For more than 15 years, I have been working not only with individual patients to help them find ways to relieve their pain, but in my Back Together program I have had the pleasure of working with couples as they help each other heal from back pain. The couples-based approach really yields great benefits, because after all- who has more at stake in your recovery than a partner or spouse?
A couples approach doesn’t have to be a whole complicated program in order to get results (although sometimes it helps.) There are many things you can do for one another which can help to reduce pain and stress. These simple, romantic gestures can go a long way towards reducing discomfort and helping to restore a sense of intimacy when pain may have gotten in the way of those feelings
- Take time each day to speak to each other about how you are both feeling. Are you both doing all of the things you can for each other to find ways to feel good? Communication is always a positive thing.
- Each evening, take a moment for some deep cleansing breaths while holding each other.
- If you want to give your partner a stress-relieving massage, invest in a bottle of massage oil, perhaps one with a soothing natural scent. This simple purchase can help even a novice masseuse seem like a pro!
- If during a romantic evening you’ve had a few glasses of wine, drink plenty of water during dinner and up until you go to bed. This will help reduce any ‘hangover’ and its effects on your back and neck.
Most importantly, ALWAYS take time each day to show and feel gratitude for your partner. Your loved one is often your best resource for relief- feel and express some thanks!
Andrew Kirschner, D.O., is a board-certified physician with a private practice in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, and a consultancy in Miami, Florida. He specializes in treating individuals and couples with musculoskeletal and back pain. To learn more about his practice, please visit BackTogether.org.
From: Newest post for Martha Stewart’s Whole Living Daily blog: Some back pain tips for couples. « BackWords | 6/21/10 at 9:49 am
[...] Here is my most recent post on Martha’s site. Again, if you have not had a chance to check out this blog, you should. It is hosted by Terri Trespicio of Whole Living on Martha Stewart radio. She is a wonderful host on the air, and a terrific moderator on the blog. [...]