Lately, I’ve had a lot of trouble with lower back pain. It isn’t something that started suddenly. I remember the first time I really felt like I hurt my back. I was 42 and bending over the bed to change my baby’s diaper. Yes, I realize having a baby at 41 probably put enough strain on my back alone. Anyhow, I bent over and something went kapow and I could hardly stand up. I walked funny for about a week until it cleared up. Just from bending over!
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But, in the last couple of years, it’s gotten more frequent. I mentioned the back pain to my doctor a couple of months ago and he just looked at me like “You are almost 50 – get used to it!”
I was going to talk to him about it again, but I hate the thought of taking any type of medication sans Aleve to help it. I know, I am stubborn and hardheaded. The past month or so, it has been particularly bad for me. I’d roll out of bed and my back immediately started hurting and aching. I could bend over, but my back muscles were so tight, it hurt. I took a heating pad to work, where it has set in my chair, usually on, for the last month.
Earlier this week, I finally got tired of feeling like this. I said I was going to work out as part of my New Year’s Resolution, but never felt like starting. Well, now I was figuring that I felt bad anyhow, how much more could it hurt to work out?
What I learned was it helped! Apparently, I am learned that age old adage of “use it or lose it.” Two days this past week, I did a mere 15 minutes on the treadmill and 20 minutes of shooting hoops in our free fitness center at work. The first day, I told my husband my back was still sore, but I felt a lot better. After the second day, I felt a thousand percent better. I missed the last two days due to obligations, but I am going to go again next week. Yes, I have now realized that I am no longer 20-years-old.
After this revolution, I realized that what I had been doing was going to work and sitting all day. Then, coming home and sitting in my recliner at home. Then, I would go to bed. No wonder my back was jacked up!
So, those approaching 50 – take some time out of your busy schedule to exercise, even if it is just walking. You may be surprised how much better you feel!