Fundament-als

A couple of times lately, when doing nothing more complicated than standing up or reaching for something, I have experienced a stabbing pain in my lower back.

Being of a pessimistic disposition and believing that lower back pain is notoriously difficult to cure, I immediately envision a future where lifting anything is unwise; gardening a no-no. No point in looking for a new home with a bigger garden then.

A friend recommends a physiotherapist. In no time at all, Jane locates my problem: a locked sacroiliac joint (the bit that joins your spine to your pelvis). A couple of sessions of deft massage and deep probing (ouch!) plus some exercises to do at home and the joint is moving again.

The future brightens. A garden becomes desirable again. But this experience has made me very aware of one of the drawbacks to being a writer – the amount of time one spends sitting. Poor old fundament. No wonder it stiffens up. I do try to get out every afternoon for some air and exercise. But sometimes this just means walking to the library. It's obviously not enough.

Recently I visited an old friend, who's in his eighties. Last winter he suffered a fall and was unable to stand, let alone move. Now through sheer determination he can stand and walk. He demonstrated the exercises he does – bicycling and weight lifting. He put me to shame.

I have re-joined the gym. I've fished out the old Rosemary Conley videos for afternoons like today when it's dank and going for a walk means wading up to my knees in mud. Tomorrow I am going to try a pilates session.

Whether I keep this up or not, remains to be seen. Meanwhile, wish me luck!

Fundament-als is a post from: Jane Eagland

©2011 Jane Eagland. All Rights Reserved.

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