Back pain-how to rest AND keep moving?

[schroeder]

Dr's advice is to rest and keep moving.

What sort of balance should I be aiming for?

I think I must have overdone the keep moving yesterday(I walked to town with dcs for a couple of hours,did some clearing up in the kitchen and made curry for tea) as I had a very uncomfortable night and had to resort to solpodol this morning.

I've had this for about three weeks now and tbh am fed up with it I just want to get on with stuff.[frustrated]

Any tips?

Lol - great advice!

I think he means nothing too over-strenuous, and I think two hours in town with dc's was just too much.

If it's been going on that long I'd really recommend a chiropractor or osteopath. I really find it's the best way! I know it costs, but you'll save on painkillers lol.

Oh and don't slouch or hold yourself in an un-natural position to alleviate the pain. Lying flat on the floor with a book or two under your head so you're very straight is good for straightening out.

Depends what your back problem is caused by.
When your Dr said keep moving I suspect he meant don't just rest. Years ago the standard treatment for back problems was immobilisation but they do't recommend that now.
I have had lower back pain for 4 years. I've seen numerous pysios and been given umpteen exercises.
Using a process of trial and error I have found out what works and what doesn't.
Generally it's gentle stretches that help me and walking or standing still that make it hurt.
As to the posture thing - I am tall and have always tried to maintain good erect posture.
When I asked my physio whether my posture was correct or whether I needed to improve it, he said do what is comfortable and pain free rather than what you perceive to be "correct". If the pain eases when you curl up or slouch then do so.

Totally sympathise with your situation. I have been suffering from back pain for over 10 years now. Was so unbearable for a spell that I had to have bilateral steroid injections and epidurals for pain management. Thankfully I haven't required these for a while now and fingers crossed it stays that way.

I think your GP is really advising you to avoid sitting for long spells as there is a tendency for your back to stiffen making your back and pain worse. Try to listen to what your body is telling you. Pain is the body's way of telling you to stop, so try not to ignore the signs and try not to overdo things.

Hot water bottles and heat lamps are great for pain relief or heat pads if you are on the move. Always worth a try if you prefer not to take pain killers. Hope you are feeling better soon.Back pain is a horrible thing.