Happy Christmas, Happy Holidays and A Wonderful New Year.

Wishing you all a lovely time over the holidays. Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.

I do hope that anyone dealing with back or sciatic pain has a holiday time as pain free as possible and that the New year will bring you better health and less or no pain.

Take good care of yourself, be gentle on yourself and always think about what you CAN DO.

Thank you so much for visiting Life With My Pet Back. I do appreciate it and hope it helps you in some way.  I look forward to sharing more next year with you.

Here's something to leave you this year with a little smile I hope. Its not a proper lumbar support pillow but just a normal pillow with a little message for us to remember to R-e-l-a-X.

Funny Prescription Strength Pillows by reflections06
Check out these Pillows at Zazzle

If You Were Santa How Would You Carry The Sack?

I must be starting to get in the mood for Christmas with this title! However it does have a serious note. How often do we carry around large or heavy items? 

Especially at this time of year when we are likely to do more shopping for food and presents, we seem to end up carrying more, which if you have an existing back issue is not good. 

 Then when you think of handbags, some of which are very large and often full. They too can be a strain on our backs and shoulders if they are too heavy and unbalanced.  

 The weekly shopping can be difficult if you have a bad back. Whether you use the supermarket  bags or reusable canvas or fabric bags that are larger , once they are full up they are often very heavy. 

Then there are the days when we go out shopping for gifts and believe me it mounts up doesn't it and we end up lugging around a lot of items that weigh a lot.   

If you carry one heavy bag then all the weight is on one side and can cause undue pressure and is terrible for your posture. If you carry two heavy bags then it tends to weigh down on your shoulders  and is simply heavy and uncomfortable to carry for long periods especially if you have existing back or spinal issues. 

So here are a few tips that might just help to save your back. I cannot help Santa but I can help you.


1. When shopping only fill the bag enough so that you know you can lift it, now that may only be half full or a quarter full, it does not matter. You have to be able to lift it safely and without too much effort.


2. Try to avoid lifting the bag and twisting your spine. Slow controlled even movements and I don't care if it takes longer, people will have to wait. 


3. Maybe use a trolley to put your shopping into if you are walking home. Carrying bags can put a lot of pressure on your back and a trolley is easier for most people. They are also great for carrying goods home from the farmers markets.  (see the trolleys listed at the end of this article. ) Once people have a good trolley they tend to use it for all kinds of things ! 


4. Try to get help with shopping if you are doing a big shop at a supermarket. Even if no one can come with you  maybe ask the store for assistance with carrying it to the car and loading it up. When you get home unload slowly and maybe there will be some help there for you.


5. Handbags! I don't know about you but I seem to fill up my handbag , whatever size it is ! If you do this try to adopt a smaller size handbag, it will still hold your stuff but will be easier on your back and shoulders. 

Check out the bag AmeriBag Classic Microfiber Healthy Back Bag tote X-Small,Black,one size available on Amazon in different sizes, it is lightweight and the carry design is easier on your back. Not for an evening out but great if you want a practical day bag to carry all your stuff.

 Alternatively a nice looking lightweight handbag in a smaller size like the Kipling Europa Crossover Handbag,Black,One Size  


6. When out shopping in a Mall or large store ask if you can store your bought goods there for collection later. That way you can go about your shopping without the burden of carrying it all around all day. Some stores have a car delivery /pick up point where you can collect all your shopping. 


7. If shopping out and about does not appeal to you, or your pain is moderate to severe it may simply be not practical to try shopping . However these days there are so many more options to shop easily and safely online for food and gifts that I know so many people even without any health concerns do all their shopping online and avoid the crowds, so it is possible and can be a great way to get everything you need from your own home.


8. However, if you do go out shopping and carrying items then do make sure when you get home that you do any back pain exercises you have and that you take a warm bath and treat your back very well afterwards. 


So just a few simple practical ways to save lugging that sack around this year! Maybe you have more great inventive ideas If so do let us know in the comments

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For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

7 Day Back Pain Cure
This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.

Gifts For People With Back Pain

As the Christmas  season approaches and we start to think about gifts for loved ones I was considering what gifts would be useful and thoughtful if we know someone who has backpain or sciatica. 

Often if you are in pain from these conditions you do need or want a few items to help you to be more comfortable, to ease pain , to help you r posture. Yet many people I know do not like to buy themselves items like these seeing them as luxuries, when in fact they would do a lot to help them day to day with back pain.


I know having had back pain and severe sciatic pain that when I received a gift to help me I was very grateful and  really showed the person had thought it out. 


 I still recall being thrilled when my hubby bought me the Contour Freedom Back Massage  -thats the one you can see in the picture. I still use it all the time, when sitting at my desk especially. It is a firm back support and I love its massage function. I do find it very supportive and it stops me form slumping and getting into bad posture habits which i know will cause me to get pain again.

Whether it is a full body sleep pillow to help gain a better nights rest with the spine in proper alignment, a back support cushion to turn uncomfortable chairs into a supportive seat or other supports and helpful items, your gift will be treasured.


So I put together a page of a few ideas that would be a caring and thoughtful gift for someone with backpain or sciatic pain. I hope you find it helpful.   


Gifts for A Person With Back Pain



If you like this post please share with your friends.  If you liked this post do consider joining our Facebook Page Sciatica Solutions.



Lose The Back Pain System
Lose the Back Pain, is a system of self assessments to determine what physical imbalances you may have that may be causing your pain, then specific and targeted exercises to follow to address the imbalances, along with pain reduction strategies. 

For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

7 Day Back Pain Cure
This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.

Why I Do Pilates

My neurosurgeon said that I should swim for three times a week for the rest of my life. Thank  goodness I didn't have to have surgery (I wrote about that in another post) but he said I would have to look after my back very well all of my life. 

So from that day I visited the swimming pool three times a week. Sometimes it was hard when you are in pain, getting there, getting changed, a slippery poolside etc but the relief when I got in the water was wonderful! 

I did not swim. I walked in the water, I floated on my back and I hung over the side getting a wonderful stretch that felt so good. I did my exercises in the water, I did get a few looks at first but they soon got used to me and I did not care! Anything to help my backpain and sciatica...and it did. I loved it :)

So I did well. As time went on and especially in the winter when it was freezing cold i lapsed a bit and after a few weeks of only going once a week i noticed the difference in my flexibility, my posture. Generally I was doing a good job though .

Then I got a major painful, awful skin allergy that put pay to me doing ay exercise at all let alone swimming! My arms and chest and neck were covered in blisters and welts and damaged skin. I could barely move and was in a lot of pain and discomfort all the time, sore and itching.

Turned out after a year of no diagnosis that I was allergic to the suncream I had been using to protect my skin! Sadly it was found i was also allergic to many preservatives and other chemicals and perfumes and I certainly could not go swimming again in a pool with chlorine. 

It took me 18 months to recover to the point where i can exercise again and my back had paid the price so I was getting pain again but i resumed my specific back exercises and started to think what can I do to exercise my whole body. 

I found Pilates! I started VERY gently, only doing one exercise then waiting to see then introducing another and another and now have built up a full session of the basic exercises. This Pilates DVD  designed to stretch, strengthen and balance your body is very useful to get you started with Pilates. 

It seemed to balance my body, making the muscles stronger and longer, working both sides in harmony. I am increasing my strength and my flexibility at the same time.  

My back is feeling better again and my posture has improved again. 

I invested in a Pilates machine at home so that I could do it every day when I felt like it and although it was expensive it has worked out well.

I gave up the gym membership and now Hubby does Pilates too so it will pay for itself in about a year or less. 

So I am glad to have found a long term exercise that I enjoy and that can help my back as well as the rest of me ! 

I do love my Pilates Reformer Machine and would not want to be without it. 


Do you find any exercise that helps?


If you liked this post please share with your friends If you liked this post do consider joining our Facebook Page Sciatica Solutions.



Lose The Back Pain System
Lose the Back Pain, is a system of self assessments to determine what physical imbalances you may have that may be causing your pain, then specific and targeted exercises to follow to address the imbalances, along with pain reduction strategies. 

For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

7 Day Back Pain Cure
This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.

Arthritis -Can You Reverse It?

Isnt it strange how as we get a bit older we get all sorts of aches and pains in places we didn’t know we had places! They certainly were not there when we were younger. I know I have, and though I try to ignore it , I know I should really be paying attention, especially as my Mum has two kinds of arthritis and I have seen first hand the effects on her.

So if you are wondering if that grinding in your knees as you walk down the stairs is a cause for concern – or if the weakened grip as you try to open a jar is normal – (why are those jars on sooo tight these days !) or you are in pain, you may be looking at an early indication of Arthritis. I suggest that you do get it checked out by a qualified healthcare professional and also read below.

Arthritis Reversed Book

If you already have Arthritis, you’re still going to love this because he reveals how you can actually reverse its effects with simple changes in your diet alone.

And even if you yourself don’t have Arthritis now, you are in the best position of all because this will give you the roadmap to preventing it along with a host of other related health conditions. I want to live my life to the full and I am sure you do too.

We all have our love of a hobby, activity or work etc or just things we need to do. For me its gardening I love to do and I will do what i can to keep my back and body healthy so I can do it as long as possible! Imagine how great it’s going to be to finally be able to do all the things that your arthritis or joint pain has been keeping you from…

Don’t wait around for Arthritis to claim you as its next victim… and if it already has, it’s time for you to fight back and win!

Learn About The 5 Worst Foods To Eat If You Have Arthritis. 

To Your Health and Wellbeing,

Hugs

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For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

7 Day Back Pain Cure
This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.

Backpain Quotes To Inspire

Sometimes we need a little lift or inspiration. Knowing someone, somewhere has been there before and come through it. 

Having the ability to laugh at it, reduce its power. I hope some of these quotes will speak to you and give you a little smile, pause for thought or a little joy today

Back Pain Quotes

Gentle hugs  If you liked this post do consider joining our Facebook Page Sciatica Solutions.

 Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.

Back Pain Dealing With Hanging Out Washing

Hanging out washing is such a simple task to do but if you have back pain and sciatica can suddenly seem more difficult , if not impossible!.

You need to try what works for you but here's how I did it when my back was bad and now I do it as a habit.

 I get the washing out of the machine and put a small amount in the basket, carry that to the line and set it down. Then I squat down to pick up the clothes and hang them one by one.

Also depending on how I feel I often use a stool or bench that is outside to put the basket on and then I don't have to keep squatting down. Depends how i feel.

If that is still too much and you have a dryer machine then it may be easier to just use that. 

However if you do have someone who can help you hang out the washing then by all means ask for help. Sometimes it can be very hard for us to ask for help but be kind to yourself.  

Oh Yeah and always watch out for those naughty Woodpigeons !!

Don't forget to get your free copy of the 7 Day Back Pain Cure Book

Gentle hugs

If you liked this post do consider joining our Facebook Page Sciatica Solutions.



Lose The Back Pain System
Lose the Back Pain, is a system of self assessments to determine what physical imbalances you may have that may be causing your pain, then specific and targeted exercises to follow to address the imbalances, along with pain reduction strategies. 

For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

7 Day Back Pain Cure
This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.

Heal-n-Soothe

Do take a minute to learn more about  Heal and Soothe 

When you are in pain you will try many things. I have been there too... It is reassuring to find that other people just like you are getting such great results. 

Nothing works for everyone, however,  If you are in pain you never know you might just get those great results for yourself !

 

 Heal and Soothe is known to:-

 Reduce pain, inflammation and swelling WHILE healing the source of the pain. 

 It is a good alternative to NSAID's which can harm your body instead of heal it. 

 Dissolves pain with natural, inflammation-fighting ingredients. 

 Boosts your immune system Improves joint mobility and flexibility by reducing stiffness-causing fibrin.

  Click here for Your Bottle Heal-n-Soothe.

You may also be interested in the 5 worst foods to eat if you have Arthritis

Gentle Hugs If you liked this post do consider joining our Facebook Page Sciatica Solutions.


For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

7 Day Back Pain Cure
This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.

Active Life Seat - Piriformis Seat Cushion

Hi, I hope you are feeling OK today. However, if you feel you need some help particularly when sitting in the car or office this Active Life Seat - Piriformis Seat Cushion For Car & Office cushion seat may be of good use to you. 

This is the first cushion product to protect the piriformis pressure points when sitting.


As it is not as thick as most other cushions for back pain it is easier to use in the car. Some are too thick and you find yourself wedged up by the ceiling of the car!  This cushion fits most chairs and car seats and doesn't shift around. Your thighs are well supported as well.

It is made of a resilient Minical base and open cell foam top for more comfort. It has good reviews on Amazon if you would like to read those or order the product just click through from the picture.

28.2.24 Apologies link to exact product no longer available please see alternatives via this link to Seat cushions on Amazon  

If you liked this post do consider joining our Facebook Page Sciatica Solutions.



Lose The Back Pain System
Lose the Back Pain, is a system of self assessments to determine what physical imbalances you may have that may be causing your pain, then specific and targeted exercises to follow to address the imbalances, along with pain reduction strategies. 

For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

7 Day Back Pain Cure
This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.

My Sciatica And Back Pain Story

Read my Back and sciatic pain story and what I did about it.

 It isn't always pretty and I am not always proud, but it is honest. 

This is a brief version of a terrible time for me and how I sunk down and came out the other side. I am willing and wanting to share so much in the hope it can help someone else. 

My Back Pain And Sciatica Story


Would "Lose The Back Pain System" Help you ? Listen to what Jesse Cannone has to say on this video 

Gentle hugs If you liked this post do consider joining our Facebook Page Sciatica Solutions.



Lose The Back Pain System
Lose the Back Pain, is a system of self assessments to determine what physical imbalances you may have that may be causing your pain, then specific and targeted exercises to follow to address the imbalances, along with pain reduction strategies. 

For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

7 Day Back Pain Cure
This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.

The Health Hazards Of Sitting

We all know that sitting for long periods of time is not good for us but if you have back or sciatic pain it can be very unhelpful for you.  

Take a look at the article below from The Washington Post which details just how sitting for long periods of time can affect our bodies. That includes our bones, muscles and internal organs and their functioning.  According the the article reducing the time we sit or changing the way we sit is very important.

Health Hazards Of Sitting 


Educating your self about your own back and your own body is key. If you want to learn more about your back and spine and what can help you please get your self a copy of this free book Click Here To Get Your Free Back Pain Book 

Gentle Hugs  If you liked this post do consider joining our Facebook Page Sciatica Solutions.



Lose The Back Pain System
Lose the Back Pain, is a system of self assessments to determine what physical imbalances you may have that may be causing your pain, then specific and targeted exercises to follow to address the imbalances, along with pain reduction strategies. 

For useful information and suggestions there is a Free Back Pain Book Written by the Healthy back Institute-

7 Day Back Pain Cure
This free book (there is a small shipping/handling fee for physical book) will give you a good starting point for taking back control of your back pain covering reasons for pain, pain relief, possible treatments, action plans and many other things you will find useful. Follow Jasmine Ann Raintree's board Back And Sciatic Pain Strategies. on Pinterest.