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