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Back pain is the worst!

Now I have pulled a muscle or two in my lower back before, which has resulted in a great deal of pain, often coupled with an inability to even move, but at least in those cases, when I curl up in the fetal position, and don't move, the pain goes away.

But around 2 AM last night, I awoke with such extreme pain in my upper back, there was nothing I could do to alleviate it. The pain was so extreme, I couldn't even lift my head, and for quite awhile I actually felt nauseous. Eventually I was able to stretch it out, enabling me to move, albeit very gingerly, but the pain was still there.

At that point, I was desperate, and did something I have vowed never to do, or at least only do in extreme situations. I took a SOMA.

So what caused this pain? I'm not exactly sure, because I don't remember feeling any pain at the time, but I suspect it was when I was putting the sub woofer into the new entertainment center we had delivered yesterday. That sucker is heavy and awkward to lift.

Now I'm still in a lot of pain, and I'm resisting the need to take another SOMA, so I've decided not to go for my usual bike ride (I couldn't even if I wanted to) this morning. Instead, the plan is to spend the day alternately applying heat and ice to the effected area in the hope the pain will go away by tomorrow.

If it doesn't improve much, I may resort to taking another pill, but I'm hoping it won't come to that.  In the mean time I'll just suffer
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Comments

Becky said…
Sorry to hear about your back pain. Soma should help if it's a muscle spasm, but they don't do much for pain, at least with my back, but I have two herniated discs. Which I hope you didn't do cuz' they are a bear to deal with.
6:11 AM
Marc said…
It better be a muscle spasm. The alternative isn't something I want to think about. It's awfully similar to the pain Edie was experiencing prior to her diagnosis.

I don't know what I would do if that were the case. Fortunately I am feeling somewhat better, so I am optimistic I'll be able to go for a bike ride tomorrow morning.
10:01 AM
Becky said…
You ought to just take it easy and let you body heal.
11:01 AM
Vreni Gurd said…
Hi Marc,

Let me know if there is anything I can do. I spend my life fixing people's backs ... And there are lots of great people in Southern California with my training too, if you want to see someone for help.

Hope you heal quickly and easily. Sounds like you are doing the right thing, with heat followed by ice.

All my best,

Vreni
4:25 PM
Marc said…
I think the ice is helping, so I'll give it a couple of more days to get better on its own. If it doesn't improve, I may take you up on your offer.
7:04 AM
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