Sharp, shooting pain that can bring you to your knees when you stand. If you have ever suffered from sciatica and lower back pain, then most likely you may very well be familiar with all I described in that first sentence.
I admit, I have had my far share of issues with my back from the time I was younger when I feel on my lower back roller skating as a kid. As I got older, the problem seemed to have corrected itself, but apparently laid dormant until one day when I was getting ready to go to work to teach.
It was about a year after Kevin and I got married. That morning, I was picking out clothes in my closet, when I bent down to get my shoes. I saw stars. I somehow managed to get up and thought if I moved around more it would get better.
Do not ask me how I drove to work that day, because I literally could not stand without almost falling to my knees when trying to stand after this happened that day. Somehow my brain also made me think that wearing wedge sandal heels (it was a beautiful spring day in May in NY) would my the problem better.
Not so, because I am telling you with every movement I thought I was going to keel over from the pain. That is how absolutely awful it was.
I made it 7 out of 9 periods for the day, before one of my other co-workers thankfully took over for the end of the day for me.
I made it home (again not sure how). I barely made into my home, where I tried my heating pad used during that wicked time of the month for cramps.
Finally, I realized this wasn’t going to get better and checked chiropractors covered under our health insurance, called and thankfully was taken immediately. I was prescribed muscle relaxers and pain killers to help. And was told to return the next day once the medication took hold to begin physical therapy, which I did for the next 3 months until insurance ran out and was told I was cured.
In reality the pain was gone, but cured I was so not. I miraculously made it through my first pregnancy with no issues. Not sure how, my only thought is she was a small, petite baby not even weighing 6 lbs, at birth.
But not so for my second pregnancy, where I made it all the way to 39 weeks. It was a Saturday morning, when Lily decided to move onto my sciatic nerve. I had to be induced, because I once again could barely sit and then stand again without being brought to my knees.
After, I gave birth, I did feel better, but when she was about 3 months old, I had another episode. It was Lily’s Christening and I seriously had that same awful pain in my lower back yet again. Here I was supposedly to be the hostess for the after party that day. All I remember was mind-numbing back pain and getting violently ill from food poisoning from the restaurant we had the party from. Try having to vomit when you can hardly move. So not fun and I found my now chiropractor (thank god for him).
But since finding this chiropractor, I have found that I have curves in both my upper and lower back that have contributed to my back issues (something I truly had no idea about before this). He has truly helped in maintenance (I go once a week now for that), but I do still get my fair share of aches in my neck now more then anywhere else (occupational hazard), because of all the computer work I do all week long.
That is where I have been told a good pillow to sleep on a night can truly make all the difference. And I am a firm believer in this now, because since I have been using a proper pillow for this reason, I have been feeling some much better and much less pain, too.
Also recently, I was contacted by Essentia, who makes the only natural memory foam mattresses in the world (like Tempur-Pedic, but natural), as well as make the only natural memory foam pillows, too. As luck would have it, I got to try out their pillow and absolutely love it.
Some other facts about Essentia are as follows:
- Made in Canada.
- Natural foam = breathable.
- Seen on Dr. Oz, Rachel Ray, and Anderson Cooper, for more on this click here.
- All other memory foams are made from petroleum based chemicals.
- They have stores in many cities across the USA and Canada, click here for locations.
- Follow them also on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Also, must admit and share these pillows would totally make a great Christmas / holiday gift for anyone on your list!
And now thanks to Essentia you can win an Essentia up to $5000 on their Facebook contest:
Just click here to enter!!
If you want to learn even more about Essentia, please watch the video below:
This Week’s Giveaways, Please Enter By Clicking on the Graphics Below (If you are feeling lucky!!):
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- Getting inspired with the Blurb Gift Center~
There are a lot of gifts you could give this holiday season, but when it comes to something really meaningful, there’s nothing quite like the gift of a book you’ve made yourself. But before you start having visions of gluing and sewing together pages, check out the Blurb Gift Center.
Blurb lets you make seriously beautiful books using their free tools. Just add photos and text, choose your options (like paper and cover type), and then order. Of course, you do have to decide just what kind of book you want to make. But relax, because they have put together the cool Blurb Gift Center to give you lots of ideas.
For instance, if you’ve got a genealogical bent, there’s the Blurb Family History Book.
For those with newborns (or those that know someone with a newborn), a Blurb Baby Book might be just the thing.
And if you’re the kind of person who keeps getting asked for copies of your recipes, think about making a Blurb Food Book.
This holiday season, make your gift recipients feel really special by making them something special. There really is a book for everyone.
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massholemommy says
Honest to god, I have so much trouble finding a good pillow. I end up buying a new one a couple of times a year. I will have to give this one a try!!
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Janine Huldie says
Robin, I am so with you on this. Seriously, I have had way too many pillows over the years now, because of it. I envy those people who just sleep on whatever they have and have no complaints, but I too need a good pillow for neck support nowadays. And this one really has been amazing since I started to use it and seriously am recommending big time.
The Dose of Reality says
Oh, I want that pillow. I've always liked a firm pillow and I do believe it makes all the difference in a good night's sleep. Like you and Robin, I tend to buy 3-4 pillows a year. When it starts sagging, I head to the store.
I've only had sciatica two times—both in the third trimester of my pregnancies. The first time I was literally coming down a flight of stairs when it hit. I couldn't move. I couldn't stay there…but I couldn't move. It is a nightmare!! –Lisa
Janine Huldie says
I am so sorry you have had sciatica, too Lisa. I swear it is the worst pain I have ever experienced in my life and even childbirth to me wasn't quite as bad, because you knew there would be an end there and something good would be coming from all the pain at the very least. But lower back pain is just miserable and no good ever came from it (at least in my eyes). But totally need a good pillow, because from it my whole back has definitely been put out out alignment. And must admit this one has been nothing short of a pleasure and just so thankful that I was able to review it and share it here, too!! π
NuggetOnABudget says
I'd love to try out this pillow! You know I've been using the same pillow that I used during my childhood and growing up lol? It's just so comfortable! But I really should invest in new pillows for everyone. It definitely can make a difference, like you explained! I had a few episodes of sciatica while pregnant with both girls, although with Sofia it was the worst. I couldn't sit or lie down, and could barely walk when the pain flew in, so I know how it can be. Thanks for sharing this review π xoxo!
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Janine Huldie says
I love that you have been using the same pillow and have to admit my childhood pillow is totally long gone and don't even remember it to be quite honest. And I totally had sciatica more so with Lily and not sure what it was about those second pregnancies for us, but definitely seemed to bring out the lower back issues. Totally my pleasure in sharing and hope you do check this pillow out if you can!! π
eddy says
Brilliant as always Janine ;days been a little hectic these past few days but managed to return today.
Take care my dear friend and have a great day with your beautiful family.
Eddy.
Janine Huldie says
Thanks as always Eddy and just so happy to see you today. Enjoy your Thursday now!! π
Billybuc says
Everywhere we turn there is a chance to win something. Visiting your site is like Christmas daily. π Well done Janine. I hope you are having a great day so far.
Janine Huldie says
Awe, thanks Bill and just so happy to be able to have so much t offer right now to all. Wishing you a great day, too!! π
themomcafe says
Oh have I been THERE my friend!!! I too, see a chiropractor- for some bulging discs and pain that can get completely out of control. I have yet to find a pillow that works for me. And believe me, we have tried!
I have a long history of back and neck issues- I get you girl. I do pray you have it under control now!
And what Billy says- good Lord it's Christmas morning over here! YAY for YOU!!!! π XOXO
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Janine Huldie says
You and Bill have me giggling about this today. Thanks for that!! But so sorry you too have back issues and I am also hoping that you can get yours under control, too. This is really no fun and such awful pain when it does flare up. So, my heart goes out to you, too!! xoxo π
flemily says
I am sitting here reading your post with a heating pad on my back…I've been to the chiropractor twice and it seemed to help a little but I literally have no time to get back there. So funny you wrote about a pillow today, which I may in fact try next, because I just ordered a lumbar support pillow for my car. I believe my SUV and the long drives I had been making is the source of my problem. Really hoping my new pillow will help!!
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Janine Huldie says
I have been thinking about you since we spoke about this on Facebook a few weeks ago and was hoping that you got some relief now. Sorry you are still not 100% and back pain seems to take on a life of its own sometimes (I know all too well). You probably onto something about traveling and being seated so long in the car, because I know mine acts up if I sit too long. Hope your new pillow does hel[p and keep me posted π
spiritedlife says
Thanks! It would be a blessing to win this mattress. We are in need of a new bed when we finally move into our new place, which means a new mattress! Entered!
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Janine Huldie says
Yay and awesome that you entered. Totally wish you tons of luck April!! π
Ruchira says
wow…am glad you found comfort, J9
Also, you promote stuff so beautifully…loved the pep talk π
Voted for ya π
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Ruchira for saying that and also for the votes, too!! π
Rosey says
Oh my gosh, those things do creep up at the worst times too, don't they?? I'm sorry you had to experience it even once, much less more than that. I'm glad the right pillow helps.
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Rosey and I know it does totally happen at the worst imaginable times when we have to experience stuff like this. Just thankful for the small things like a pillow that can indeed help.
tamaralikecamera says
Oh dear – what a scary story and the food poisoning?? You poor thing. I worked at an Inn and we used great memory foam pillows. I seriously should have taken one home with me, or bought my own! They were a hit.
My recent post The Truth Is, I’m Just Not Feeling It.
Janine Huldie says
Ok, that pillow does sound amazing!! That day will forever be etched in my brain Tamara. It really was supposed to be such a great day with it being a celebration for Lily, but god how awful I felt. Seriously, not something that I want to remember, but damn I just can't help but indeed remember!
Dana says
I have back issues too – they can bring you to your knees, can't they? Now I'm super careful when I exercise so I don't injure it again – I'm going to be a mess when I'm old!
My recent post Dumbest injury ever
Janine Huldie says
Oh Dana, I am so sorry you too have back issues, too. And you are so right that it can totally bring you to your knees the pain experienced when it acts up, especially when getting a spasm (those are the worst). I, too, am so careful when I exercise and even when I bend, too. I also don't even want to think about what a mess I will be when I do get old with this one!
lovingmarshall says
I have to admit I don't think twice about the type of pillow I use. Yikes! Maybe I should!!
Glad your pain has gotten better!
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Janine Huldie says
I think if I didn't have back issues, I would be the same about this, but since I do I can't help, but worry about this one now unfortunately.
brittneilynn21 says
Janine, this is pretty awesome! I've only experienced probably a fraction of the pain that you are talking about. I had it in my pregnancy. Now my mom is experiencing it very badly. I don't wish this pain on anyone, seriously. It seems to be very fitting that you have teamed up with Essentia to display this product on your blog! π
Janine Huldie says
I am so sorry you, too have experienced a bit of this pain, too and I also don't wish this type of pain on anyone. I loved that I could team up with Essentia for this, because seriously this is a product that I can truly stand behind.
dianeroark says
Janine,
You are never stop amazing me with all your giveaways. You really have some great ones. I am so sorry to hear about your back trouble. I do agree a great pillow and mattress makes a great BIG difference.
Blessings,
Diane
My recent post Southern Black-Eyed Peas
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Diane so very much and trust me I love getting to be able to share awesome deals and giveaways here, because I am truly all for this and love when I score one. So, seriously happy to share!! π
pictimilitude says
All that back pain sounds awful. Ugh. But, the pillow stuff sounds great! I hope your Thursday has been good! This week has been crazy-busy, but hopefully I'll get a little extra time to do fun writing/blogging stuff b/c I don't have school again til next Wednesday! (I do have report card stuff to do and coursework, but compared to what I've BEEN doing, haha, I'm like pfft.)
I even have a blog post coming out either tonight or tomorrow morning, depending on if I fall asleep at the computer or not after everything else is done. Haha.
My recent post YeRoWriteO
Janine Huldie says
I just saw your post and seriously am so impressed by you and your new writing venture. And just so happy to see you back in whatever form I can get now in the blogging world. Keep up the good work my friend and definitely don't fall asleep at the computer now!
day-with-kt.com says
I've only had one completely debilitating back pain incident – I hope it never happens again because it was not fun!
Lately I've noticed that on the weekends when I get an extra hour or so in bed, I have lots of low back pain – maybe I should check into the Essentia pillow!!!
My recent post Memory – Can you Remember what you Forgot?
Janine Huldie says
If you do, let me know what you think. I love mine and will say I also will sleep with my feet elevated a lot as per my chiropractor's suggestion and it does help when need be. I am sorry though that you have had your issues and seriously my heart goes out to you, too!!
gigigirl says
I have a herniated disc (or 2) and had one serious bout with back ache. Sciatica is awful. Glad you found a way to keep it under control….I find my yoga and chiropractor keep me going. The Essentia products look great! Take care. Love…..xxoo
Janine Huldie says
Aunt Gloria, I totally know you can relate and seriously just happy for products like these to help take some of the pain and pressure off. Love you and xoxo!!
cgacad says
maybe this is a dumb question, but do you sleep with your head on the pillow? or with the pillow behind your back? wondering which position is the best to ease with back pain. thank you for this, janine!
Janine Huldie says
I sleep with my pillow flat (head on it) and usually on my back. I also have a pillow under my knees to take the added pressure off my lower back when need be. Hope this helps, Catherine!! π