I sometimes have to go to a event for a couple of days and I am constantly busy while there. I pace myself leading up to the event. If I have to drive, I allow time to stop and walk around. I take my own pillows (a bunch of small ones) to prop various parts of me up and I increase my pain meds just a little. I have a pillow I use while I'm "busy" and I make sure to get up and walk around every little bit and do a little stretching especially doing repetitive work. I make it thru and when I get home, I crash for a day or 2. I can't stop the pain while I'm at the event and always pray that I'm not in a major flareup. But these little "preparations" help me thru and I can enjoy the event while I'm there. My doctor gave me little exercises to do if I have to sit, stand or drive too long. And don't be shy if you have to stop and rest...otherwise it wouldn't be known as a retreat!