Wake Up with a Back Ache

My first thought this morning was, “Oh, my muscles hurt.” With a squeaky groan, I rolled over only to find another set of sore spots. Every movement triggered a new pain. Yesterday’s tasks of moving heavy things to take down the Nightmare at Beaver Lake sets had taken its toll on me. My low back, upper back, neck, shoulders, even the spaces between my ribs were crying for help.

Some people would start the day with a handful of ibuprofen, but I had another option: undulation. I moved gently and slowly, squirming in bed to move like a baby discovering its muscles. My intention was not to stretch, but to rehydrate the muscles and ligaments I abused yesterday.

After about five minutes of Free Form, I rolled out of bed and onto the floor. I loosened the front and back of my spine with Personal Wave. After about a minute, my rickety movements turned smooth.


Then turned onto my side for Mermaid, which lubricated the sides of my low back and hips.


The next rotation was lying on my tummy for the Snake undulation, a subtle movement to get the nooks and crannies in between the vertebrae.


After that I felt better enough to get on my hands and knees for Whirlpool, with special attention on my neck and low back.


I finished with a few Snake Arms standing up. (To see videos of undulations, click here.)

Now my left side feels very fluid and limber. My right side still has a few complaining spots, mainly in my ribs and neck, the places that took the greatest toll from lifting heavy objects for hours. A bath with Epsom salts might be enough to take away the remaining aches.

Let’s face it, some activities can be hard on our bodies. Back aches are all too common. It helps to have an collection of remedies at your disposal, especially those that don’t involve medication.