Administrator out of commission for a while...

[Atash Hagmahani]

I threw my back out yesterday, hauling luggage for homestay guests. Their enormous luggage was well over limits. Unfortunately I don't seem to have learned my own personal limits yet, but I got a quick lesson yesterday. Still pretty sore.

If not enough stuff gets posted...well, then, take the day off and actually get some preparations accomplished. 

[opsec]

Put some ice cubes in a zip lock bag and wrap it in a towel. Put that behind your back when you sit down.

[oscar615]

Sorry about that.  Get your wife to massage you.  That always makes me smile.  :-)

[hancocs]

Sorry to hear about your back Atash,

Ice is good for swelling and then heat to increase blood flow and the healing process. Your in my prayers. 

[Dame]

Sympathies.  And, we will all survive if you take the time you need to take care of yourself.  We may actually appreciate you more with a little contrast.

[Rusty Shackelford]

Ok, I'm not a doctor, but I play one on the internet. 

If you're having low back pain - the traditional "I threw my back out" from heavy lifting - do the following (don't laugh).

1.  Lay flat on your back - floor or bed.
2.  Squeeze your stomach muscles tight.
3.  Squeeze your buttocks together tight.
4.  Push down with your stomach - like your trying to force a bowel movement.
5.  Hold it for a 5 count.
6.  Relax.
7.  Repeat it as many times as you can up to 10.

I've never had this exercise fail to show almost immediate results.  A chiropractor told me about it almost 20 years ago.  I also do it as a preventative - if I know I'll be doing heavy work, I'll start doing this about a week before. 

As always, YMMV.  If you think you've got a serious injury consult your real medical professional or attorney.

[Mike]

Yes!  Good luck with your back, Atash.

I am also a believer in Rusty Shackleford's treatment.  But it is probably better as a preventive practice than a cure.

[hancocs]

Just little more info. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states " About 90% percent of patients with acute low back problems spontaneously recover activity tolerance with in 1 month. So most people have a chance of a good and full recovery.

[Atash Hagmahani]

Still sore. It's a chronic problem, but thankfully we traced this specific episode to an activity that I will be boycotting from now on. They don't pay me enough for this.  $650/month covers room, 3 meals/day, laundry, utilities (and boy do they know how to use them) and a lot of errands like this.

[Dame]

You have very pampered tenants.

[Atash Hagmahani]

You have very pampered tenants.

Yeah, but I am thankful the business is still coming in. The layoffs here are just scary. 

[Karmick]

I'm betting you can find an acupuncturist that would be willing to trade for your services.  They tend to be a pretty enlightened crowd.....  which would explain their amazing ability to reduce pain and induce healing.

[Dame]

My accupuncturist/chiropractor/dr of chinese medicine is my primary health care provider and has been for years.  It really cuts down on the need for medications, even the herbal or homeopathic sort.

[The Future]

Arnica gel.

[Rusty Shackelford]

Radical amputation.