Back to back

For the fifth time in 15 years and the first since 2010, I have been struck down with strained back pain. It came on late last week without much warning and has left me confine at home without much mobility. It is by far the most painful and debilitating experience. My experiences over the years have taught me a few ways to deal with the condition but aside from some rest and medication, one just needs to ride it out.

It is a tricky balance to recover from a strained back (ぎっくり腰 in Japanese). Rest and avoiding overexertion is important but equally is not to get too much rest. The back muscles need to get some strengthening to relieve the pain. I sleep well at night but awakening in the mornings is the worst time. The slightest movement brings on immediate and excruciating pain.

Time and patience for this patient...