04/11/2024
At age 38, I had a pretty serious lower back injury while windsurfing in the bay area. I had a damaged disc in my lower back and could hardly stand or walk. I got three medical options. Two suggested surgery and one doctor said let's give it time.
I decided to give it more time but needed to get back in shape so I could work. Being somewhat of a water person, I decided to use swimming, some gentle chiropractic, ice, muscle stimulation and of course much rest as means for my rehabilitation . The first day it was difficult to even walk to the pool. I started by slowly walking in the shallow water. I did this for only 5 minutes. It seemed that each day I got a little better. Finally I was swimming laps without pain. I believe it took about 6 to 8 weeks and was able to return to work.
If you sometimes wonder why you put yourself through the pain of tough workout after tough workout, you’re not alone. But in what may seem like a paradoxical relationship, fighting through the pain of a challenging swim could be a smart, drug-free way to reduce or manage other kinds of pain. That....
