| Do you have back pain? Don't despair. Whether it | | | | • When seeking back pain relief it is |
| is sudden or creeps up on you gradually back pain | | | | important to educate yourself about all the |
| and sciatica can be one of the most distressing, | | | | possible physical solutions which may be discussed |
| painful and isolating events. I understand. It can | | | | with you. Get as much back pain information as |
| affect all areas of your life, is often difficult to | | | | you can find. For many of us a combination of |
| explain and is invisible to most people around you. | | | | solutions works most effectively. You need to |
| If you have back pain and feel miserable, | | | | have your physical condition effectively evaluated |
| misunderstood and isolated you are not | | | | then listen to your body to see which suits you. |
| alone… | | | | Try to get to the root cause of your issues and |
| Through my experiences with back pain and | | | | tackle that along with the symptoms. |
| sciatica I learnt by hard lessons a few ways to | | | | • It is also vital when coping with back |
| negotiate through the mental, emotional and | | | | pain to nurture and protect your spirit and inner |
| physical maze of back pain which I would love to | | | | core as that will make all the difference in keeping |
| share with you. | | | | you inspired, motivated and positive. Your mind is |
| • Consult a healthcare professional over | | | | very powerful and you can use this to your |
| any back pain symptoms that bother you. Don't | | | | advantage when coping with back pain. Read |
| suffer in silence. Tackle any issues when they | | | | inspiring books, listen to motivational CDs, watch |
| happen and while they are minor. | | | | great films, enjoy your music, spend time with |
| • No one cares about your back like you | | | | family and friends, walking on the beach, stroking |
| do and always remember YOU are in control. | | | | your dog, meditating…whatever makes |
| Whatever you read, whoever tells you what to | | | | you feel happy, healthy, uplifted and content. |
| do, whatever remedies or treatments and | | | | • We all have stress in our lives, and |
| procedures are suggested to you, you are the | | | | being in pain can make stress so much worse and |
| one who will live with your back. Ask good | | | | so a vicious cycle begins. If stress affects you |
| questions about what the treatment involves, | | | | consider one of the many stress reduction CDs |
| how many treatments you will require, any side | | | | around to help you control the negative stress. |
| effects and the success rate for your condition. If | | | | • It may be the case with back pain that |
| back surgery is suggested make sure you | | | | life seems limited and usual activities are out of |
| understand fully what any surgical procedures | | | | bounds. Think about or even better write down |
| entail and the aftercare required. Ask about all the | | | | what you CAN do and do those things. Do not |
| possible back pain treatment options for your | | | | dwell on what you cannot do. Be grateful for |
| condition before you decide what to do. Ask | | | | everything that is good in your life. Focusing on |
| about back surgery success rates for your | | | | the negative and what you cannot do makes it |
| condition. Check with your healthcare provider if | | | | worse. Focus on the positive and what you can |
| any medical or surgical procedure is urgent or | | | | do. |
| essential. It is really about communication and | | | | • For everyday chores that you find |
| working together with your healthcare team. | | | | difficult think if there is another way to do them. |
| Don't be a passive patient, be a proactive partner | | | | Consider internet shopping, delegate tasks; swap |
| in your back care and treatment. | | | | the usual tasks around the family. Move where |
| • Keep pursuing your solution. If one | | | | items you need regularly are kept so you can be |
| back pain treatment doesn't work, try another. If | | | | independent in getting them. Do a little then take |
| you try new products check out the refund | | | | a break, go easy on yourself. If you can, consider |
| policy. If you are having back pain treatments | | | | buying in some short term help. |
| don't sign up for long contracts unless you know | | | | • If you have back pain it can also be |
| it works for you. It is essential to keep track of | | | | hard on those who love you. Try to spend a little |
| what is working and what is not working for you. | | | | calm time discussing how you will handle this |
| Ask questions of the professionals and make sure | | | | together and how you can make it easier for |
| you know how any planned treatments are | | | | yourselves to handle. Communication and |
| intended to help you. Most treatments take a | | | | understanding is the key here. |
| while to work and may require time and | | | | • YOU are so much more than your |
| commitment. It is important to listen to your | | | | "bad back." Always remember that. |
| body, and let that be your guide. | | | | Back pain is a tough call. You are stronger than |
| • Never ever give up searching for what | | | | you think …and you are not alone. |
| works for you. | | | | |