Pain

Pain is a good teacher. Back pain is a good teacher in a very bad mood. It's not a teacher you would ever ask for, but the lessons are unforgettable. This website is based on notes from a class that I hope you never attend.

History of Abuse

When I got online in 1996, I sat for hours staring at the screen. Sitting and staring. Sitting and learning. Sitting and writing. Sitting and watching. Sitting and sitting. I was 16.

In high school and university, I was never out of shape but never in shape either. At the age of 30, I decided to start an exercise routine (bodyweight exercises, three days a week, done at home). It went well for a few years, but then I hurt my knee and stopped. The sitting continued.

Back Pain

In 2018, I was watching the World Cup. "Your pose looks awkward," noted my wife. "I'm comfortable!" I replied from the couch. When the game was over, I stood up and felt a dull persistent pain in my back, which I attributed to holding an "awkward" pose for hours. The pain lasted for several days, preventing me from doing basic tasks such as putting on socks. I was happy when it went away but I did not learn my lesson.

Back to Back Pain

I did not change my habits and within a year the pain came back. Not the same pain. More severe. I had been sitting in one pose for a few hours, my back unsupported. In addition to not being able to put on socks, I could barely sleep (changing my pose was a minute of agony). I had one pose that quieted the pain; sitting on the couch, leaning on a pillow, my legs bent 90 degrees. I looked comfortable; I was not. I also felt pain down my left leg (sciatica) and standing straight was impossible. From the front, my body took the form of the letter "S". The pain eventually went away, but it would come back in a very bad mood.

The following Chinese New Year, I got up early to pack the car. We were going to a cabin with friends. In the basement of our building, I reached for a little sleeping bag (less than 1 kg). Lifting it resulted in a spike of pain in my back. I dropped to one knee. The teacher was back.

Lesson Learned

After decades of abuse, my back was speaking out, too loud to ignore. I finally listened. During the most recent episode, I vowed to end the madness. Whatever it takes. I learned as much as I could. I bought a yoga book (Yoga Fitness for Men by Dean Pohlman). Then, I started the Old Man Routine (OMR). My back has never felt better.