Between getting in the car at the BLB and getting out of the car at the 1029 on Friday night, I somehow royally messed up my lower back. The pain was so bad on Friday night that I took 2 muscle relaxers and cried a lot. It's been getting steadily better since then, and today it feels aaaaallllmost normal again. But it's still wonky. I keep trying to crack it by doing spinal twists, to no avail. On Saturday I sported a fetching Bengay Patch on my lower back all day. That helped a bit.

Those of you who deal with back pain/issues...what are your triggers? what helps? Is walking across campus in my new wedge-heel boots a bad idea? Too bad, I have to. I really want to go for a jog after work as well. Is that bad news too? Should I stick with yoga instead?

Ugh. I hate being an invalid.

Are you under a lot of stress? Back pain often is a by-product of stress. I used to have back and neck pain. I found yoga and meditation really helped. However, when my stress level is higher, the pain often comes back. I don't take any pain killers since they only make things worse in the long run.

my usual triggers are stress and pretending I can still do, lift and muscle things I could when I was 20.

the new Thermacare heating pads that stick on help temporarily, but I've found that accupuncture is the most effective treatment...that and regular exercise.

I'd steer clear of jogging. Lots of jostling to the body. Gentle stretching, muscle relaxants, and deeeeep breathing work best for me. And sleeping on my back with a pillow under my knees.

Good luck!

I've had a history of chronic back and hip pain. A little over a year ago I started acupuncture. I had weekly appointments for two months and the pain dissappeared. I haven't had a problem since.