The Trouble With the Back…
So I hurt my back this week. You know, the normal way, lifting something unusually heavy several times this weekend followed by toting an insanely heavy bag all over the coworking facility in high heels. Twice. Then lifting said bag at lunch, from the floor, twisting. #ouch #andtherewenttheback
The trouble with the back is that it’s connected to freaking everything. You can’t prop your back up while you work. You can’t wrap it with an ace bandage so tight you can’t move it. You can’t lie down and hope it feels better (clue: lying flat hurt *worse*). And toilets are inconveniently located for people with back problems. Sad truth.
So, I spent most of Wednesday afternoon curled up under a heating blanket in the fetal position, doing research on pain tolerance and back pain for some future book as yet unnamed. Thursday was moderately better, if mincing around the house in a slightly-bent posture with funny faces is better. Friday and Saturday were delightful, because we’d hit the point where ibuprofen worked–for real. During the two-hour window of ibuprofen awesomeness I could get up and down from a chair again and even pick up (one or two) things from the floor. Sunday and today I have full range of motion back, if still a little sore and still on meds.
I have learned several important things from this experience:
1. Writing full time is poor preparation for heavy lifting. Experts should be hired, or weight slowly built to, not just randomly picked up like I can handle it (I can’t, apparently, even if it seems okay at the time).
2. Back pain is distracting. Like, really distracting.
3. My back recovers from *everything* much slower in my thirties than it did in my twenties. I should plan accordingly.
4. They make laptop bags / mobile offices with wheels and a handle. For under $100. I’ve bought one and thinking about a second.
5. High heels are not my friend, at least not at this weight. Oh, look, they make lots of pretty flats.
6. Pain is very motivating.
What about you guys? Have any interesting stories from back or shoulder injuries you want to share?
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Tim wrote: "Hi Alex,I am sorry to hear of your back problems. I ruined my back working in a hospital in the late 1980's and have had several surgeries. I am currently trying to heal after having most of my l..."
Hi Tim,
This is incredibly useful advice - I so appreciate you sending it. I'm at the chiropractor this week so hopefully we'll get things sorted earlier rather than later.
About the work--you are so welcome :). I also need a good distraction from pain, so glad I can help.
Hang in there!
Alex
I am sorry to hear of your back problems. I ruined my back working in a hospital in the late 1980's and have had several surgeries. I am currently trying to heal after having most of my lumbar spine fused about 3 weeks ago. BTW, thanks for all the new work to keep me occupied while supine.
If I might,I will add a couple of things I have learned over the years about back injury and pain.
1) Once you injure your back it may never be as strong as it was, hence re-injury.
2) Gravity will eventually get to everyone's spine and the more injuries the faster the serious 'architectural' problems appear.
3) Gutting out the pain may or may not be the wise thing to do, so see your primary care physician if OTC meds are not working.
4) If you are prone to back problems, get some physical therapy to learn all the many exercises that can strengthen your core musculature and help prevent future injuries.
5) Every time your do hurt your back the Klaxon should get a bit louder - it is saying Don't ignore this... Don't ignore this. Thanks