How to Treat Soreness

I’m one of those people who actually loves being sore. When it hurts to laugh because you’re abs (or, in my case, pudding cups) seem to have been tied into a knot or it hurts just to lift the remote to play the latest episode of Friends, I like that. There is something so satisfying about literally feeling your hard work pay off. But I promise not to get too workout-guru on you guys.

However, I must admit, that I am not a fan of back pain that hurts so much that I look older than my grandpa, hobbling and bending over because I can’t stand up straight. It’s like a cartoon (Ah! My back!). Especially when you’ve had new pads added to the inside of your brace. I can feel the stares as I attempt to walk around in public. So, here are my tips for managing the aches.

Stretch     My biggest relief recently has been working out. I swim and do some weights (I can barely deadlift just the bar in the gym) to build my back muscle and also like to do yoga and pilates to stretch out. I find that exercise can relax my tense muscles, stretch them out, and give them a break from my brace. I also, recently got this foam roller and wow. How did I manage without it, eh? Life changing. I am all the better for it. I am a changed person. Just look up a video on YouTube on some positions for rolling out and you’re set. I’m also planning on doing a post about my favorite positions soon, so look out for that ;).

Heating pad I’m not always in the mood to work out (who is?), so I always fall back on one of the best inventions since sliced bread: the heating pad. There’s something about channeling my inner burrito and sandwiching myself between two heating pads that gives me a thrill while loosening my muscles.

Deep Blue I have this rub and essential oil set called Deep Blue that is pretty similar to Tiger Balm in that it soothes any muscle soreness that I have. I especially like using it after a hard workout, but recently found that it works really well on my back. Basically, I just slap on some of the oil, followed by the lotion, and the resulting burning feeling is so satisfying - it really works to loosen the muscles. Deep Blue does have a strong peppermint scent though, so if you are sensitive to smells, you might consider using an alternative.

Despite all the aching and soreness, living with scoliosis is something we have to accept. Soreness only lasts a few days if you stick to the right schedule with the brace, and hopefully these tips help! Remember, we’re bent, not broken! :)