Backing up & getting creative

I think it’s almost a rite of passage when you reach middle age to encounter issues with your back. What I commonly people saying is, “My back went out yesterday.”

When someone says this, they are typically referring to a back spasm, where your back muscles involuntarily contract causing intense, sudden pain. I’ve experienced the particularly brutal kind a couple of times, where I can hardly get out of bed, let alone walk.

Last Sunday started out completely normal. I did my usual chores and took my dog for a walk before lunch time. I noticed when I bent over to take care of her … deposit … that my back felt a little “off.” By early afternoon, I could no longer bend over.

Thankfully I could still walk, but I knew that if I didn’t take care of myself, things would get much worse. I got out the heating pad, ice pack, and ibuprofen, then parked myself in the recliner for the rest of the day.

What’s frustrating about back spasms is that it’s sometimes hard to pinpoint what causes them. In fact, I do everything you’re supposed to, including:

1. Exercising to strengthen my core
2. Avoiding heavy lifting and always lifting items properly
3. Maintaining good posture and a healthy weight
4. Avoiding sitting for long periods of time
5. Stretching my back often

In this instance, I can’t recall doing anything to have caused my latest issue. This is frustrating because the first thing people ask is, “What did you do?” While I did some deep cleaning last Saturday, it was in two small rooms, and there it didn’t involve any heavy lifting or strenuous activity.

Since Sunday, I’ve been relying on my husband John and my son Jacob for anything that requires bending over. But when they’re not around, I have to think outside the box.

I’ve been using my foot to do atypical tasks like shutting the dishwasher door, opening the recycling lid, and much more. I’ve been performing unusual contortions holding firmly onto the wall and balancing on one leg to reach things. And you should see my creativity with the “grabber” (sadly, yes, we’ve had this item in our household for a few years now).

Our columnist discovered that the ‘grabber’ can be a lifesaver during certain episodes of middle-age. (Photo provided)

I shared a saying on my social media recently that I saw on a church sign, “Grow through what you go through.” I’m trying to focus on how blessed I am during this latest back episode and staying positive. Things could be so much worse.

I’m glad that I can at least walk around, continue working, and do most of my normal tasks, albeit with some creativity. I’ll still be able to enjoy dinner out with my Valentine this evening.

Thankfully I had a massage last Wednesday evening, which always does wonders for me. I know by next week I’ll slowly be returning to normal.

Final note … as always, dear readers, if you encounter a back issue – whether you’re middle aged or not – please reach out to your doctor/healthcare provider.

Amy Shankland is a writer and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John, two sons, two dogs, and a cat. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.