I do not have chronic back issues. When something is chronic, it’s recurring, persistent and long-lasting. Nope. Sorry, I absolutely refuse to accept such an interpretation of a little, teensy, bit of back pain.
Okay. I’ll admit I’m using heat. Until someone says I should use ice then I switch back to heat. I really have no idea which is better or worse. It makes me feel like I’m doing something. The heat does seem to help as does the ice. It’s like telling a writer to go write a synopsis. There are clear cut rules but some things just seem more appealing.
Ugh. Idk. And then there’s walking. I took this advice readily as I love to walk the dog. I only went a couple of kilometers only to then not be able to stand up straight for two hours. Frik.
How does a writer write with a lower back that screams, whines, seizes up, and keeps said writer in a stooped position when trying to get a coffee? I’m curious. I really am. Like seriously people, please tell me how it’s done.
What are the tricks?
I’ve got pillows squeezed in for support, but even they seem to tire quickly.
I don’t get a sore back very often….see, like I said I’m not chronic… but when I get a twinge, hubby says “Go to the chiropractor.”
Um, sorry to offend any chiro peeps here but they scare the crap out of me. The snapping and cracking…. I’d be the one who ended up with a broken neck. I’ve gone before but I can’t go back. Nope just can’t do it. Besides, this isn’t a chronic thing and I just need to take it easy for a while, right?
The piece of writer advice that always stick out in my mind is —
Well, let me tell you, that advice right now is difficult as the muscles in the lower back and hips don’t want to cooperate.
So. I looked around for alternatives and my treadmill (which is right behind my desk–amazing how I miss seeing it on a regular basis) has a desk attached that I bought pre-pandemic so I could try walk-writing. I have a colleague who swears by it… But you know I don’t like to swear…lol (insert eye roll here)… and there’s like too much stuff to move. Excuses. Excuses. I know. I know.
I think this will be the week I use the treadmill though. Even if just to be able to stand and tap away at the keyboard. The most difficult thing with this is that standing aggravates the back too.
I seriously feel like I’m being held hostage by a group of mutant muscles. It’s starting to piss me off because I have a lot I want to do.
Fellow writers…
Well, I guess now I’ll go soak in a hot bath with epsom salts for lacking of trying anything else….
Thanks for reading. I hope your back is okay. Feel free to like and comment. Don’t forget to follow. And advice…leave me some advice.