Hobbies can be pushed aside when you are suffering from back & neck pain, which is particularly sad as hobbies and passtimes can do so much to restore a sense of normalcy and help psychologically when you are hurting. Think about some of the things you really enjoy, and find ways to bring them back into your daily activities.

-Set aside some time, several times a week to do the things you love. Again, obvious, but we all get so wrapped up in the stuff we have to do, that we often forget to make room for the things we like to do.

-If your hobby exacerbates your pain, perhaps finding an adjunct to your hobby can provide some satisfaction. For example, if you are a bodybuilder dealing with a bout of low back pain, while now is probably not the time to resume bodybuilding- maybe you could train someone else, or better yet- write an article about your experience and send it to me here to post on the blog!

-You may have to modify how you participate in certain activities. In Susan’s case (from the video) she had to take regular breaks while painting in order to remain comfortable. When I had low back pain following an accident, I  found that frequently changing the height of my piano bench helped prevent discomfort. You may need to experiment to find what works.

Our bodies and minds are so tightly linked, that leaving the activities you love behind will most certainly contribute to your pain. It may take some trial and error to find ways to make it work- but do the things you love- you will almost certainly feel better.

Be well!

-Andy

A view of our little patio garden- one of my hobbies.