Following on my last post on painkiller addiction, I have coincidently had a couple of clients this week, all conscious of trying to limit, reduce or avoid painkillers. They varied in age from as young as their mid 20’s, and had the following chronic issues
- Recovery from Spinal fusion
- Bone spur of the hip
- Bulging disc, degenerative discs and arthritis (in her neck)
- Spinal surgery after a car accident
They were all professionals and were therefore worried that their condition would stop them from being able to work or indeed doing the hobbies they loved. So they were determined to try and beat the pain. Sadly it is often very difficult to know where to start and you do need support and be confident in the knowledge that you are doing the right thing.
The common factors in their coping mechanisms were:
- A positive approach
- The determination to get back to work and live life to the full
- The determination to keep their minds free from the effect of painkillers
- Taking control – being proactive in their rehabilitation
- Researching into the right help for them, including finding the right physiotherapist
- Including exercise as part of their rehabilitation
- For some, they also reassessed their diet in order to lose extra weight.
- Correcting their posture at work – key in ensuring the above steps aren’t undone as soon as you sit back down at the desk.
Indeed one lady took steps to getting a personal trainer, specialised in back issues. Unable to visit the gym, a personal trainer gave her the confidence to exercise according to her own condition and abilities, so she could build up strength over time in the knowledge that her back was safe. For her, this was cheaper and more beneficial than a gym membership. Having been barely able to move when I first saw her, after changing her work set up and getting advise on key rehabilitation steps, she was now considering learning to run under her trainer’s guidance!
It is natural to feel tired when you are dealing with pain, and the worry and stress this causes, so try not to let this deter you. And don’t be afraid to let work know what you need to help with your recovery process. Unless they have had a back issue themselves, they can be unaware of simple steps they can do to speed up your return to full productivity. Every back issue is different, so unless they know how they can support you, it can be challenging!
If you need more support with managing your back issue, our experts will check everything you are doing and make bespoke adaptations to your work set up, ensuring your body is supported in a way that is key for your own particular condition and enable you to start to let all of your good rehabilitation work take effect and not get undone.
Check our workstation assessment services or make an appointment for a free advisory call.
https://www.corrigo-design.com/consultancy-services/