www.thetimes.co.uk Low back pain affects about 40% of people at some point in their lives. I've just recently recovered from my latest episode, which took nearly two weeks before it stopped hurting. Because of the condition of osteoarthritis, I've suffered many tiny breaks in my spine over the years, resulting in the loss of two-and-a-half inches in height. Not that I mind that after living most of my life taller than everyone else I met. The silly action of reaching sideways and straining to prune a rose brought on my injury.
Low back pain or lumbago involves the muscles and bones of the back lasting a few days or weeks, or continue for many months or even years. Causes of mild to severe lower back pain are arthritis, pregnancy, herniated disc, sciatica, and ovarian cysts.
As I understand it, pain is a warning sent to the mind. 'Don't stress me'. So we should avoid using that part of the body until it heals, right?
Low back pain or lumbago involves the muscles and bones of the back lasting a few days or weeks, or continue for many months or even years. Causes of mild to severe lower back pain are arthritis, pregnancy, herniated disc, sciatica, and ovarian cysts.
As I understand it, pain is a warning sent to the mind. 'Don't stress me'. So we should avoid using that part of the body until it heals, right?
www.nhs.uk Not so, according to experts. The best way to ease back pain includes remaining as active as possible and avoiding bed rest.
Not only that, but a new Lancet study reveals Paracetamol used to treat acute lower back pain is no better than a dummy pill.
The drug does not improve recovery time or provide greater pain relief, although experts caution anyone considering a change of medication should seek medical advice.
The researchers say the mechanisms behind lower back pain may differ from the pain in other conditions such as headaches, toothaches and post-surgery discomfort where paracetamol can provide relief.
Now here's the tricky part: people in the trial recovered more quickly than those in some previous studies. Perhaps the advice and reassurance they received may be more effective than medication. Read the full BBC article here.
My husband prevented me from doing anything strenuous, although I kept on with my daily routine. He's my healer. Wouldn't it be great if we could mend each other with words?
Speaking of healing with words, I'll leave you with a little snippet from Golden Submarine, my dystopian novel in the Higher Ground series, co-written with Edith Parzefall.
Not only that, but a new Lancet study reveals Paracetamol used to treat acute lower back pain is no better than a dummy pill.
The drug does not improve recovery time or provide greater pain relief, although experts caution anyone considering a change of medication should seek medical advice.
The researchers say the mechanisms behind lower back pain may differ from the pain in other conditions such as headaches, toothaches and post-surgery discomfort where paracetamol can provide relief.
Now here's the tricky part: people in the trial recovered more quickly than those in some previous studies. Perhaps the advice and reassurance they received may be more effective than medication. Read the full BBC article here.
My husband prevented me from doing anything strenuous, although I kept on with my daily routine. He's my healer. Wouldn't it be great if we could mend each other with words?
Speaking of healing with words, I'll leave you with a little snippet from Golden Submarine, my dystopian novel in the Higher Ground series, co-written with Edith Parzefall.
Waves swelled and crashed on the land ahead. At the sight of sand, Boris jumped into the shallow water, happy to touch solid ground. The others remained in the gigger while he dragged it onto a patch of sand between the rocks. He didn’t mind doing the strong work for his friends. They gave him a sense of belonging. The sky still glowed with light in the distance, but dark grey covered this unknown part of Corn World. Creepy.
Boris helped Cerridwen to jump out first. She said, “Oh, it feels so good to stand on firm ground.”
The men scrambled after her and Aron helped Sasha.
Boris was glad Cerridwen came with them. They might need a healer, but that wasn’t the only thing special about her. She calmed foul tempers. Without her, everyone snapped at each other like a pack of wild dogs over a carcass. He’d like it better when they got to know each other.
“I’d love to swim and refresh myself,” she said.
All the men stared at Cerridwen, except Trevly. He’d known her longer than anyone else. Boris only met her briefly at Hailing before they’d raced to Saint Eyes, hoping to find treasure.
“Is she mad?” Rashio mumbled, helping him to pull the gigger beyond the high tide mark.
“Who’d fall in the sea on purpose?” Kirk asked.
Sasha sauntered towards the pale woman. “Don’t worry. I know what you mean. The sea cleanses and soothes.”
His Sasha. So... what would Aron call it... accommo... willing to help. Boris rubbed his jaw. Maybe the two women wouldn’t scratch each other’s eyes out but become friends. Strong and big as he was, he wouldn’t want to get between them. He still remembered that evening Sasha fought with a serving wench who’d made eyes at him. Wanting nothing more than to please her so she’d choose him, he’d protect her until she got her hands on the treasure she craved. He didn’t want to think about life without her. Despite his bulk and strength, he’d feel small, clumsy and insignificant again.
Sasha peeked at him under her lashes. “Boris, why don’t you teach the boys how to build shelters, a separate one for Cerridwen and me, while we take a dip.”
“Kay. Let’s go, men.” Boris marched towards the trees. He peered over his shoulder. Trevly stayed behind talking to the women. “Hey, leave the ladies alone,” Boris called.
Sasha waved Boris away. Not fair.
The mind is powerful. I don't bother going to the doctor any more. I'm not happy with their attitude. Once you're old, you're of use use to society. Better to stick with what I know: Keep calm and carry on.
Have you ever suffered with back pain?
Have you ever suffered with back pain?
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