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| Walking by the marina under low clouds |
I hurt it on Wednesday afternoon while showing my sister the lovely garden I have on my front porch, using FaceTime on my iPad. Unfortunately, I held the iPad in one hand and reached far forward with my other, and I felt a twinge. Uh-oh, I thought to myself, I've done it again. This is not the first time I've had to deal with this particular pinched sciatic nerve. Having a blog gave me the opportunity to read when it happened to me last: in 2011, almost six years ago. The pain that radiated from my lower back instantly reminded me of the last time, and I knew that it would take a few days to get better.
But it was Wednesday afternoon when it happened, and I wasn't at all sure it was a good idea to go hiking on Thursday. I had my ibuprofen and my trekking poles and decided to chance it. Incredibly, once I put on my backpack with a waist strap, it helped rather than hurt. It was only when I needed to take my pack off that I felt the usual back strain. The comforting waist strap sits right on my hip bones and held the pain in. This morning I walked at an almost normal pace with the ladies, and even without the backpack on, I knew I would be all right. I'm of the school that exercise is better than sitting around waiting for it to get better, and research online affirms that approach.
It's been three days, and each day it's a little better, but I still will turn a certain way and get a zinger radiating pain that causes me to groan and clutch my lower back. Sheesh! Sometimes I think that I must really look like the old woman I refuse to see myself becoming. But after three quarters of a century of use and abuse, my body reminds me to savor every last bit of movement I can squeeze out of each day!
Like I said, it's always something. At least I'm managing to stay vertical awhile longer.
:-)
Yes, it's always something! I notice the humidity here at home aggravates my feet. However, better to keep moving, as you say.
ReplyDeleteLove that you keep on keeping on. And movement is almost always better (for the mind AND the body).
ReplyDeleteHugs.
Do you have exercises for your sciatica? I do mine daily, and it really helps. If I feel it flaring, I can immediately do the exercises, and it seems to calm down.
ReplyDeleteThat spirit of yours. You take a lickin' but keep on trekkin'.
ReplyDeleteYes, you seem to stay vertical longer than I do. Go for it.
ReplyDeleteOne has to be careful but still keep active. I stretch every day or I'd have lower back pain. I've had lower back pain and I never want it again.
ReplyDeleteAh ha... Is this why you were needing more Arnicare gel? Amazing that the backpack strap actually helped you. I'm amazed you're able to do all you do with an aching back!
ReplyDeleteI once hurt my back, and could hardly get out of a car. But I had to lead some students on some field work. So I headed out, walked all day, and the pain went away. Yes, it's better to get moving than sit and wait for it to improve.
ReplyDeleteYep, I fear I am becoming that old woman too, but give me five minutes to unstiffen and I can stand erect and walk with a smooth stride. Wear and tear accumulates, but working it out also works.
ReplyDeletePhysical therapy did wonders for my pinched nerve back in the late '90s, and I haven't had any troubles since. Now I'm trying PT on my ankle and knee. As you say, it's always something, but we gotta keep on moving, even if at a slower pace.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear you are still vertical :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it's always something. But you are still hiking and out and about, thank goodness! :)
ReplyDeleteI hear your pain :(
ReplyDeleteTry and give it a chance to rest, sciatica pain is the worst.
Hugs,
~Jo
I too believe exercise is the best medicine if done carefully which you do. I really like that hike you took. Level, lots of boats and the smell of the sea. Be totally well soon.
ReplyDeleteI hope your back heals quickly! It's a bummer to be injured.
ReplyDeleteYou know I think you are an absolute physical rock star!!!
ReplyDeleteApplause for vertical! You'll move beyond it!
ReplyDeleteLong ago my chiropractor told me to e exercise the pain away...so I agree with all you say.
ReplyDeleteSorry I haven't visited lately...sporadic power outages so I figured I best catch up using my phone
Poor you, I sympathise because I get that a lot. It's very unpleasant, but I find that resting helps more than exercise.
ReplyDelete