Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

You Know it Ain’t Good When You Cannot Go to the Brocante!

Corey amaro flowers underfoot

 

The day after Chelsea's marathon I could barely get out of bed. Not for any known reason, I was stiff as a board. I tried to stretch but could barely move an inch in any direction.

My lower back was blocked, and that has never happened. I instantly felt paralyzed!

Scary feeling. We called a chiropractor who came to Chelsea's apartment and poked and pulled and said I would feel better the next day.

Not true.

Nevertheless, Yann and I had a train to catch. Utter agony and by the grace of God we caught the train to Marseille.

Once home I went straight to bed, later had some dinner that Gina prepared for us, and went back to bed.

Today, day three… a bit better, but man I never knew what back pain was until now.

Will I be better to go to the brocante?

Have you ever had lower back pain?

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

59 responses to “You Know it Ain’t Good When You Cannot Go to the Brocante!”

  1. Kathie B

    Lower back pain? Ever since just before I turned 20. Check with an M.D.

    Reply
  2. Jan D-M

    Oh, no, Corey. I am so sorry. I’ve dealt with back issues by not with huge amounts of pain, just a bit and was laid up for a few days. Take care, my friend.

    Reply
  3. RebeccaNYC

    oh yeah. my amazing chiropractor keeps me working. back pain is debilitating. I am so sorry!

    Reply
  4. sharon

    A bad back is agony. Try yoga. I find “pose of the child” helps to stretch my back when it starts to seize up. Also try relaxation techniqes – stress is a killer fo your back. Hoe you feel better soon.

    Reply
  5. g

    there have been a few times where I was laid up with lower back pain I got breathless and couldn’t stand to shower or do dishes or anything-I find such comfort from a heating pad…not just for injuries and such but in general so I laid with that creams/muscle rubs and advil-i don’t know if any of it work– it kinda worked itself out-I am sorry you are side-lined and I do hope it is better for the brocante-maybe being on your feet– hard surface for five hours….I HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER SOON!

    Reply
  6. Stubblejumpers Cafe

    I once bent over to retrieve something off the floor, and lightning flashed across the middle of my back. I was in pain and moved like a very old woman for the next month or two. Getting up from a chair took longer than usual, squatting down for a pot from the lower cupboards required careful balancing posture, and even walking was slow. Weirdest thing.
    After a month of no improvement I saw a physiotherapist who said “I know what causes that and what to do about it and how to prevent it in future.” And she did.
    I hope you are soon back to normal. -Kate

    Reply
  7. Ann of Avondale

    Stress related? Stay in bed, drink lots of wine for the pain, you’ll be good as new in a few days.

    Reply
  8. Shelley Noble

    Corey, not saying this is your answer, but I have consistently found that moving becomes very difficult if I become dehydrated. It’s so easy to happen without any other notice and you may have been in the sun during Chelsea’s marathon?
    I will sometimes get a headache from it and dizziness upon standing as well.
    I hope you check out the theory. I understand it’s best to sip the water rather than to gulp down a large amount at once. If you have electrolytes, liquid minerals, or other aide to hydrating that may help you recover more quickly by increasing the absorption.
    Be well!

    Reply
  9. dee gann

    YES! I pulled a muscle about a month ago. I made it into bed, but I think it got worse as I slept. I woke up in the night and needed to go to the bathroom. I’m sure it would have been hysterical to watch…it took me about 20 minutes to get out of bed. Every inch I turned HURT! I thought I was going to wet my pants 🙂 (seriously) My daughter came over the next day with a cane.

    Reply
  10. patty gilbert

    Yes! Definitely!
    A very cold ice pack or a some frozen peas in a zip lock bag placed in a pillow case may help. You could try alternating between heat and ice 10 min or so each.
    Also try micro movements of “cat/cow”, (about 10 reps) on all fours on your bed if it’s too hard to get down to the floor. If you look up cat/cow, or cat camel it will show you on the internet. If this helps try it a few times during the day.
    Let us know how it’s going and wishing you less pain daily.

    Reply
  11. Taste of France

    Good luck with that. My doctor sent me to a kiné who follows l’École du Dos.” Lots of exercises involving a big ball–mostly you sit on the ball and make circles to loosen your back, and then to strengthen the muscles. The kiné said the only way to hold the spine in place correctly is with muscles. I have to admit it worked, though it wasn’t like the kiné séances with massages (all exercise, no massage!). That was about 10 years ago. Now I do Pilates, which has similar exercises.
    The kiné also urged me to walk a lot. Walking moves the spine but not too much. We are made to walk.

    Reply
  12. Gladys

    Yes,back pain and consequently very limited activities for the whole past year. Finally I went to a pain management dr who did injections about every 3 wks… It helped some for a short while. In Dec I had surgery on 4 lumbar discs–I am 75% better, but I know my limits–few stairs, no heavy lifting, no twisting the hips/back. However, You are so much younger that I think you will shake it off if you are conservative in movement for awhile. You are in prayers….

    Reply
  13. Jennifer Phillipps

    Golly, it seems everyone has wobbly backs and I have upset my lower back recently when packing up my father’s house after he passed away. 36 years of living in a house can create a lot of items to be sorted and packed and carried….so my little back did not enjoy all of that…..even with other family members doing similar helping. I ended up with pain and occasional spasms, but after a visit to a physiotherapist I am starting to come right….just being a bit careful, so I know just how you feel. I am sure you will be much better and ready for the Brocante! Rest well

    Reply
  14. Diogenes

    Corey I hope you feel better soon. Arnica and ibuprofen tablets might help.

    Reply
  15. Leslie in Oregon

    Yes, Corey, I have had two episodes of lower back pain that was bad enough to cause me to visit my primary care physician. In the first episode, I had no idea what caused the onset of pain. In the second episode, I knew that lifting and holding heavy platters and pitchers while serving and cleaning up after each meal for 12 people over three days, exacerbating arthritis I didn’t know I had until years later, had resulted in musculo-skeletal injury that impinged on a nerve. In both instances, my doctor listened to my answers to her questions, diagnosed “lower back pain” and recommended physiotherapy. In each case, after multiple sessions of supervised exercises, ultrasound and massage with an excellent physiotherapist, my lower back pain had disappeared. In the second episode, it took 20+ biweekly, then weekly, physiotherapy sessions, concluding with advice on how to best prevent further lower back injury (continuing specific daily exercises, activating my strengthened core for better posture, walking, swimming and limiting lifting of heavy objects) and what to do if my lower back started to hurt again. The second episode’s physiotherapy finished in early December of 2015, and my back has felt fine since. I can’t speak highly enough of physiotherapy by an excellent physiotherapist for curing the cause/s of lower back pain and preventing its recurrence.
    I hope you feel better soon. Thank goodness Tuesday’s SNCF strike did not prevent you from being able to get back home! Best wishes, Leslie

    Reply
  16. Our French Oasis

    I have never had back problems, but my husband has suffered with a bad back for his entire adult life as a result of injury. I know the pain he goes through so I send you lots of hugs and hope it feels better soon.

    Reply
  17. Leonie Buchanan

    Back pain!! OMG it is the worst, would rather have labour pains because they eventually stop!!!
    My saving grace was acupuncture, doesn’t hurt like other treatments & trust me I’ve had them all.
    You could have pulled a muscle in your excitement, I bet you were jumping up & down!!
    Hope the pain eases soon for you Corey.
    love & prayers from down under.
    xxxx

    Reply
  18. Kathy

    Hope you have a speedy recovery!

    Reply
  19. Dd

    If ur stomach is ok, 600mg.of ibuprophen will help. You should see ur MD if it doesn’t go away.
    Hope u feel better.

    Reply
  20. Julie Loeschke

    For almost forty years.Hope you are well soon.

    Reply
  21. TEXAS francophile

    My internist seems to blame lots of things on dehydration. However she’s usually right. She does prescribe a muscle relaxer which helps a great deal until this heals. Also i alternate heat and ice. Hope you you feel better soon!!!

    Reply
  22. JudyO

    I bet you were standing for a long time at the marathon. that can kick in a back issue. I do the arched cat exercise and heat and ice and lots of water. I feel for you. Back pain is the pitts!!! Hope it resolves soon. After it does lots of stretching. Yoga is terrific for backs. Happy healing.

    Reply
  23. Fat Rabbit

    Corey- sorry to hear this!
    Recently it happened to me- and I had plans to travel across the country by plane. I could hardly move but did it. What helped me was a back brace and a massage as well as simple stretching exercises. But I am still tender more than a month later.
    Take care of yourself and give your body time to heal

    Reply
  24. Teddee Grace

    Chronically! I believe in chiropractic so don’t give up. Also, if you ate somewhat differently while you were in Paris, don’t discount the effect of flour and sugar on stiff and sore joints. I avoid bread, mainly because of the calories, but fell for some raisin bread a few weeks back, except I think it was made with cranberries. It was fantastic and I ate almost half a loaf before I had the sense to throw it away. I was so sore and stiff for a couple of weeks afterward I can’t help but think it might be related. Hope you get to feeling better soon.

    Reply
  25. Candi

    Do have it checked out by a doctor. I have fractured vertebrae’s 4 different times by just bending. I have osteoporosis. I say it’s a special talent I have! Not one I want! The pain is intense the first week. Bless you I hope you are better and up and about.

    Reply
  26. Irene

    Corey, I am so sorry you’ve had this happen. Have you seen a doctor to rule out a ruptured disc? Without going into detail here are my personal and doctor’s recommendations for nearly lifelong back issues. Your muscles are now protecting your spine by spasms. First few days, ice. After that heat. Lay with a bolster under your knees. I learned not to panic when I feel a spasm, but to exhale and relax, if possible to the floor and breathe. I now have a high bed, as sitting to a standing position is the hardest. My door (or something to grab) is now within reach as a learn to raise myself up, or put your hands on your thighs and slowly work yourself up. Later when you’re moving more, directly face an object you are picking up, squat and bend your knees while lifting anything. My biggest fault in movement was picking up some tiny piece of paper diagonally. I hope this helps a tiny bit. Take care. Irene

    Reply
  27. Mardog

    Hope you’re feeling better soon. I am not sure how people live with constant pain. I’ve used acupuncture and has been very helpful.
    Take care xo

    Reply
  28. Charland

    Get better, get better. I did back exercises for years. Hope you mend quickly. Sending healing thoughts.

    Reply
  29. Tongue in Cheek

    OMG Kathie! That is so sad! Is it constant?

    Reply
  30. Tongue in Cheek

    I hope I take after you and in a few days rid of this.

    Reply
  31. Tongue in Cheek

    Thank goodness for those with healing hands! Though I am sorry to hear you suffer from this!

    Reply
  32. Tongue in Cheek

    Thank you I will try the pose of the child.

    Reply
  33. Tongue in Cheek

    Sorry to hear that you have suffered from backaches too. Yes maybe standing on a hard surface did it who knows. Hope you are freed of back pain G!!

    Reply
  34. Tongue in Cheek

    Glad you found your miracle!

    Reply
  35. Tongue in Cheek

    Fingers crossed!

    Reply
  36. Tongue in Cheek

    That is the first thing the doctor asked me. But I did drink and drink often. But that day was really hot and emotional. I would do it again though 🙂
    Maybe i need to sip water throughout the day instead of drinking glasses of water all at once.

    Reply
  37. Tongue in Cheek

    Oh no I can sooooooooo relate!

    Reply
  38. Tongue in Cheek

    Thanks I will try it!

    Reply
  39. Tongue in Cheek

    I do walk alot. But the ball I have seen but never tried. A friend encouraged me to try Pilates so your encouragment echoes strongly. Thank you for the advice. xx

    Reply
  40. Tongue in Cheek

    Oh Gladys I am sorry you have been in such pain but happy to hear that your surgery was successful and I will pray that the next 25 percent heals gently and you soon free of all pain. xxx

    Reply
  41. Tongue in Cheek

    Glad to hear you are recovering. I think not only the packing up of your father’s house, but the emotional journey that doing so brings an interior stress. xxx Thinking of you xx

    Reply
  42. Tongue in Cheek

    Thank you Diogenes xx

    Reply
  43. Tongue in Cheek

    what an adventure you have had! Core development seems to be the answer. I went to an osteopath today and that greatly helped.
    The train strike did affect us, we were to leave Sunday night, and could not leave until Tuesday! Grr.

    Reply
  44. Tongue in Cheek

    Thank you!
    I pity your husband’s back pain! I hope he finds his cure xx

    Reply
  45. Tongue in Cheek

    Lol I don’t know labor pain was awful. Though you are right xxx

    Reply
  46. Tongue in Cheek

    Merci!

    Reply
  47. Tongue in Cheek

    If I am not better by Monday I will go to the doctor.
    Thank you xx

    Reply
  48. Tongue in Cheek

    Oh my! You poor thing! I cannot imagine having this for that long. I hope you find a cure xxx

    Reply
  49. Tongue in Cheek

    Thank you for the advice. I too heard that being dehydrated can cause back pain. But I did drink throughout the day, but maybe not enough as it was hot that day.

    Reply
  50. Tongue in Cheek

    Thank you! xxx

    Reply
  51. Tongue in Cheek

    Time will tell, and I hope all is well.
    I hope you feel better soon xxx

    Reply
  52. Tongue in Cheek

    Funny you should say that, because that is what I think did it to me. After the marathon we ate bread and cheese and I felt odd after it.

    Reply
  53. Tongue in Cheek

    Oh Candi I am sorry to hear that you have osteoporosis. Is there anything you can do to rid of it?

    Reply
  54. Tongue in Cheek

    Thank you Irene I appreciate your advice. And I am sorry you have had to endure this to give me such good advice xxx

    Reply
  55. Tongue in Cheek

    I agree! I am a wimp, four days of this is enough. I feel so bad for those who have suffered from this or any pain for the years that they have. I have tried acupuncture in the past for other ailments so maybe I need to try it for this too. Thanks.

    Reply
  56. Tongue in Cheek

    Thanks Charland xxxx

    Reply
  57. Cherry

    Oh that “utter agony”! Mine hit on a visit to LA a couple years ago. The trip back home was a nightmare. By the time we found the terminal tears were freely flowing. To add insult to injury our flight was delayed for four hours due to weather. Long story short mine was a misaligned pelvic. Apparently quite common. It had been talking to me for a while and I brushed it off as getting older and how the body tends to talk to you more. That is until it began screaming, nerve pain, muscle spasms, hip movement painful, meant it could not be ignored. Made it thru that one. Now recouping from a jammed knee. Are we not fearfully and wonderfully made and am I ever appreciating my body part! Downtime can be productive though. A time of reevaluating and being thankful in the midst. Once we come out the other side we can be all the better for it or so it seems. People with chronic pain I can’t imagine. Believing your recoup time will be short.

    Reply
  58. Sharon CS

    Yes, every day for many years. My heart goes out to you. Prayers that you feel better soon.

    Reply
  59. Mardog

    Glad to read you’re on the mend

    Reply

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