Before we launch into the list, it’s worth mentioning that Repetitive Low Back Strain does not have to be a part of anyone’s life, unless medically proven to be irreversible. This is the tone of this whole article.
What this article will cover:
• The key ways to control the “triggers” that lead to Repetitive Low Back Strain (RLBS).
• Important factors that lead to healing are within reach and are closer than you think.
• The best choices for prolonging any treatment “result.”
• Reducing and eliminating costly visits and time-consuming insurance claims.
• The hottest decisions that cool down our biggest concern (i.e. energy zapping pain, and possible disability) that must be on your radar.
• A few surprises you never thought about before.
The Top Ten Don’ts
1) Do NOT keep doing what causes the issue.
Ok, yawn, I know, I know. But if you can…completely remove the problem activity, exercise, etc.
2) Do NOT keep doing what indirectly causes the issue.
This is trickier to figure out. Maybe someone on the outside looking in to your situation, like a friend, family member, co-worker, etc might be kind enough to point out things you might not see as “causes.”
3) Do NOT continue thinking that you’re injured.
This means any thoughts that insist that “the pain just comes on and doesn’t leave me, no matter what I do,” or something like this is actually reinforcing the pain and strain’s presence. Thoughts can heal. More and more proof is emerging that pain can be thought influenced, in and out of the body.
4) Do NOT eat foods that cause inflammation
This means there are food products that re-enforce pain? Yes. A diet reversal can do wonders for proper healing.
5) Do NOT skip doing the things that make you happy.
While it’s true that pain makes us not be “ourselves” does not mean we must give up what makes us happy. While some things might not be within reach (like rock climbing or skiing for example), doing exercises that mimic what makes you happy ( and do not trigger the pain) can indirectly make you happy and direct yourself away from pain.
6) Do NOT believe that “I’m too old to heal” or “This runs in the family” or let beliefs like this control you and your expectations.
Well, no, beliefs touch on the mental and thought patterns that just might be triggering chronic pain. Everything that can be consumed by the mind and body either moves us away or toward pain.
7) Do NOT insist that when the pain goes away, it all comes back, somehow.
This might be related to the situations you find yourself in, like always listening to the news (that highlights the bad going on in the world or locally), being around people you like or love who just have negativity to share, listening or watching media negative programming…I could go on.
Avoiding things that “remind” you of pain could be bringing it all back. Take back your power and decide what is “reminding” you of pain and be rid of it.
8) Do NOT avoid the pain with inactivity.
While it’s true that all of us are programmed by nature to avoid pain, inactivity (which might give you relief) could actually back-fire. In new circles of thought in 2014, sitting or being sedentary is the new “smoking” problem. The human body is designed to move. When it doesn’t everything slows down, including healing and staying pain-free. Unless your doctor has prescribed best rest, consider doing consistent light daily activity that doesn’t re-aggravate your pain.
9) Do NOT insist that the pain feels good enough to avoid life or things, people, etc. in life.
Well now, this could get complex and demand a text book of information. And this can of worms could spread like wild-fire. But no, let’s not have that. Instead, let’s all admit we do things for reasons entirely our own and when we see fit…for our perceived well-being. Avoidance, masochism, escapism, mental issues, addictions etc. are born from this kind of mindset. Reversing such things is not the focus of this article, however, a mindset like this could be re-enforcing pain and patterns of thought that keep your pain right where it is.
The good news is it doesn’t have to.
10) Do NOT maintain religious beliefs that have you thinking enduring pain is an act of faith or inspiration.
This is either sticky or offensive or not at all. So, here’s a subjective thought to consider. The interpretation of pain is as varied as people.
The key question to ask here is this:
Is enduring pain working inspiring people to persist or are they repelled?
In other words, do you honestly think your situation is an inspiration to others?
Notice that this has nothing to do with religion, faith or inspiration…but it does.
This article series is presented in parts. Look for the next installment tomorrow which highlights The 10 DO’s and a few surprises to boot!
Bill Bistak M Sc., Certified Personal Trainer, Reiki Master, Author
*Image courtesy Flickr creative commons.