PITB

I have chronic back problems. I can't remember when they started...DH seems to think just in the last 10 years or so, but I honestly don't remember! I have to be careful with my back pretty much on a daily basis. I have to sit properly, not cross my legs, sit in a chair not on the floor, stay away from plush sofas/chairs. If I don't then my back will be a little sore. Each morning when I get out of bed my back seems to have to adjust to being upright. This is the time of day when I have to be the most careful.

Well, we decided that we were not getting enough exercise (OK...none really!) and that the winter cannot be an excuse anymore, so we decided to jump back on the Wii Fit bandwagon. Jump is the optimal term here! I just got on and did my little workout as if I been on last week, not 9 months ago. I am proud to say that I was down 17# from the last time I was on there (276 days before). I gained weight while we were in Alaska last summer, so I am down 20+ in the last 6 months. So I am feeling thin & fit and enjoying my time on the Wii Fit!!

Then on Monday morning I went to go do laundry. Not sure why but I've just not been doing a lot of laundry lately, so there are MOUNDS down in our laundry room. My back seemed to be a little stiff so I sat on a stool while I sorted. I went and fished some dirty clothes out of the toxic waste dump teen's room and when I bent over to pick up a pile of his nasty clothes I knew I had overdone it with my back. I was a little more careful with my back after that, but it didn't take long to realize it was in bad shape. It had been just over 4 years since my last BAD flair up. At that time I went and saw a specialist for my back. I didn't really get much from that dr, but I did get a referral to PT. The physical therapist was GREAT and I've continued to use the exercises/stretching that he taught me ever since. In fact, when I feel like my back is starting to get an issue I immediately start my stretching and it helps fend off the pain. I was able to do nearly all my stretching on Monday morning, but it didn't help. I had a busy morning, but by the afternoon I was in bed with an Alieve in my tummy and 2 ice packs on my back. Oh, the sweet numbness caused by the ice packs! Sleeping/moving that night was difficult! Tuesday I had the boys get themselves home from school and I stayed in bed nearly all day. I was in too much pain after about 5 minutes standing, and sitting was worse! Yesterday was a little better but I decided I needed some relief. Luckily DH was working from home yesterday and could pick up my mommy taxi duties! I've always been curious about acupuncture and chiropractics so I asked around a little bit. It turns out that our insurance plan covers chiropractics and I didn't need a referral. And the best thing is that they could get me in immediately!!

I have to say I was a little nervous. I think chiropractors in general probably get a bad rap and I didn't want someone messing with my back. The guy could tell how bad my back was by the way I was standing right when I walked in. He did an assessment, took x-rays, put some TENS & heat on my back, and then stretched it out/assessed the muscles. He put on some Biofreeze and send me home with a few samples. WOW~ what a difference that all made!! My evening was pretty good and I was able to stand & even sit a little. I look forward to going back on Monday!!

I slept so much better last night and so much of my pain is gone this morning. I still have to baby my back because it's tight and sore, but I don't have to catch my breath from muscle spasms when I bend over. I am very thankful that one of the other moms from preschool took my carpool and class duties today. While I am vastly better, I still shouldn't push it. I do have to take my daughter to Little Gym today, but I will bring a long a heating pad and not run around with them. (Today is parent participation day, but my daughter knows my back is bad!) Her future school is having a family fun night tonight, but I will have to see how I am doing by then. I think DH is a little overwhelmed with playing mom, so I am not going to ask him to take her. We have a little family weekend getaway planned which I think I will be OK for. I am hoping the pool has a hot tub!