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Aug. 6th, 2003 09:05 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cyranoSo yes, this travelling every other weekend plan is definitely getting revised.
So completely wiped out. I've managed to get through this work week, buffeting along like a particularly disoriented and fat fish being bounced along the bottom of a rocky and swift-flowing creek, but I'll be doing as little as possible the next three days.
Looks like I forgot all about the birthday thing after work last night; I was going to come home, maybe watch one of my Netflix movies or TiVo, and instead after dealing with email and brief puttering, decided to 'just have a look' at the Enter the Matrix game the housemate rented. I got about as far as she did, but by the time I figured out that I sucked and not only couldn't jump but also couldn't figure out when I *needed* to jump, it was about one-thirty.
Tonight... what's going on tonight? I feel like I'm forgetting something *else*.
Looking for the Kaiser advice line, to see what they think about my back. Exercise makes it hurt a lot, and on Monday after running up and down the stairs dealing with a flight, I was in tears.
So completely wiped out. I've managed to get through this work week, buffeting along like a particularly disoriented and fat fish being bounced along the bottom of a rocky and swift-flowing creek, but I'll be doing as little as possible the next three days.
Looks like I forgot all about the birthday thing after work last night; I was going to come home, maybe watch one of my Netflix movies or TiVo, and instead after dealing with email and brief puttering, decided to 'just have a look' at the Enter the Matrix game the housemate rented. I got about as far as she did, but by the time I figured out that I sucked and not only couldn't jump but also couldn't figure out when I *needed* to jump, it was about one-thirty.
Tonight... what's going on tonight? I feel like I'm forgetting something *else*.
Looking for the Kaiser advice line, to see what they think about my back. Exercise makes it hurt a lot, and on Monday after running up and down the stairs dealing with a flight, I was in tears.
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no subject
Date: 2003-08-06 09:58 am (UTC)You may have strained it. Strains are one of those things which are just an absolute bitch to deal with, because there's no damage which a doctor can fix, but your back is so intrinsic to movement, it hurts all the fucking time.
Acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen for pain killers--they're anti-inflammatories.
As long as you're back isn't seizing up, you probably won't need a muscle relaxant, which is the only other drug the doctor's tend to prescribe for these things. It's recommended only to be taken at night, or when you're going to not be doing anything other than sitting on a couch and dribbling a lot.
Other than drug options, plenty of rest. You may need to look at adjusting your positioning while you sleep, with the addition/subtraction of head pillows, or a body pillow (I have one I'm not using right now) to adjust how your spine aligns when you're lying down. Sitting position is also important, and getting lots of back support.
Given that your job involves a lot of standing up, the support in your shoes is extremely important, too. Insoles for your work shoes which contain plenty of padding and arch support would help.
One trick I learned when I first hurt my back was to lie flat on the floor, arms resting naturally by your side, legs straight out and relaxed, and your head in a natural position. This allows the spine to relax into its natural position without having to do the work of holding one upright.
You didn't mention what part of your back is hurting, but I'm going to assume lower back, as that seems to be the common place for it. Another trick I figured out when my back started acting up again about a year ago was to kneel down on the floor, knees touching and then try to touch my forehead to the floor. What I've figured out is that it's a wonderful stretching exercise for my lower back, my big problem area. I did it every morning for a while (because it hurt worst after sleeping), and it eventually cleared up. I usually feel *much* better after two or three vertebrae go *pop*.
no subject
Date: 2003-08-06 09:50 pm (UTC)Still pretty damn sure that I didn't crack a rib, because I can still inhale.
no subject
Date: 2003-08-07 12:21 pm (UTC)And, it sounds like it's just deeply bruised. Ice packs, anti-inflammatories, and better positioning while standing, sitting, and sleeping are the only things I can think of.
no subject
Date: 2003-08-07 12:24 pm (UTC)And today is one of those days where I feel like things are getting better and there's not much a doctor could do or say to be helpful.
"Enter the Matrix"
Date: 2003-08-06 10:03 am (UTC)If you're around and available tomorrow, I think there should be a gestalt "Enter the Matrix" playing. I think it'd be more fun having one of us play and the other one helping/watching, then trying to get through it independently, at this point. Especially since I have to return it Saturday morning.
Re: "Enter the Matrix"
Date: 2003-08-06 09:53 pm (UTC)(Stupid Agent. Stupid quest. Stupid Matrix.)
A few exercises that might help.
Date: 2003-08-06 02:40 pm (UTC)If I'd had the sense god gave a grapefruit, I could have shown you some of the stretching exercises I learned for my back. One that always helps me is to lie flat on your back and then pull one knee up to your chest. Hold a few seconds, stretch the leg back out and then repeat with other knee. When you're done, lift both knees together. Repeat as needed.
The other I really like helps to strengthen your back and get your balance back.
Get on all fours. Try to make sure your back is as flat as you can make it; pretend you're a table if you have to. Now, lift your right arm off the floor and hold it straight out from your shoulder, kind of like you're pretending to be Superman (in fact, my PT called this exercise "Superman"). Hold for a few seconds, then place hand flat on the floor again. Repeat with left arm, then left leg (make sure leg is fully extended), then right leg until you've done each limb at least three times.
Now the tricky part. Lift your right leg and left arm at the same time. Try to keep your back as flat as possible; my PT used to say you should imagine a glass of water on your back that you're trying not to spill. Hold for several seconds or as long as you can stand it. Repeat with left leg and right arm.
There are several others, but I'm not sure I can describe them properly in text. Damn. I really should have shown you these while you were here. Bad Sue!
Re: A few exercises that might help.
Date: 2003-08-06 09:52 pm (UTC)Obviously the punishment was ineffective. (: I'll have to try something different.
But like I told Tersa, lying on my back is really uncomfortable, in that 'it hurts a lot' sort of way.
However, I'll try both of your suggestions, or at least think hard about it.
Charles
Date: 2003-08-08 09:29 am (UTC)Do you know when you are coming our way? Guillermo is going to LC in Lewiston and has to be there the 16th. I am not sure who is taking him up there. Will be in touch when I know more. Mom
Re: Charles
Date: 2003-08-08 09:32 am (UTC)Is the weather still hot and opressive? That will play a big part. (Tucson got lucky and had rains.)
I'm thinking September or October.
(So have you pretty much given up on the LiveJournal account?)
Re: Charles
Date: 2003-08-09 08:37 am (UTC)