-‐Then
you
get
other
side
effects
like
constipation
(and
this
might
happen
from
all
the
meds
you
take
and
from
inactivity).
Pushing
increases
your
intra-‐abdominal
pressure
which
increases
your
pain.
So
now
you
have
to
take
laxatives
–
more
pills!
-‐
You
can’t
just
turn
over
in
bed.
You
move
at
a
snail’s
pace
–
the
frustration!
In
the
beginning
when
you
are
at
your
worst,
you
can’t
even
do
things
like
stand
and
pack
your
kid’s
lunch.
-‐
I
also
can’t
believe
how
many
times
you
drop
things.
Does
this
seem
to
happen
a
lot
more
just
because
you
can’t
bend
to
pick
things
up,
or
do
we
not
notice
how
often
we
drop
things
when
our
backs
are
fine?
I
developed
very
strong
thigh
muscles
as
I
had
to
use
my
legs
to
squat
down
to
pick
things
up.
This
is
the
correct
way
to
do
it.
I
also
have
developed
a
better
posture
again
as
your
back
reminds
you
every
time
you
flex
or
sit
inco rrectly.
-‐Luckily
I
have
a
good
support
structure
but
you
also
don’t
want
to
impose
on
other
people’s
lives
all
the
time.
Remember:
-‐
-‐
-‐
-‐
-‐
Listen
to
your
body.
Don’t
be
a
martyr.
Ask
for
help
and
accept
help.
Do
what
you
are
told
by
your
GP/physio
and
other
medical
professionals.
If
you
are
a
medical
professional
don’t
listen
to
yourself
and
don’t
self
diagnose
–
listen
to
other
professionals.
From
a
medical
point
of
view
you
are
not
qualified
to
treat
yourself.
You
only
make
half
of
the
decisions
properly.
Sometimes
it
takes
a
while
to
find
the
correct
diagnosis.
If
there
are
things
your
physio
tells
you
and
they
don’t
help,
inform
them.
There
are
always
alternatives.
Different
things
work
for
different
patients
and
different
conditions.
Sometimes
you
just
have
to
be
patient.
-‐
-‐
-‐
Practical
tips:
-‐
-‐
-‐
-‐
-‐
-‐
-‐
-‐
-‐
-‐
The
buoyancy
of
a
deep
bath
and
the
heat
of
the
water
relieves
pain
and
muscle
spasm,
but
only
bath
if
you
can
get
into
and
out
of
the
bath
on
your
own
or
if
you
have
assistance.
Use
heat
for
the
pain
of
muscle
spasms.
It
gives
great
relief.
Wear
slip
on
shoes.
Do
active
rest.
This
means:
Lay
down
as
much
as
possible
in
as
pain
free
a
position
as
you
can
(alternate
your
position
between
laying
on
your
back
and
alternate
sides).
Alternate
the
laying
down
with
non-‐weight
bearing
mobility
exercises
as
prescribed
by
your
physio.
We
have
a
good
strong
thigh
muscles
so
use
your
legs
when
you
pick
up
or
lift
things.
Do
not
bend
your
back.
If
you
need
to
bend
forward
-‐
either
bend
your
legs
or
lean
onto
something
to
support
yourself.
Ask
your
GP/pharmacist
about
medication
if
necessary
(Ask
for
meds
that
won’t
lead
to
constipation).
Listen
to
your
body.
Do
everything
within
limits
of
your
pain.
Ask
for
assistance
when
needed.
Speak
to
your
physio
about
anything
and
everything
regarding
your
lower
back
pain.
They
can
help.
LASTLY
:
APPRECIATE
YOUR
HEALTH