ER Nurse To Her Own Rescue
Monday, May 19, 2008
Jolie Bookspan, M.Ed, PhD, FAWM
"Thanks for yet another great post. I am an ER nurse and see the horror of chronic back pain on a daily basis -- the disability, depression, and addiction that eliminates any quality of life for the sufferer and their family. Even after surgeries and pain clinic visits, I've yet to meet a patient who has managed to rehab well. Last year at age 52, after years of moving patients, some over 700 pounds, I injured my back while installing a patio and I couldn't breathe, let alone move without pain. If I hadn't been a devoted follower of yours, my career would have been over. I got your book, Fix Your Own Pain, did the exercises and went back to work four days later. I took a muscle relaxer to help me sleep the first three nights but have never taken any pain medication. The exercises actually relieved pain for me. I can't thank you enough.
Just a quick question, can you suggest proper form for climbing stairs, to prevent back and knee problems? I'm in a 3-story condo and don't want daily routine to do any harm to the old joints. Thanks so much Jolie!"
Barb, you have the intelligence, quick thinking, interest in learning, and empowerment that makes a quality ER nurse. Try Better Exercise on the Stairs.
Click this books link for the book Fix Your Own Pain and other resources.
Photo by jsugalski
Labels: fix pain, lower back, readers inspiring story, stairs
4 Comments:
At Wednesday, May 21, 2008 4:25:00 PM,
Anonymous said…
I've read your post on proper alignment for going up stairs, and practice every time I climb, with good results. However, coming down is more difficult. How can I improve my body mechanics to descend several flights of stairs without stressing my knee joints.
Thank you, Carol
At Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:19:00 PM,
Jolie Bookspan, M.Ed, PhD, FAWM said…
Carol, no worries, a post is in progress. So many requests for so many topics. Stand by. Until then:
- Keep more weight on the leg on the upper stair, instead of flopping and stomping all weight down on the foot that is stepping down.
- Bend knee slightly upon stepping down instead of landing straight-kneed.
- Use good shock absorption from the thigh muscles of the leg stepping down.
More will come in the posts.
At Thursday, May 22, 2008 12:49:00 PM,
Anonymous said…
Thanks, Dr. Bookspan
This morning's fire alarm had me descending 20 flights - so far no knee pain. I tried to keep my body in the posture I'm learning the my Yang tai chi class, which seems to incorporate most of what you advise.
Carol
At Monday, August 04, 2008 2:25:00 PM,
Jolie Bookspan, M.Ed, PhD, FAWM said…
Good work Carol.
Post on descending stairs - click Down the Stairs.
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