A back injury is never a painless experience. I was forced to contend with two herniated discs when I was in my forties. Consequent on being naive enough to try to use my left leg to close an improperly installed garage door. I regretted that poor decision for many years. I felt no immediate pain at the time but the following morning while attempting to get out of bed I realized that I was hardly able to do so, and the pain coming from my lower back was excruciating. Eventually with very much effort, and discomfort I was finally able to rise. I should have proceeded to a hospital or clinic immediately. But foolishly delayed seeking any medical intervention, by telling myself that I would first gauge the severity of the problem, before spending any money. Gradually, the severe pain in my lower back ceased. During the weeks and months that followed I had no further difficulties getting out of bed. After a few months had passed, however, I noticed that although there was no pain in my lower back, there was a very slight discomfort, which only became worse and more pronounced, as time progressed.
“When something happens, the only thing in your power is your attitude toward it. It is not the things that disturb us, but our interpretation of their significance. Things and people are not what we wish them to be nor are they what they seem to be. They are what they are.”— Epictetus
For several years I endured this condition, foolishly hoping that it would go away. It didn’t. It lingered on and on. Eventually when the pain started to shoot down into my thighs and calves and made it difficult for me to walk I finally went to a pain clinic in Stickney. One of the suburbs of Chicago. After completing an X-Ray and some physical checks of my anatomy they diagnosed me as suffering from two herniated discs in my lower back. I was required to attend the center three times each week for treatment until I recovered.
Three years after arriving in Ghana on my second visit, I suffered a similar experience. This time however I was not attempting to do anything strenuous. I was merely sitting on a couch with a highly faulty posture. I discovered once again that as we age our bodies certainly change for the worse. Something that wouldn’t have affected me in the slightest degree when I was in my 20s or 40s had now become a source of great danger to me.
“People lose bone mass or density as they age, especially women after menopause. The bones lose calcium and other minerals. The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. Between each bone is a gel-like cushion (called a disk). With aging, the middle of the body (trunk) becomes shorter as the disks gradually lose fluid and become thinner. Vertebrae also lose some of their mineral content, making each bone thinner. The spinal column becomes curved and compressed (packed together). Bone spurs caused by aging and overall use of the spine may also form on the vertebrae.” (MOUNT SINAI: Aging Changes In The Bones – Muscles – Joints).
Despite some of the downsides of aging some prominent and famous people have given us valuable perspectives on that stage of human existence.
“We live in a youth-obsessed culture that is constantly trying to tell us that if we are not young, and we’re not glowing, and we’re not hot, that we don’t matter. I refuse to let a system or a culture or a distorted view of reality tell me that I don’t matter. I know that only by owning who and what you are can you start to step into the fullness of life. Every year should be teaching us all something valuable. Whether you get the lesson is really up to you.” – Oprah Winfrey
“If you are pining for youth I think it produces a stereotypical old man because you only live in memory, you live in a place that doesn’t exist. Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.” – David Bowie
Because of my past experience, I wasted no time procrastinating. I sought professional help immediately. I visited a Chiropractic Therapist/Herbalist in the Village of Brenyekwa. After he administered some therapeutic maneuvers on my back he called The Holy Family Hospital and arranged an appointment for me. I was directed to the Radiology Department. Where I was instructed to lie in various postures on a firm but comfortable surface, covered with a white sheet and elevated 3′ above ground level. I was also required to stand vertically in front of a machine in a variety of positions. So that they could take appropriate photographs to clearly identify my problem. The process didn’t take long at all. Subsequently, they showed me pics of my lower back and I clearly saw where I had sustained a serious injury.
Although my Chiropractic Therapist helped immensely, I was still traumatized by a great deal of pain. Consequently, I got in touch with a physician from whom I had received treatment previously. For a medical condition known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. He immediately prescribed me some medication which made the pain go away. For that development, I was extremely grateful. Such is life in the 21st Century. One medical professional will no longer suffice. Because what is now required to make a patient complete and whole is a multi-dimensional and multi-professional approach.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
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