Bad news, good news

What a rollercoaster. My emotions, once at a nadir, were elevated briefly to the heavens. And the source of these were reports from the hospital.

While I have been able to remain injury-free for the most part of the last 5 years, enabling me to complete in numerous sports and running events, there were episodes where I was laid low with pains or aches associated with my back.

A fortnight ago, a visit with an orthopaedic specialist revealed a slipped disc, which hit me hard, even though deep inside I was almost expecting it. Memories of seeing a few of my friends bending over with pain from this ailment struck me.

Nobody wants a slipped disc in the back. It would mean a huge re-adjustment to the way I live my life, so as to preserve my back for the years ahead, and to avoid hastening a deterioration of the condition.

I cannot contemplate a future of crippling pains shooting down my legs, chained to the bed, resting for days, not because I want to, but because I have to.

I cannot imagine a future where I can no longer run freely.



It was scant consolation when the doctor told me that my symptoms were very mild. Though the MRI suggested strongly that I have a prolapsed disc, I do not experience any of the horrific pains that come with it. The doctor urged me to rest, take up pilates, and see him in 3 months' time.



He also arranged for me to see a physiotherapist, which I did, just yesterday afternoon.



Seeing the physio for the first time in my life, I did not know what to really expect. She was very professional though, patiently asking me questions to get a clear understanding of my history. Once the questions were concluded, she put down her file and looked at me and said, ''Y' know, I don't think you have a slipped disc.''

My spirit jumped.

Next, I stood up, and followed her directions and performed some lunges, stretches, and movements. All the while, she kept asking, ''Any pain?" My answers were always negative, except for the usual muscle tightness when I stretched too far.


She sat me down and her assessment was that I do not have a slipped disc. If I had, I would not have been able to do those exercises without experiencing pain and bad discomfort. Rather, she deduced that the core muscles supporting my spine are weak, causing instability, putting pressure on the nerves, resulting in spasms and occasional pains.



She taught me to do a simple exercise every day, which would strengthen core muscles, and she believes that this would ease the constant aches and muscle spasms that have been afflicting me.



With her uplifting words resonating in my head, I walked out of the physio room like a brand new man.

It is not a joke. The knowledge that my back can be treated has given me an impetus, a renewed resolved to work on those core muscles.

Now I have hope, that I can live the way I love - playing soccer, running, and picking up my baby Mikayla.





One reason why I write this post is this: if I ever get lazy, and stop doing those core exercises, let this post be a sober reminder to myself, that it is my responsibility to care for my back, and I should never slacken in my efforts to strengthen it.