammatory medication, acetaminophen is still the best choice for easing the back pain while riding. Caveat: Before taking or combining any medications, discuss your situation with a physician.

Mike's Comments:

Before I respond about this article, I would like to say that I am not an affiliate of any kind for any of the websites found linked to this newsletter or any future newsletters. I am not trying to sell you anything from another website nor am I trying to sell somebody else's product or service. I'm not sending subliminal messages either. I'm just interested in sending you interesting information about how to combat, eliminate and manage your back pain. So unless I say I'm an affiliate, I'm NOT an affiliate.

Now, why did I pick this article about back pain? It's a short article for one thing. I like shorter articles. I like people that get to the point. But is there any quicker way to hurt your back. Just think for a moment about horseback riding with a bad back. Ouch! It really isn't something I would recommend especially for someone who already has a suspect back. All that bouncing up and down time after time. It's like being in a perpetual car accident. But you have to admire the spirit of the Old West. Those folks are going to ride until sunset.

There are 3 things in this article that I would like to point out...

First, Dr. Warson talks about using the right shoe inserts to get rid of back pain. I can't agree more. I remember when I was accepted into the Fire Academy. One of the things I was going to need was a good pair of running shoes. I went to the store and bought myself a pair of running shoes and a soft and supportive insert to cushion my foot. I knew this insert would act as a shock absorber and protect my back from any jarring effect while running. If you do a lot of running or jogging, I would advise the same thing whether or not you are suffering from back pain.

Second, Dr. Warson talks about swimming as an aerobic exercise. Once again, I can't agree more. There really isn't enough emphasis placed on swimming to help alleviate back pain or any kind of pain. But maybe you don't have a pool or maybe your gym doesn't have a pool. Or maybe you don't belong to a gym? Do you want to get rid of your back pain? Find a place to swim or do water aerobics. It's as simple as that. Call up a friend and swim together. It's a great way to exercise and help your back at the same time.

Third, Dr. Warson cautions using prescription drugs to alleviate pain before going horseback riding. He says, 'I hate to break this to you but these medications definitely have a downside that nobody talks about.' I'm not sure what Dr. Warson was implying here but it might have something to do with the fact that prescription drugs are not very effective for acute or one time sufferers. He also discusses the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) as a pain reliever instead of prescription drugs. Your doctor and hospital might say it is safe but there are reports of extended users of Tylenol suffering from liver and kidney damage.

Check out the following report on acetaminophen at http://www.mercola.com/2005/dec/17/the_toxicity_of_tylenol.htm

Tylenol may be safer than the class of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) on the market but it probably should not be used on a daily basis. Since I am not a doctor, I can only advise you to talk to your own doctor to determine what is best for you.

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Regaining Health Through The Power Of Water
By UTE VON DER HEYDEN

'When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot become manifest, strength cannot be exerted, wealth is useless and reason is powerless.'

- Herophilies, 300 B.C.

'The women in our family have all lived into their late 80s or early 90s and I want to live as completely as possible as long as I can. The punch card class is an important tool for this goal.'

- Laura Ferns, Haslett

'It's not how long you live - it's the quality of that living. If we can help improve the quality of somebody's life, our program has been successful. We want people to be healthy.'

- Cheryl Chase, MAC

It may seem a stretch to read a common meaning into the quotes from Alexander the Great's physician, a Haslett retired nurse and a health club aquatics director, but all three comments apply to a special program at the Michigan Athletic Club (MAC) designed to keep people healthy.

Called the Water Exercise Punch Card Program, it offers people an opportunity to participate in an extensive water exercise program without having to become MAC members. All you need is a prescription from your doctor, from $21 to $52.50 to start, motivation to improve a condition or injury you may have or just a therapeutic need to experience the healing power of water.

The Pain Management II class lines up for backwards water walking as teacher Cathy Medrano demonstrates.

The punch card program offers more than 40 water classes of various levels and intensities Monday through Friday, with the first class starting at 6:45 a.m. and the last at 7:15 p.m. The class list includes Arthritis, Arthritis Plus, Low Intensity, Basic Water Exercise (B.W.E.), Pain Management I & II, Multiple Sclerosis, and Strength & Stretch.

Currently about 150 people a day use the punch card program, taking classes from 12 different instructors. But there is room for more, said MAC Aquatics Director Cheryl Chase. 'We would love to fill the pools.'

To say that Chase is passionate about the water exercise program doesn't begin to describe her enthusiasm. 'The goal is educating people that the water is actually a tool that can be used by the healthiest person as a training portion of their exercise program, to helping someone who is very sick,' Chase said. 'When someone gets into the water they become about 90 percent buoyant. If they have any joint pain or are coming back from an injury, it will allow them to do as much cardiovascular work - if not more - than they would on dry land because they're buoyant. The water offers 12 times the resistance of air, so if they use the water correctly they can actually create a harder workout.

'It all depends on how you use the water,' she continued. 'You can use it as a therapeutic tool where you're moving nice and gentle and slow or you can use it as a strength building and cardiovascular tool and work very hard.'

These options are of particular benefit to the punch card participants, many of whom may have arthritis, fibromyalgia, are overweight, are recovering from a stroke or from back or knee surgery or live with constant chronic pain caused by other conditions.

'There is such a difference in just being able to move,' Chase said. 'People can come in here in pain and actually get something and walk through water and then go spend 10 minutes in the hot tub and feel a hundred percent better.'

(Chase's comment about the hot tub refers to the fact that punch card participants are welcome to use the entire locker room area, including showers, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. Free towels and grooming products are also available. Because the MAC is still a club for members who pay monthly dues, other activities such as tennis, fitness facilities or the running track are not open to punch card members.)

In promoting the water exercise program, Chase often has to dispel false perceptions about the MAC. 'Many people see the MAC as an elite club where everybody is 25 and beautiful and strikingly built. Sure, there are some gorgeous women and men here, but hey, that just gives you something to look at,' she laughed.

'But it's not a beauty pageant here; we cater to everyone,' she said. 'Our goal is to create an environment where people are comfortable. It may take them walking through the door a couple of times and joining a class to discover that there are a lot of warm, wonderful people here.'

Chase also stressed the service aspect of the MAC. 'Being in partnership with a hospital system, we want to do community service,' she said. 'We want to be out there promoting health to the community - not just to those who can afford it.' (The MAC is a division of Sparrow Health System.)

Chase said that the MAC, which just breaks even on the punch card program, tries to keep the cost low so that as many people as possible can benefit from the program, but she emphasized that it's not a low income program. 'We have people who could afford to become members but only want or only can use the water, so they buy punch cards; on the other hand, many punch card participants eventually become members.' (MAC members participate free in the water exercise classes).

For Laura Ferns, who has been attending the water classes for four years, affordability is a factor. 'I think the whole philosophy of punch card classes and the MAC caring about people being healthy is just great,' she said. 'As a retiree, I would not be here if this arrangement were not possible. On a fixed income, the punch card allows me to afford the class and does not penalize me if I cannot participate for a time.'

One other reason Ferns keeps coming to the MAC is her teacher, Cathy Medrano, who teaches Pain Management I & II and also does personal training with people in the water. 'She observes our movements and adjusts her exercises to meet needs as she sees them,' Ferns said. 'Although she works the entire class and meets common needs, she meets my individual need for exercise and stretching as well. I feel she honestly cares about my health needs.'

Chase, Medrano's boss, would not be surprised by Ferns' comment. She knows that the water exercise participants almost universally connect with their instructors. 'They're all very caring and nurturing and they want to help people feel better and be successful,' Chase said.

Medrano, who is also a physical therapy technician in the Sparrow physical therapy clinic, often serves as a bridge between the MAC and the clinic, bringing physical therapy patients to the pool or suggesting physical therapy to her water participants when needed.

She started the two pain management classes about five years ago and during that time has fine-tuned her understanding of her students. 'People with chronic pain often feel so alone,' Medrano said. 'Their families may not understand them, saying things like 'Well, you look just fine, so what's wrong with you?' That can result in people getting isolated, feeling helpless.

'I give them a lot of credit,' she said. 'They live in pain all year round, but they get dressed every morning and drive over here and get into the pool. I learn a lot from my classes about life, patience and persistence. It is inspiring.'

Both Chase and Medrano also emphasized the social benefits of the water classes. 'The great thing is that people can come here and there's a whole pool of people just like them,' Medrano said. 'It's nice to see the friendships develop.'

Connie and Howard Doss of Mason, a married couple who are MAC members, can attest to that. Both enjoy the companionship of their classmates. 'We have made some really good friends -- people we see outside the pool,' Connie said.

And Warren Culver of Okemos, a MAC member who started doing water exercise nine months ago after he broke his back, also feels singularly positive about the program. He tries to attend five days a week. 'I sit down with my calendar,' he said,' and schedule in the water thing first. Everything else gets scheduled around it.

'It just makes me feel good,' Culver added. 'I like the people, I like the instructor. I just enjoy it. It's one of the greatest things in my life.'

And then there are the stories of physical improvement. 'I've seen people start with walkers, go to a cane and now walk in on their own,' Medrano said. She tells the story of one woman who was in such chronic pain and so afraid of the water that all she could do was water walk for 10 minutes in the shallow end and then leave the pool exhausted. 'Now that same woman is doing the entire 45 minutes of the all-aerobic Level 2 class. This can change people's lives.'

Connie Doss, who has had two back surgeries, turned to water in 2000. The main benefit she has experienced is 'core strength, body strength. My whole spine is stronger,' she said.

Ferns, who is troubled by low back, bilateral hip and knee pain, feels that her leg muscles have been strengthened, there is less 'grinding and clicking' with pain in her knees, she can stand for longer periods of time and her balance is better.

But Ellen Funkhouser of Okemos might have the highest accolade of all. A person with long-time back problems as well as arthritis and fibromyalgia, she just returned from the Mayo Clinic, where she had gone to see if anything else could be done for her back pain. 'I think I was looking for a magic pill,' she said. They did prescribe different medication and physical therapy, but in telling the Mayo rehabilitation doctor about her pain management class at the MAC, his response was: 'You are fortunate to have a facility like this to go to. This is the best thing you could do for yourself.'

Mike's Comments:

Now I know what you are thinking. 'I do not live in Michigan nor do I have a swimming pool!' Not to worry. Several gyms, YMCAs, YWCAs and health clubs all over the country offer water aerobic exercises and pain management classes to help you deal with back pain. I strongly recommend you look in your own local area for a class and sign up. I, myself, found a water aerobic class just by entering the words 'water aerobic classes in Naples, FL' in the Google search engine. Now, of course, unless you live in Naples, you will want to enter your own locality.

Water aerobics is a wonderfully natural and therapeutic way for you to combat and eliminate your back pain or any pain for that matter. Swimming or doing aerobic exercise in a pool is a great way to speed up your heart rate and increase blood circulation in the areas of your back. At the same time, your body becomes buoyant from the water. This gives your back a chance to rest.

If my back is feeling sore, one of the first things I try to do is go for a light swim to increase blood circulation. While I'm in the pool I also practice light movements/stretches and proper posture.

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Reader Feedback And Questions:

In this section of my newsletter I would like to post any worthy and informative reader feedback about this newsletter or an issue regarding back pain. Any questions you send me might be answered here as well although I will try and answer any questions I get in email directly. Since this is the first issue, obviously there is no reader feedback or questions yet. Stay tuned... and again my email address is mike@exclusivehealthproducts.com

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Affiliate Announcement:

It is finally available right now. If you or someone you know owns a website and would like to become an affiliate of Exclusive Health Products or Back Relief Elite, please goto www.ExclusiveHealthAffiliates.com
Signing up is very quick and easy.

Next newsletter:
Next time I want to talk about a holistic approach for getting rid of back pain. There are so many things we should do and not do to get rid of our back pain. You shouldn't just rely on one tool. Talk to you in 2 weeks. Thanks for reading my newsletter. Please don't forget or hesitate to give me your reader feedback and any questions you might have for me. Thank you.

Sincerely,




Mike Saros from BackReliefElite.com
mike@exclusivehealthproducts.com

P.S. Check out my Secrets To A Pain-Free Back "Power-Pack" at www.SecretsToAPainFreeBack.com