Laid up in the laid back chat

[REW Tyler]

I still recommend swimming.

That and a hot tub and a massuse. I always get pains in my right shoulder from using a computer mouse alot, so I always find a hot shower or a hot bath does alot to relieve the stress in my right shoulder. Either way get better soon.

[tom]

Yeah, nothing to me is more relaxing than sitting in some steaming hot bathtub water after I just took a nice hot shower and reading the paper and listening to some relaxing music (for me a little classical, a little jazz maybe).

Of course, if I had a hot tub that would be better. But since I dont it does the job...sleeping on an airmattress and sitting in front of a computer all week does not go over well with the back area.

[Auliya]

Ohh....Judyo....You should try a hot bath with Epsom salts. Whenever im sore anywhere thats what i do and it really helps. I'm a little wary of hot tubs just because im allergic to them, thats just me of course. Its so sad, hot tubs are so nice.....

[SEO Dave]

I haven't had a bath in years.. I've been considering one lately though cause i have a bad back and the bath tub at my new place has jets :P

[judyo]

I have a 3/4 bath upstairs (shower) & a full bath downstairs. I have never used the bathtub (not even for a shower) downstairs - LOL!

Plus, with my back hurting, I'm afraid I won't be able to get out or that I'll fall trying. Did you ever see those new "walk-in" bathtubs? You actually open a door on the side, walk-in, shut the door & it obviously seals itself.

[KSA]

Judy,

Sorry to hear of your troubles, and I wish you a speedy recovery. Here's my suggestion. I've used chirpractors for back pain, and the good ones do a great job.

But, the best thing I ever did for myself was to go to an orthopedic surgeon who specialized in sports medicine. My experience was that this type of doc does everything they can before even thinking about surgery. I felt the same way - wouldn't go to a surgeon cause I didn't want surgery!

The specific exercises they gave me do a great job of keeping my back in working order. If I'm doing a lot of stuff that could aggravate my back, I do those exercises every day, and it seems to prevent the problem from getting really bad.

Your back may be beyond exercise, but if you're checking around with different docs, you might want to include a sports medicine expert in the list.

Take care,

Kathleen

[judyo]

Thanks Kathleen,

You know, I'm the type that once this heals up I'll forget about the doctor (esp. since I don't want surgery as this happens so rarely). What I plan on doing is getting back to core exercises such as the abs & back once I get better. Pilates is wonderful for core strengthening. I used to do these exercises regularly and stopped about a year ago for whatever reason.

My husband is nagging me about finding a doctor (he's tired of doing everything around here) - LOL! Like if I go to a specialist I'm going to be cured with an office visit.