Back problems can cost everyone a lot of monye in time taken off work etc. Some time ago I slipped on the stairs one morning and found myself in hospital for three days with disc damage. Barely able to move, and in agony, it was 2 months before I could go back to work. After initial physiotherapy, the doctor, seeing how much pain and discomfort I was in referred me to Rehabilitation. This rehabilitation centre was dedicated to the treatment of people suffering from chronic musculoskeletal problems either through injury or where chronic pain was present. Not every case is suitable but rather than manipulate the back, exercises and training are taught to help back pain sufferers help themselves. I completed a 10-week course there and felt much better. I was very grateful to the rehab staff and everyone who helped me through this difficult time. I still have some pain but it is not nearly as bad, I can live with it now, it doesn’t stop me from doing anything I want to do. It was a very different story at the beginning though, when I first hurt my back I couldn’t do anything around the house for my wife or children, I couldn’t even take the dog for a walk. The constant pain and frustration that I couldn’t pull my weight, made me short tempered and difficult to live with. I knew I was snapping at people but I couldn’t help it! Oh and to those people who think safety notices and demonstrations are a joke? Never think it won’t happen to you, your back is vital to almost everything you do. I used to get really angry with people who thought that the old ‘back pain’ complaint was just an excuse for a skive. If you really do have back pain it is the most miserable depressing thing, but then if you ignore safety notices and safe lifting methods, by the time you get that first twinge it might be too late, and then you’ll know for yourself!
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