Heading to the chiropractor

DJan & Linny, 30 July 11

Right after this picture was taken last Saturday, we went up in the Caravan with four other friends and made a wonderful skydive together. It was getting late in the afternoon, and Linny had to leave no later than 3:00pm to head to work. No matter, we had made four jumps together and I was ready to pack up and head home myself, tired from a good day at the Drop Zone.

However, as I was packing my chute, I wrenched my lower back when I tried a new maneuver (shown to me by Smart Guy) that would help to keep the canopy together, making easier to fold up and get in the deployment bag. Ouch! I should have known better, because I've thrown my back out before making the same movement (bending over at the waist with arms stretched out in front of me, especially with any weight in my hands). I didn't think much of it, since I knew that eventually I would be all right again, so I finished the pack job, drove home and discussed the day's activities over a nice glass of wine.

But in the middle of the night, I realized that I couldn't turn over or get comfortable easily, as my sciatic nerve was still pinched and painful. Time for ibuprofen. I went back to sleep and since Sunday was a nice gentle day with no plans, I didn't worry much. Yesterday (Monday) I went to my usual aerobic class and only found difficulty with a few moves, but it didn't seem to be getting better. Certain movements are actually pretty excruciating, and it has continued into today's activities.

At my workout this morning, I plaintively asked the entire class if anybody knows of a good chiropractor, and one woman, Joy, told me she swears by hers. I did feel somewhat better after the class, but I am still unable to get up and down from a prone position without serious pain in the sciatic area. I called her chiropractor's office and will be heading over there in a couple of hours. Sitting here at my computer is not painful, but if I bend forward to tie my shoes and try to straighten up... ouch! It was obvious to everyone in my class that I was not my usual bouncy self.

The main thing I have noticed is how chronic and persistent pain can change my entire viewpoint, making the focus of my daily life change from joy and exuberance as I dash from one thing to another to one of simple endurance. What can I do that will make the pain less? I'll post a quick followup after I get back from the chiropractor's office to let you know if he was able to help. (I thought about taking my camera with me to make an adventure out of this, but I'm thinking better of it. Why tempt fate?)
:-(
(News flash: Russell is a good chiropractor, he pushed, he pulled, vibrated the area with heat, but he was really gentle and could not move the S/I joint to give me complete relief. However, I'm better, and he was truly empathetic. I was wrapped and basted and I THINK moved towards healing. We'll see in a day or two.)