That for sure is not good as a provider. My hubby has back issues and part of it is because he had muscles issues with how the front core ones connected with the back and shoulder ones so they weren't moving in tandem as in one contracting and one expanding as he moved or something like that. He is doing physio and works with a trainer on exercises - a few for each side. Mostly the issues come from lifting Brianne when there were no other options as well as her wheelchair in and out of the van since we don't have a wheelchair van since I can manage to get her up into the van and into a seat still while he lifts the chair - both situations we realize are not good and only a matter of time.

I have used various creams over the years and there is one that stays cold ie is meant to be like an icepack as compared to gets hot and another one called iceyhot or something that goes on cold but gradually warms up to soothe the area. Those you could put on around the sore area to relax those areas while avoiding the actual area.

I had a parent in care that was taking yoga to help with back issues and found it helped. She had had problems so bad she had surgery as a teen. She found that hot yoga where the room is super warm while you work out the best. You might want to ask the physio if something like that would be an option too.

As far as coping not getting down on the floor to change diapers and instead having the children get up means less bending as down on the knees relies on the back and stomach muscles for getting back up and they are connected so overuse the stomach and the back will hurt more. Maybe a table and step ladder to create something like the walk up wooden change tables many daycare centres have.

A pain that low is often from stooping too as in bending over instead of bending the knees and getting down which is very common to do when kids are only 2 feet tall so forget the part about getting down on their level and talking to them face to face for sure.

Have they given you any muscle relaxer pills. Forget what John had but they did help a little.

For kids in playpens put them in standing as in just lower them down and have them lay down themselves and stand up to be gotten out as compared to leaning over. When carrying do not carry on the hip which will push the spine to one side or the other but hold them in front with both hands and facing out which means you will be leaning slightly forward instead of backwards.

Next week is March break. Can you get a teen - even someone in grade 7-8 to come over for at least the mornings to do the lifting parts for you and let you have a week of not doing that motion hardly at all. Just giving the back a rest will help.