Back Class

Well, I attended my first back class today. I say first because the instructor/physical therapist is making me go to at least two more classes. After that, I may have to graduate to the masters program, which is seeing a physical therapist one-on-one.

So, what did I learn today? you ask. I learned that I am currently failing the proper positions for: sitting, standing, getting in the car, getting out of the car, lying down, sitting on the couch, getting in bed, getting out of bed, brushing my teeth, pulling, pushing, leaning, bending, turning, picking stuff up and all in all...avoiding pain. I am getting an "F" in pain free living.

The good news is that there is hope. And that hope better fulfill itself before I turn out like the other 15 or so people in that class. I'm tellin' ya, they were in WAY worse shape than me. Even the dumb 18 year old chick who got in trouble for texting walks as stiff as a board. Younger is not always better. I feel sorry for the people who have resorted to shots, acupuncture and regular physical therapy sessions. A lot of people have numb legs too. That totally freaks me out. I just hope I get better before that happens to me. I'm not sure what my next classes are for, but I think I'll be learning certain stretches to help. If I'm good, maybe that will bump me up to a solid C.

Immediate action plan:

• Stop running on hills
• No more sitting on the couch (hopefully just temporary)
• Sleep on my side with a pillow between my knees or on my back with a pillow under my knees. No more tummy sleeping.
• Buy an SUV so I don't have to bend down to get in my shorty car.
• Use the "hip hinge" method to bend or lean - spread legs apart and lean from hips
• Adjust my office chair so it doesn't lean back.
• Eat dinner. It won't help my back, but I'm starving.

I'll keep you posted on my studies.