Back Pain
These notes were written by Carol, after long and painful experience. There are no magical solutions here! You must check with your doctor first.
Back pain became troublesome in my early thirties when I slipped a disc on my honeymoon! Four years (and several more slipped discs) later, having produced two heavy babies and continued to play badminton, tennis and attend ballet classes, I was in real trouble! I ended up in Hurstwood Park Neurological Hospital for 2 weeks, narrowly escaping major back surgery. I had to lie flat for 3 months and needed carers for my 2 and 4 year old daughters. Not long after, I had to retire from teaching.
Now I have 3 unstable and disintegrating discs at the base of my spine (L3/4, 4/5, 5/S1) that need pinning. But now, as it was back then, this is not a recommended procedure. I also suffer from Stenosis of the spine that results in weakness and unsteadiness in my legs.
The sections below cover various things for you to think about; ranging from treatments to beds, cars, holidays and prayer & friendship:
The Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is a tremendous help in maintaining good posture as well as learning how to do every day tasks, without putting unnecessary stress on the spine. Although it is fundamentally based on a thought process, if you believe in it, and work hard to apply it's principles, it can be beneficial.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy has also helped me through very bad times, especially the acupuncture, interferential and ultrasound that they offer, along side an advised exercise regime. Southlands Hospital Physiotherapy Department introduced me to their back pain mobility class as well as the Active in Adur scheme. For a reduced fee of £2 at a local leisure centre, you can work through a gentle and guided fitness program that aims to build confidence in your own mobility.
Pilates
Gentle Pilates can help to strengthen core muscles around the spine, but as with the Alexander Technique, every day needs to be a commitment to it's principles.
??Bed rest??
In the past, bed rest was recommended and even I've worn a boned corset! Now the advice is to keep mobile, keep moving and to keep fit, so that you can work through relapses more quickly and with more confidence.
Your car
Cars are chosen on the height of their seat, lumber curve, and the ease with which one can get in and out. An Obusforme back rest and seat has transformed our old cars sagging seats into comfortable, firm and supportive seats that I can travel on for up to 45 minutes.
Your bed
Beds have cost us a fortune! In the past we have bought many hard, medium, soft and orthopaedic beds, as my needs have changed. Currently I sleep on a cheap bed with a tempur type, visco elastic foam 2" overlay that eases pressure points.
Your holidays
Holidays, unfortunately, have been cancelled due to back pain 3 or 4 times to date. Thankfully the insurance has always paid up. However, it is essential to go through the medical desk and to be entirely honest about your condition. The easiest way I have found to holiday abroad is by ferry. My husband and I have often caught the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry, booking a cabin to lie down in when needed. In addition, a ferry also allows you freedom to move around and remain mobile and not static for hours on end!
Having a good relaxation technique can help by releasing tension you may be holding on to, through pain or anxiety.
Your bed
Beds have cost us a fortune! In the past we have bought many hard, medium, soft and orthopaedic beds, as my needs have changed. Currently I sleep on a cheap bed with a tempur type, visco elastic foam 2" overlay that eases pressure points.
Pain management and prayer
Pain management and prayer have been a great part of my life. As I am in constant pain, I have had to rely heavily on pain killers to help me function and cope with essential day to day movements, and enable me to sleep at night. As a side effect, anti-inflammatory drugs have damaged my stomach.
Despite all this, for me, the most important and spiritually supportive way of coping has been through prayer. Regular prayer, hands on prayer, my church and weekly house group with close friends has never failed in bringing pain relief and reassurance. The sympathy and understanding of my friends, and family has been a great blessing especially when my back pain has put many limitations on mine, and my family's life.
I am thankful that financially there were ways round my giving up work. Retiring early through ill health enabled me to receive incapacity benefits. In hindsight however, there came a point where there was no choice in the matter, and had I not ceased working, there is no doubt that the situation I am in now, and the quality of my life now, would be more severe and endlessly limiting.
I urge you to think carefully about the pressures you put on your back every day, and the freedom you want in your future.