u/sunshineintotrees

I have been dealing with daily pain ranging from 4-9 on the pain scale for almost two years now. The pain started in pregnancy and has persisted since then. I would scour Reddit and the internet for help when my pain was at it's worst. I tried 7+ months of physical therapy, chiropractor, spine specialist, nerve study, xrays, MRIs, ended up removing a cyst in my knee...I had no diagnosis and nothing to rid me of this pain.

Here's what is finally working:

• After working for months and months with two PTs who did nothing to decrease the pain, I did a lot of research to find the BEST PT in my state. I ended up driving 1.5 hours and she helped reduce the pain by 60% in one visit.
• Her advice? Do not do any forward folding. Do McKenzie style press up back extensions 4x a day with 15 reps each. Of course, your problem might be due to a different reason, but this is what worked for me.
• Once the pain was manageable, I scheduled private pilates sessions where I am learning to do reformer pilates with the owner of the studio. She is modifying so I never forward fold. I have completed about 5 sessions and will move to the general pilates class (with my modifications) soon. I recommend private lessons at first, so you don't hurt yourself more.
• I added twice a week spin classes.
• An added note: A TENS machine was a godsend when the pain was bad. I had one I bought for birth and never used it. They are easy to find on Amazon.

Since starting pilates, I had two whole days this weekend with no pain! The days following, the pain is hovering around a two. This is a huge improvement. I plan to continue pilates forever, as I think it has been so beneficial very quickly in reducing pain and strengthening correctly.

The two PTs I visited in my area were the top-rated for this area. Neither ever mentioned McKenzie press ups at all. They were both having me do the same exercises for months that didn't work. Finding the right PT followed by the right strengthening exercise was key.

Never give up.

I am looking for something that I think is simple, but has become somewhat elusive: the perfect natural fiber work top. If I found a great one, I'd buy multiple colors and be done with it. Here's what I'm looking for:

• Natural fibers, or a mostly natural fiber blend. No polyester
• Short sleeve or sleeveless
• Neutral colors and solid
• Good quality
• No ruffles or peplum. Clean lines
• Not overly boxy

Where are these style of tops?! I like the look of Modern Citizen, but haven't heard great things about the quality. Everlane is too boxy. Thrifting can only get me so far and is a long game. I'd like to just purchase a few great tops that I'll have for several years. If you have a link to a specific one you love, that's even better!

I am looking for something that I think is simple, but has become somewhat elusive: the perfect natural fiber work top. If I found a great one, I'd buy multiple colors and be done with it. Here's what I'm looking for:

• Natural fibers, or a mostly natural fiber blend. No polyester
• Short sleeve or sleeveless
• Neutral colors and solid
• Good quality
• No ruffles or peplum. Clean lines
• Not overly boxy

Where are these style of tops?! I like the look of Modern Citizen, but haven't heard great things about the quality. Everlane is too boxy. Thrifting can only get me so far and is a long game. I'd like to just purchase a few great tops that I'll have for several years. If you have a link to a specific one you love, that's even better!