At the heart of my Back Together program is the couples based approach to finding relief. A spouse or partner has more to gain from you feeling better than just about anyone else, so what better resource could one ask for?
We kind of think of Valentine’s Day as a ‘Hallmark Holiday’- an excuse to buy flowers and go out for an expensive dinner (I would love to know what the gross dollar amount spent on cards is!!!) I would like to propose a new addition to your Valentine’s day festivities…
Take a moment to talk with your partner. Ask them about how they are feeling- are you doing all you can for each other to find ways to feel good? I don’t mean sexually (although that’s important)- I mean with regards to your pain. Are you helping with the tasks that you or your partner cannot do? For many in pain, communication and validation from a loved one can help to relieve discomfort as much as anything else. While you are talking, touch each other- again, not sexually- therapeutically. Gently run you hands up and down each others backs- find tense or tender areas and gently rub and caress those areas. Take a moment to be aware of how each of you feels, and do some simple things to relieve any pain or stress. These tips are not just for those who complain of back pain- they are great for anyone with daily stress, folks who work too much, have too much housework- pretty much all of us!
Here are a few other suggestions:
-If you are having a romantic night out, before taking the suggestions I posted above, take a few deep therapeutic breaths while holding each other.
-If you choose to do an impromptu romantic massage, invest in a small bottle of massage oil- perhaps one with a soothing natural scent- lavender is always nice. It will help even a novice masseuse get better than expected results.
-If sex is on the menu for your evening, prolonged foreplay can help to enhance the release of endorphins associated with lovemaking, providing natural pain relief.
-If you have consumed a lot of wine, be sure to drink plenty of water between the time you finish dinner and the time you go to bed. It will help to prevent the alcohol from having a deleterious effect on your back & neck discomfort.
-Most of all, take a few moments to show and feel true gratitude for your lover. As I said above, your loved one is often the best resource for pain relief- feel and express some thanks.
I wish all of you a wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend. And, if I may take the liberty of wishing my wife, Donna a wonderful Valentine’s day. I love you- thank you for all you do….
The Year of the Tiger:
I would also like to take a moment to wish any of my Chinese viewers who are celebrating the new year this weekend a happy holiday. This year is the year of the Tiger- and for a whole host of reasons, I am expecting it to be a good one. My family will be spending the holiday in Philadelphia’s Chinatown. The Chinese Cultural Center of Philadelphia always pulls out all of the stops. If you go, bring your earplugs!!
. Gong Ci Fa Cai, Xin Nian Kuai Le
The Year of the Tiger
Have a wonderful weekend and be well,
-Andy
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, andy kirschner, Back Pain, back together, chinese new year, intimacy, Low Back Pain, massage, romance, sex, tiger, valentine, valentines day