This just in: I found out a couple of years ago that I have 2 slipped discs in my lower back. Here is how I deal with this.

I’ll do this using a simple list:

1. Never overdo it. Even on days when you feel great, limit what you to.
2. You will have bad days. I use Advil and Pepcid. I can feel these days coming in advance and I try to stay ahead of the paid. In other words, I don’t wait until its really painful.
3. Bad days don’t last forever.
4. Going up and down stairs may feel okay but your back does not like this.
5. No twisting.
6. Daily yoga for about 20 minutes. No twisting poses.
7. Lots of core exercises every day.
8. Don’t sit for more than 15 minutes in a row.
9. I hang upside down for 1 minute a day (I have a device for this). Don’t hang upside down for too long as you will start to stretch things that are not meant to be stretched.
10. I walk at least 5 miles a day.
11. No heavy lifting.
12. Jacuzzi daily using the jets as needed to relax tight muscles.
13. Lose weight. All exta weight in your upper body is supported by your thin little spine.
14. Pay attention to what you do/did. If you are having a bad back day, ask yourself, “What was I doing yesterday that may have caused this?”
15. Have a routine and keep track. I can tell you what days I missed my morning yoga over the last 3 years.
16. No running!
17. No standing in one place. It’s weird but standing is bad and walking is good.
18. Use a lumbar support when sitting.
19. Have good posture, standing and sitting.
20. Know that pain will pass. A bad day or week does not mean you are done being pain-free. It will pass.

Time to save the world.

Up, up and away…

Jim