Bad start to the week

@maezee (42003)
United States
November 23, 2021 8:05pm CST
Hi! I have been having a little bit of a rough time this week. It's my "Monday" (on a Tuesday) and I work for the next 7 days straight, including over the holiday, all kind of weird hours and have a lot to do outside of those work hours as well. My biggest challenge this week has been my back - I did SOMETHING to it - and it's causing me a lot of pain right now. Upper and middle back - shoulder blades- left shoulder - they all kept me up late last night not being able to sleep even with a heating pad. So, I'm feeling a little rough around the edges. I had to call off sick for Monday's fire training, which I feel really guilty about, even though it's out of my control right now. On the upside, I get about 14 hours of overtime this week, we get to have a potluck at work on Thanksgiving (by "get to" - I mean - me and my co-workers are DOING it, did not ask for any permission), and I don't have another fire training until next Wednesday, which gives me some time to figure out my back situation. I did set up a chiropractic appointment - which I learned my health insurance does NOT cover - so I'm a bit bummed about that. But, I'll figure that out later. I had a couple other expenses this month so I have not made any movement on my debt, $5,500 and dipped a tiny bit into my savings.... It's been a rough month. But, I am moving forward! And hoping I can make some financial strides in December. As far as for the shoulder and back problems - I am trying NOT to carry a purse. I usually have a cross-body purse I carry on the left side that tends to be weighty, whenever I go to Aldi, I usually lug groceries on the left side, and in general I lift things with this side. Any wonder why that shoulder hurts? Ugh! I am trying something new where I just put my chapstick, wallet, and keys in my pocket rather than carry a purse around. Don't think I really need a purse if I have pockets! I am hoping just time, the heating pad, and this chiro visit will help - but we will see. Any tips for more ergonomic living / better back care / healing painful backs? How is your week going?
10 people like this
12 responses
@JudyEv (323748)
• Rockingham, Australia
24 Nov 21
We've bought a massage stick which helps with my sort back. It just goes funny from time to time usually if I bend over at the wrong angle for too long.
3 people like this
@maezee (42003)
• United States
24 Nov 21
Ah, thank you. I will check it out - can you use it yourself or do you need a helper? Seems like I do a small thing and it hurts for days.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (323748)
• Rockingham, Australia
24 Nov 21
@maezee You use it yourself. I take Iboprufen now as soon as mine starts to give me trouble. People say it stops the inflammation and helps you heal more quickly.
1 person likes this
@kareng (53440)
• United States
24 Nov 21
I hope your week gets better and your back/shoulder too. My shoulder has been bothering me since the weather has cooled down. I don't know what is going on with it. All I can suggest for your back is to take it easy!!
3 people like this
@maezee (42003)
• United States
24 Nov 21
Thank you! I will defnitely try. It's also gotten a bit cold here , maybe that has not helped the issue. You take it easy, too!
3 people like this
@kareng (53440)
• United States
24 Nov 21
@maezee Yep, the cold does not help! Take care!
1 person likes this
@dodo19 (47034)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
24 Nov 21
Sorry to hear about your back. Hope it gets better and that things go well for you guys at work. My week is going well so far. Picking another shift later. So far, can't complain to much about my week.
1 person likes this
@cherriefic (10401)
• Philippines
24 Nov 21
Sorry to hear that. Maybe it's time to visit your doctor to have it controlled.
1 person likes this
@Shavkat (136866)
• Philippines
24 Nov 21
I think it is best to do Proper Body Mechanics to refrain from back pains.
1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (56322)
• Philippines
24 Nov 21
Comfy bed and pillows may serve as a good reliever for a back which is aching.
1 person likes this
@Nawsheen (28644)
• Mauritius
24 Nov 21
There are specific pillows/mattresses to help with back pain
1 person likes this
@choijungeun (2508)
• Hangzhou, China
24 Nov 21
Sorry to hear that,i guess listen some light music maybe will ease your pain off.My week is fine,it's just a little cold
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23678)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
24 Nov 21
After my operation last week I was told not to lift anything over 10 pounds, not to make my bed and a whole list of other things---the results of strain on your body is not fun--especially with back problems--be careful!
1 person likes this
@Fleura (28960)
• United Kingdom
24 Nov 21
Sorry your week has got off to a bad start. The back pain - since it is higher up it could be caused by shoulder problems as you say, such as carrying heavy things on one shoulder. But problems like that can also be caused by bad posture, such as hunching over a laptop or using a keyboard too far forward (I have experienced this and couldn't believe how painful it was after just one evening of sitting in a silly position, and also how quickly it came on and how long it took to go away again - about a week!) Are you left-handed? Before spending a lot of money on treatments it's definitely worth evaluating what you have been doing recently and making sure you have a good posture when sitting and standing, and also a supportive bed.
@Courtlynn (67002)
• United States
24 Nov 21
Sorry you're going through it right now. Hope everything gets better soon.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
25 Nov 21
Sorry to hear that. I hope you will feel better