Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. All opinions are mine alone. #StopPainNow #CollectiveBias
You never think you’re going to be one of those people who has frequent back pain. For me, it’s still something that I’m just a little bit in denial about. The truth is that, 4 years ago, I started suffering from back pain. My doctor says it’s because my newborn twins were putting a toll on my core muscles and my back was doing more work than it was capable of. Since then I’ve learned to manage my on-and-off back pain.
Savvy Ways to Manage Pain
Let Go of Control of the Housework
Yes, I just said that. You have to give yourself permission to not have a perfect-looking house. We keep a clean home but I know my limits and what my body can take, so I’ve learned to not push myself. Carrying the laundry back and forth to the laundromat, and the movements required to fold it all puts a strain on my back. There are some days when I (gasp!) don’t fold it all. My kids have clean clothes to wear and that’s the best I can do at the time, so I’m ok with not having neatly organized drawers of folded shirts and pants.
Find a Supplement that Stops the Pain
Last week at Sprouts I discovered Curamin® Stop Pain Now. I picked up a bottle of the Curamin® Extra Strength in 60 count, which was just about enough to last me a month. I love it because it uses natural ingredients to get right to the source of my pain. Plus it doesn’t have the side effects that some other pain relievers do. I keep a bottle of Curamin® Extra Strength in my purse so I’ve always got some on hand because it’s gentle enough on my system that I can take it daily. Since I started using Curamin® I’ve been able to enjoy time with my little ones without that constant back pain. Grab yours at your local health food store, or through this buy now link.
Speaking of Housework… Recruit some help!
If you have kids, then they can be a big help around the house. My oldest (before he broke his ankle) has been tremendously supportive, and the chores he does aren’t even that complicated. It’s just such a relief to have one less thing on my to-do list. Lately I’ve been encouraging the 4-year-olds to help out around the house, although I sometimes cringe on the inside at their “organization” skills. When they’re cleaning up it helps me and gives them a sense of responsibility. Little ones love to be helpers!
If you don’t have kids, you’re not out of luck. Try talking to a neighbor to see if they know anyone who can help you, or maybe put a note up at your local community center. Many high school kids have to complete community service hours as a graduation requirement, so you could also contact the local high school about finding some free helpers.
Give Your Kids a Reason to Want to do Chores
In our home we make chores a positive experience. With the preschoolers, we use our imaginations to make the chores fun. We might pretend that all the toys are leaves and we are the fairies that have to make room for a fairy party. Or we may play a game with the laundry as we sort it. “Do socks go with pajamas?” “No! They go with all the other socks! Silly Mommy!”
It’s always funny for preschoolers when the “wrong” thing happens. 🙂
My oldest wants to have his own spending money, so his chore chart is more of a “menu”. I use the blank chore chart to write in jobs and prices. That way he can choose the chores he wants, and he’s also in charge of how much money he earns for doing them. You can grab your blank chart here and write your own ideas on it, and the chart with chores printed on it here.
Follow the Doctor’s Orders for Exercise and Stretching
My doctor assigned me some stretches that I’m supposed to be doing on a regular basis. When I keep up with my stretching and make sure I am exercising, I feel better and have less back pain. Of course, finding the time for exercise as a mom with 4 kids and 2 jobs is the real trick. 😉
Don’t Push Yourself Too Far
Part of learning to deal with frequent pain is also learning your limits. Before you push yourself too far, take some time to do something that reenergizes you. When I need slow down I do something for myself, like grab a snack and work on my adult coloring book. Whatever you do for fun, make sure it also helps you to relax.
I’ve had back pain ever since my maternity leave after twins. Since then I had another baby, and the pain hasn’t eased up any. My doctor says it’s from doing a lot of lifting and bending, which you really can’t avoid when you have 3 small children. So until they grow more independent, I am learning how to live with it.
I hope these ways to manage pain were of some help to you. Do you have anything you could add to the list? What are your go-to pain management tips?
