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| Me, on my birthday during my college years, at the shooting range, looking awesome |
Disclaimer: this is a super whiny post
It seems like every time I get a good momentum going with my blog and just getting things done in general, something comes along and whacks me off course. And, more often than not, that something is health related. The past couple of days have been no exception.
For years I have struggled with back/neck/shoulder pain. I have mild (really really mild compared to my sister in law) scoliosis and just, ya know, bad posture and stuff like that. For the past several months I've been seeing a really good chiropractor and that has definitely been helping.
Seeing the chiropractor regularly has been like night and day compared to just toughing it out at home. It's the difference between suffering major headaches that are aggravated significantly by little things like too much light and being able to be up and active doing the things that I love. Obviously that's a huge difference. And obviously I prefer the latter. So, obviously, I'm a major fan of my chiropractor.
But every now and then I still go through a little blip where the old symptoms come back and I'm back to headache mania that knocks me out and takes over my whole life. And that's what the past couple of days have been. It's a good thing Olivia's such a low-maintenance (and quiet, usually) kid or else everything would be about ten million times worse. Yesterday she literally laid on the couch with me (awake) and played with her hands and whispered things to herself for an hour while I took a nap.
Today I've been feeling a lot worse, but Bryan got home in the early afternoon and has taken a lot of time off of studying for finals to help me run errands and take care of Olivia. He is an awesome husband. I love him a lot.
But, unfortunately, neither my love for Bryan or my chiropractor is making me feel much better at the moment. I felt better right after I was adjusted at the chiropractor today, but about ten minutes later I was back to feeling pretty miserable. So now that I've done my whining to the world I'm off to lay on the couch with an ice pack under my neck and basically be really bored while I think of all the other more fun (and productive) things I could be doing.
I know there are a lot of people in the world who are far worse off than me. There are tons. And, compared to all the worse things it could be, I'm glad I just have bad headaches. But, ya know, I'd still prefer not to have those either.
I had a heart-to-heart with the chiropractor today to discuss more ways to help strengthen my body and prevent this pain. But if any of you have helpful suggestions (preferably things that don't include, like, morphine and stuff), I welcome your advice.
And if I'm not back to writing about all the fun things I want to share with you guys in the next couple of days, just know that I really want to be.
9 comments:
So sorry you're not feeling well. I was going to suggest a warm rice pack...but if you're icing it maybe that's what you need. I know icing it makes my muscles tense up and makes my back ache more. If you want, I could call Eric's mom (or you could). She has a book about using essential oils and homeopathic remedies that she swears by. She and Eric's sister have had back issues off and on.
I have the same problem sometimes! It seems that pregnancy fixed my back (weird!) but before that my back would always start hurting when I stopped exercising. All I had to do was run or walk like 3 days a week to keep it not hurting. I don't know if that works for everyone. Hope you feel better!
That's rough, Katie! I'm really sorry. I recently had my first experience with neck pain a few months ago and it was MISERABLE. It sounds like my worst days were more like your regular days though! Seriously, you have my sympathy. I hope you feel better soon.
I have no advice except-- perhaps you should repent. Maybe if you weren't so wicked you wouldn't be so...afflicted.
Also, you definitely refer to yourself as afflicted more often.
Hi Katie! I am so sorry that you are in pain! That seriously stinks. Have you ever looked into going to a physical therapist? It's usually covered by insurance and they can show you how to strengthen and stretch those painful areas. Jared treats people with headaches all the time teaches them how to prevent them from happening and how to treat them when they do come. I am sorry that you don't live in Utah anymore- he could totally treat you for free. He makes a lot of "house calls" to both sides of the family. :) Anyway, good luck! And, I am loving the new look of your blog!
Mark tried going gluten free for a while to help with his headaches. I don't think it worked, but I don't remember how long he tried it.
He also took some classes/workshops on biofeedback techniques and that helped. He still uses some of the tips.
I have the same issues. When you hold stress in your shoulders, back and neck, the muscles tighten and pull everything out of wack. I have found massage to be GREAT! I do a combination of chiropractic, massage, ice and heat. I know it can be expensive so I would ask for a deal; like if you purchase a package of massages or adjustments or schedule out visits each week or every other week for a discount. My insurance doesn't cover this stuff either. I now get $20 adjustments and fairly cheap massages. Make sure to ice after adjustments (max of 15 min.) and heat any other time. When you have a headache, I recommend some caffine (caffinated soda or chocolate). It increases the blood flow to your head. If you get really desprite Excedrine Migraine is excellent! Make sure to drink plenty of water too. Hope that helps! Take care!
Oh no! Well hopefully you feel better soon! I don't really have any stellar advice but here is what I've got:
1. Drink something warm. Like maybe some lemon juice and honey. Like LOTS of honey. :)
2. Use Vicks Vapor Rub. I know this sounds crazy but I rub it into my temples when I have a headache and don't want to take any more medicine. It really seems to work. The smell helps my head relax. It kind of reminds me of Marae's migra-stick. Which one of those might work too. I bought one awhile ago at a Health Foods store. But then I lost it. Hence the Vicks Vapor Rub.
3. Take a hot bath.
4. My best idea yet! Make Bryan give you nightly massages.
Love you! Feel better!!!
Sending love and prayers to you sweet Katie.
I'm sorry that you're not feeling well. I hope that it gets better soon!
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