Hey Peeps!

[Mandi+Ryan 0]

Just giving my fellow VJer's an update on how things are going. I haven't been on in a while because I have been working so much. Things are going great as far and my fiancé and I are concerned. We're getting closer to being together. Hehe.

I have been working more hours lately and Ryan's shift timings have changed, so it's hard for us to spend as much time together.

As far as work is concerned, it's still tiring. And with the type of job I do, I'm lifting a lot. Lately, I have been having a lot of back pain. Anyone have any ideas for relief besides the norm? What about you all who are in different countries? Got any remedies that we don't use in the states that may help?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Hey Mandi! One thing you want to avoid when lifting using your back - don't twist, keep your back straight and put the lifting in your legs. Tiger Balm (you can find at most drugstores) works great on sore muscles if you don't mind the mentholy smell.

[Welshcookie 17]

Mandi....

Is there anyway you can increase the amount of exercise you do? exercise strengthens the back and is a great pain reliever....good luck

[Mandi+Ryan 0]

I was actually checking out some Tiger Balm before I posted this. It made me think something foreign, which made me want to know what others used. I'm glad someone else recommended it. Thank you.

I do exercise, A LOT. And, well, work is nothing but exercise actually, but I'm constantly going all the time. So, I do exercise a lot.

Any other suggestions?

[fish_oinc 0]

I was actually checking out some Tiger Balm before I posted this. It made me think something foreign, which made me want to know what others used. I'm glad someone else recommended it. Thank you.

I do exercise, A LOT. And, well, work is nothing but exercise actually, but I'm constantly going all the time. So, I do exercise a lot.

Any other suggestions?

If you have to lift heavy things, then your employer might be obliged to supply you with a back support brace. It simply attaches with velcro around your lower back and supports your spine when you lift heavy stuff. They do work pretty well. Tell your employer it would be a wise investment for him as it prevents lost days due to injury in the workplace.

An ounce of prevention...and all that.

As for the back pain....I've found that a heating pad or hot water bottle after a nice long soak in the tub eases the pain and stiffness. And Tylenol too.

[Mandi+Ryan 0]

I have a back brace. I'm a CNA, I lift on people, it's part of our uniform. So, I have to wear it. And I use my legs when lifting. I don't use my back, because it can cause THIS kind of problem, but I had it before I started doing CNA work. I have a problem with my Sciatic Nerve. That's the reason for the back pain, not the way I do my job.

So far, the only thing that helps is anything that heats up, and HIGH DOSE pain killers.

Edited October 7, 2006 by Mandi

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Sciatic pain is tough. One thing I have heard recommended but haven't been able to try yet is an inversion table. Apparently suspending upside down stretches out the spaces between the vertebrae that are putting pressure on the sciatic nerve so that you don't get the flare ups. Yoga stretches also help. The salonpas pain relieving patches available in most pharmacies are also really useful. They contain a topical analgesic and are great to use while sleeping.

[Mandi+Ryan 0]

Lots of options. The more the better. That way, if one doesn't work for me, I have an alternative. Thanks VJ peeps for your support. If you have anymore ideas, let me know.

Mandi

[Karen_L 1]

Have you ever tried stretching before and after work? They say that doing lots of physical activities without stretching before/after leaves the muscles vulnerable to aches and pains. I realize the problem is with your nerve not muscles, but stretching couldn't hurt.

Do you guys have an interview date yet?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I was actually checking out some Tiger Balm before I posted this. It made me think something foreign, which made me want to know what others used. I'm glad someone else recommended it. Thank you.

I do exercise, A LOT. And, well, work is nothing but exercise actually, but I'm constantly going all the time. So, I do exercise a lot.

Any other suggestions?

If you have to lift heavy things, then your employer might be obliged to supply you with a back support brace. It simply attaches with velcro around your lower back and supports your spine when you lift heavy stuff. They do work pretty well. Tell your employer it would be a wise investment for him as it prevents lost days due to injury in the workplace.

An ounce of prevention...and all that.

As for the back pain....I've found that a heating pad or hot water bottle after a nice long soak in the tub eases the pain and stiffness. And Tylenol too.

Back braces really don't help except as a reminder to the one wearing it to lift properly.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I thought I'd look up and find out more on the problems with the sciatic nerve...I was curious and an info geek...

Piriformis Syndrome is caused by an entrapment (pinching) of the sciatic nerve as it exits the Greater Sciatic notch in the gluteal region. There are two normal variations for the exit of the sciatic nerve in this region. The first places the sciatic nerve inferior (below) to the Piriformis muscle and superior (above) the gemellus muscle. Entrapment in this area is likely due to a myospasm or contracture (tightening or shortening respectively) of either of these two muscles.

The second common site of entrapment is when the sciatic nerve actually pierces the piriformis muscle itself. This can occur in about 1% to 10% of all humans. In this case myospasm and or contraction of the piriformis muscle itself can lead to pain along the back of the thigh to the knee, loss of sensation or numbness and tingling in the sole of the foot. This particular syndrome can often mimic its more notorious counterpart known as sciatica, and that being the case, it is often misdiagnosed as sciatica. The main difference between sciatica and piriformis syndrome is in the cause. Sciatica is directly due to a lumbar disc pressing on the sciatic nerve as it exits the intervertebral foramen in the lumbar spine. What both of these complaints have in common is that both can produce pain, numbness and tingling below the knee and into the foot.

....

Over use as during excessive fast walking without proper warm up and stretching (as during exercise), prolonged sitting, as for your treatment, many variables can hamper your successful recovery. Smoking, obesity, job and exercise as noted above in prolonged sitting and not warming up and stretching.

Sounds like you should go see a chiropractor.

[KarenCee 3]

LOL....info geek. I guess that could describe me as well. I love researching. Mandi, I hope your back pain gets better. *hugs*

[rebeccajo 14]

What about those 'hot pads' for pain? I guess you kind of just stick them to your skin and wear them under your clothes.

I don't think they're cheap but if they work - might be worth it.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Motrin kicks ###. Tylenol doesn't work for me at all.