Pain... lots and lots of pain...

[Hope C.]

So, I started attempting a Western to English transition on Tuesday (Dec 28.) and have ridden English a total of 3 times, today being the third. Normally I would expect my legs to be super sore, but instead... oh the joy... I feel like someone broke me in half just above my hips then put me back together.. of course meaning some intense lower back pain. As much as I'm attempting to ignore it and just deal, it severely impedes my creative inspirations. I'm kinda bummed about it cause it's been snowing and really pretty, but I haven't been able to go out and take pictures because, honestly, wading through knee deep snow with back pain is definitely not very desirable.

Aside from chiropractors or anything of that sort, does anyone have any sort of muscle relief methods that would work for back pain? It's driving me crazy... I want to get out there, but I'd rather not kill myself to get a picture. I love photography, but walking like a crippled old granny is enough to keep me house ridden.

[Saknika]

The big things I can recommend are stretching, and a hot pack.

Stretching wise, stand up, try to touch your toes. Put your hands on your hips, and lean back. Hands straight out at your sides, rotate side to side at the hips. Then, touch the left hand to the right foot, and vise-versa while they're still out as best you can. It should loosen everything up.

There are also yoga poses, google some for the lower back and I'm sure you'll get videos that can explain far better than my text.

Hot pack wise... I think that's common sense. If you lack a heating pad of some sort though, just fill a water bottle with hot water and use that. It'll work, you just can't lean against it too hard.

I hope you feel better soon!

[Mirrazh]

Yes. Stretching, hot pack/pad...they all work. You could also try some ibuprofen which relieves inflammation and pain.

[shp]

Run a hot bath.

Mainly, though, you should follow the R.I.C.E treatment. I did when I sprained my ankle and I was better by nightfall.