ASK KRS
By KRS Edstrom

Dear KRS,
I am 48 years old and have been in a regular exercise program for six months. Gradually, I have been experiencing lots of aches and pains relating to the sciatic nerve. It is almost constant and affects sleeping. My doctor has prescribed exercises to relieve the pain, but it does not seem to help. Would a chiropractor be more inclined to relieve this pain?
My Aching Back

Dear Aching Back,
It doesn’t seem fair does it?  The thanks you get for exercising regularly is back pain. This is an unfortunate but common scenario that can put a halt to the best intentions. Fortunately, the solution is often very easy.

 STRETCH! Exercise tends to “shorten” muscles so it is necessary to stretch them back out after you exercise, while your muscles are still warm. You need to tune in and find (or invent) the stretch that pinpoints the pain and gently releases it.

Stay in each stretch for at least 30 seconds and allow yourself to sink into the stretch as you allow the tension to melt. Don’t over stretch and don’t “bounce” in the stretch. Do your stretch(es) twice a day with warm muscles (after a hot bath or shower in the evening before bed is a good time). In two weeks or less you should find relief. Then don’t forget to continue your stretches at least once a day.
KRS

Dear KRS,
I am very confused about my present situation. I am miserable at my job, however I do earn a high salary for my field and have invested eight years in this career so far. I am contemplating looking for another job, but am so stressed out I don’t think I want to pursue this field any longer.

I am thinking of making a career change, but that will mean staying at home with my parents until I complete my training, and frankly, I don’t want to postpone getting my own apartment (I am 29). Which leads me to another stress: my parents are extremely traditional and do not find it acceptable for an unmarried woman to live on her own. They are giving me an incredible guilt trip (tears and all). Please help.
At the End of My Rope

Dear End of Rope,
Whenever it seems as if you have an overwhelming load of unresolvable problems, it is important to untangle the mental web and establish clarity before making decisions.

List the possible solutions to each problem with a “Pro” and “Con” column for each. Write down the positive and negative aspects of each solution under the “Pro” or “Con” heading. Then compare solutions and watch clarity and intuition resurface. It is a simple but rather enlightening technique.

Let me guide you a bit with your current “web” of confusion. It doesn’t matter whether you have invested one year or 35 years in a job in which you are unhappy. You must honor your true nature and seek a job to which you are better suited — as soon as possible.

Console yourself that every bit of experience you have gained at your current job will serve you one way or another at some point in your life, so it wasn’t a waste of time. Does a career change necessarily mean a period of unpaid training? If so, consider the options, such as getting a part-time job while in training and sharing an apartment with a friend to help with the rent. Perhaps having a roommate would help your parents accept your move. If not, be gentle but firm with them and make the move anyway. Exciting changes are on the horizon for you. Now take action.
KRS

Dear KRS,
I would like to know what kind of exercises I could do to get rid of cellulite.
Tired of Cellulite

Dear Tired of Cellulite,
Exercise is good for cellulite in that it circulates your blood and helps carry away waste. Another effective cellulite buster is a “knuckle massage.” For just 5 or 10 minutes, 3-7 times a week, massage the cellulite area while watching TV. The cellulite area may be a bit tender at first, but work up to as much pressure as you can stand, without bruising yourself.

If cellulite is in your thighs, use the knuckles of both hands, starting just above your knee and rub upward (toward your heart) vigorously. Massage one leg at a time for several minutes. Your thigh may turn pink or itch a bit from the increased circulation. When finished, elevate your legs for a few minutes.

Also drink 6-8 glasses of pure water each day, versus sodas or tea. Most people get noticeable results in a few weeks.
KRS

KRS Edstrom, M.S., is an author, lecturer and columnist. She is available for private sessions (by phone or in person) and seminars on meditation, motivation, stress, pain, weight loss and other personal growth issues. Her books and audios offer solutions for healthful, conscious living. For free soothing guided meditations and more, please visit KRS’ “Serenity and Meditation Corner” at www.AskKRS.com   For more info call (323) 851-8623 or e-mail: KRS@AskKRS.com   
 

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