Back against the couch

[cyclebabble]

So here I sit three days after injuring my back at work. I was lifting a box and twisted while lifting, ugh the pain. Seems I pinched a nerve in my lower back.

I have been to the chiropractor three times, and the regular doc once. Both tell me the same thing, not to overdue it, take it easy. But when your self employed that is a hard thing to do. No workers comp here, the only way to get paid is to get the work done.

So the last three days have been spent trying to work. I think I overdid it a bit the last two days.

Today I am taking it easy, finally. Though the cat is forcing me to share the recliner with him. Hopefully the muscle relaxers will kick in soon.

No reason for posting this other than I am currently bored, though Steve McQueen is on TCM in Nevada Smith, never seen it, maybe it will be good.

Remember to take care of your back, it is the only one you get.

Chris

 

[Scoops]

Chris,

sorry to hear of your injury. take it easy as much as you can -- you'll heal faster.

hope the pain meds are good drugs!

sharon

 

[RICLET]

Chris,

Sorry to hear about your back problems as a fellow sufferer here is what I have found.

I need to move, when my back is bothering me I try to move as frequently as I can. It is hard to start but for me, it helps. Before I get up out of bed, I try to strectch a little, legs, back and shoulders I try not to leap out of bed, the same applies when getting out of a chair, slowly but steady.

A daily regime of stretching and working on the core muscles is a huge help. I have been told that every exrta pound in your belly puts 10 pouinds of strain on your back. I try not to stand straight legged and flat footed,whenever possible I like to rest one foot on a milk crate or barstool anything to change my position. I also try to walk quickly, slow walking is absolute agony for me.

The last thing I use to help with my back issues is an inversion table, it only takes a few minutes and hanging by my feet work wonders on getting my back stretched and aligned.

My back issues are down to poor posture and working behind a bar for 25 years, I have never hurt myself lifting great weights but just moving in the wrong way while picking up an ice scoop, a six pack, or even washing my hair.

I hope this helps but everybodies backs are different.

Good luck

Rick

 

[madmike2]

BTDT...and it's no fun!

There is nothing you can do to speed the healing, HOWEVER, continually straining your back will slow (hinder, prolong) the healing process.

I am very careful how I turn or twist while carrying weight (I am a delivery driver who must sort and segregate pallet loads). I always lift with my legs and keep my back straight: no twisting! Riclet shared some wisdom:

A daily regime of stretching....

I constantly stretch my back and hamstrings. Keeping stretched will help prevent added injury, but I'm sorry that nothing we can share will speed your recovery time.
I sometimes wear a Back-A-Line belt while riding my motorcycles. Anything to remind me to keep my back straight.

 

[Blue Flame]

Sorry to hear bout the pain. unfortunatly I have been there before too. I was stupid and abused my back for many years heavy lifting without proper technic. I no longer do that job, but still suffer the pain. It wasn't until my current job starting a stretching program at work did my pain start to subside. I now stretch on almost a daily basis and what an improvment! Muscle relaxers help too, but in my case they masked the pain so I could get up and do something stupid again! Take it easy and relax best you can. I know easier said than done when you are self-employed.

 

[BikerGeek99]

Dude that sucks.

BTDT.

What helps me (in addition to a visit to the witch doctor chiropractor) is ibuprofen, and alternating between 15 minutes with an ice pack on the lower back, 15 minutes with nothing on the lower back, 15 minutes with a heating pad on the back, 15 minutes with nothing on the back, repeat from the top.

Let's take Chris' pain as a lesson today, kids - lift with your legs, not with your back.

+1 to the stretching suggestions, too!

 

[cyclebabble]

Ibuprofen is taking the edge off, just being able to stay home is helping to, no unnecessary strain. Though I still try to get up and move around the house, which helps me from stiffening up too much.

Today is Long Way Round day. Watching the entire thing from start to finish, for like the 5th time. Love that dvd.

Thanks for all the replies, hopefully I will feel better each day.

Chris