Dealing with Acute Pain

 THE DO's AND DON'Ts OF DEALING WITH AN ACUTELY SORE BACK (in my experience! )

• DO NOT PANIC!! 

• DO respect the advice of a good and very sensible physio (Stephanie, teacher in studio), and I quote "Ali, take the full dose of medication and GO TO BED!!"

• DO breathe - bit deeper than normal if can. Taps into your Vagal nerve (or parasympathetic system) and calms the whole thing down. Or do Daily Calm on the CALM APP. A favourite 10 minute oasis of calm. 

• DO trust your body. If a position eases the pain, go into it and let it settle. We are talking 24 hours...not 24 days. 

• DO start doing gentle movements when acute pain settles. Four point hinging on hands and knees brilliant. Small cat brilliant, small pelvic tilt brilliant. No big long lever movement.  

• DO appreciate good hip, knee and ankle range which allow you to get up and down without pain. Really useful. 

• DO realise acute or chronic stress can impact the body and create tension in unexpected places. (Long story but basically I was very worried for a short period of time but definitely feel this impacted my spine)

• DO remember Epsom salts bath - heat and muscle relief - very effective at times for discomfort and can help sleep. 

• LASTLY - and likely most important  - DO NOT even think about donning a pair of high heels, very suspect wig and go to a party prancing around as Tina Turner as if you are 16 again...your body WILL NOT like it!! What did I expect??!!