aturnis |
12-28-2011 11:47 PM |
WarPath,
If you remember I was having some problems with my L4 L5 area about a month or two ago. Same time you were posting about yours. I was off of work for a full month and finally got loose enough to go back. My job can be pretty demanding and stressful so keeping at it without going back to the couch has been a challenge.
I've done some pretty demanding stuff recently that if I hadn't taken care of myself at night, I would have been right back where I started.
For me, sitting was the worst thing I could do, as that position just pinched the nerve more, and caused discomfort. Driving to therapy was the worst. The stretch/exercise that got me mobile again, was the "hump the floor and arch your back" move. Lying face down, starting first by getting to my elbows, then, after many sessions and loosening a bit, eventually lifting my upper body fully with my arms. I thought this would just pinch the nerve further, but it opens the front of your spine, and allows room for the nerve to move back into a better position.
They told me, along with my exercises, put a rolled up towel under my lower back in the L4 L5 area from time to time in order to keep the natural arch of my back while lying down on my back. I eventually started taking a regular bath towel, folding it length-wise, and rolling it up and sleeping on it. It might seem a tad big, but your mattress will sink some and it will compress under your weight throughout the night.
This has worked wonders for me. Recently, there have been a few times where I have thought that I was going to lock up again, so I slept like this, and I've woke up rejuvenated. Sometimes with better results than others. I used to sleep on my side, on my stomach and all sorts of positions, everything but on my back. It just wasn't "comfortable". I now believe that sleeping on my back wasn't comfortable b/c of the condition of my back, and not that it was just intolerable. With this towel trick, I have no problem sleeping on my back. Though, from time to time, I'll still roll in the night. Give it a try though, even if you "can't sleep that way". This gives me 6-8 good hours of un-irritated nerve through the night. That's a lot of time for my muscles to recoup.
p.s. sorry if this post is disconnected and spacey. I'm dog tired. Definitely sleeping on the towel tonight. Best of luck "bruh". Later.
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