I have a severe disc bulge in my L4/L5 vertebrae of my lumbar spine. I had my first acute attack when my first son was 3 months old. So it’s been 3 years. Generally disc bulges should have healed by now, however I continue to have reoccurring flare ups. Sometimes it will have been a few months, other times it may have only been a couple of weeks. The pain is debilitating when it occurs, to the point that I struggle to stand up straight. Like many people with lower back pain, mine is usually accompanied by sciatica. Fun times!
My goal is to avoid surgery, I believe my body can heal itself in time. Unfortunately pregnancy, child birth, weakened core as a result and lifting babies and toddlers and twisting in all weird angles for them isn’t conducive to this happening fast.
Chronic pain is an interesting beast. Despite the physical elements to my injury, I firmly believe there is a psychological element to it as well, and that is something I can focus on now! My most recent flare up was just this past month and it was one of my worst. Although I know my core is weak being post-partum 3 months, I believe that this flare up was largely caused by stress. For me, a number of family challenges and a new business as a combination but the news of the latest lockdown extension was literally the final straw that broke the camel’s back!
This may seem all doom and gloom, but what I’m really here to share is that there is hope to recovery, and back pain can be managed, reduced and even eradicated in time. And yes, of course, Pilates plays a big part!
Here’s how I know I can manage and treat mine;
- Reformer Pilates to strengthen my core (abdominals, glutes, pelvic floor, my back muscles)
- Pilates and some Qi Gong or yoga to increase my flexibility, particularly spine and hip mobility
- Regular osteopathic treatments (every 6 weeks for maintenance)
- Regular treatments with a very special chiro who focuses on releasing the emotional tension causing the back pain (somatic energetic work)
- Daily meditation to manage my stress
- Practising as many ergonomic friendly positions as possible (e.g. ergonomic chair or pillow for lumbar support when sitting working)
If you suffer from chronic back pain and you haven’t incorporated Pilates as part of your treatment and prevention, then I suggest you ask the medical professional that looks after you about it next time. It could be a game changer!