Day 1 Trying to stay patient

I've had recurring acute lower back episodes every couple of years since around 2005. Usually they pass with a bit of chiro and rest. In February I had a severe attack, which faded, but I have not recovered fully. Recently it flared up, but the pain has moved into my pelvic/groin region and my legs.

I have long suspected it to be related to psychological stressors. I decided to map out my back pain history and sure enough all the episodes coincided with stressful periods, instability, uncertainty and seismic life changes (even for the better). This past year has been amazing - such a great year - but it came with a lot of stress with regards to house hunting and looking for stable work. It took its toll on me.

About a week ago, it was painful to just roll over in bed, or sometimes to even walk. Trying to get out of the bath tub was embarrassing. My doctor has had me on codeine, then tramadol, for the past few weeks. It certainly lifts your mood, but was not really helping. What made me really believe the pain is psychosomatic is that doing exercises like bent leg twists were completely fine (despite rolling over in bed being agony!).

Since telling myself this is not physical, my discomfort has dissipated quite a bit. Nonetheless, it comes on strong when stress levels rise (baby daughter screaming, etc...). Tomorrow I'm going to cycle into work and see how it goes.

Wishing you all luck and a pain free future.

 

Good luck to you as well! It sounds like you're on the right track. If you have future doubts, remember this time when the pain felt much better just by telling yourself it is not due to a physical cause.