My aching back

I've had a weak back for a long time, possibly from lots of driving and bad posture (sitting behind a computer screen) when I was younger -  who knows? Since reaching my 40's I've been aware of how important keeping one's health has been - there are so many things that I want to do with my life, but a lot of them will involve a degree of physical strength, so having something like a bad or weak back was to be avoided.

Of course, thinking and doing are different things and when you feel well, you get complacent and end up doing nothing preventative. Until that is, a problem strikes and you realise just how vulnerable you can be.

Last week, sciatica struck. I woke up with a twinge in my back and thought that, as usual, it would disappear within a few minutes. Well it didn't, but the next thing I did was rather stupid - I spent 2 hours or so digging over a vegetable patch. I know, I know - I've had the lecture from my Chiropractor today about listening to the body, but at the time, you think you're invincible and think you know best.

5 days later and I'm still in absolute agony, but slowly starting to feel a bit better. I've been given instruction to sit in front of the computer for no more than 20 minutes at a time and then walk around for 10 minutes.

I guess the lesson is a) to listen to your body b) to act on your intuition and c) prevention is always better than cure.

Hindsight is a wonderful gift.

Comments

Unknown said…
fellow sufferer did the same cold wind digging over veg patch result= sciatica for days easing off now.

Stephen H
15.2.11
Hawthorn said…
Hi SJ - sorry to hear of your predicament too! Dosed up on painkillers (not happy about that, but been told I have to!) and gradually getting better.

Will have to find some exercises designed to strengthen my back.
20.2.11
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