08/24/2026
FINDING A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK
🪡💉
My active lifestyle was infringed upon for over a year and I was often found in my favorite recliner with an ice pack on my lower back. Simple things like getting dressed and putting shoes on were torture. I chose not to surrender to live like that forever. Wellness Warrior said "no way".
I thought I would share my journey and some insight into debilitating back pain and treatments to healing and relief in hopes it may help others. I have been MIA from writing, not reading. But I am back!
Like the bumbling Pink Panther searching for elusive clues to solve a hard case, I believed I was clever enough to find the missing needle in the haystack for causes and treatments for back pain that radiated to my hips and legs. Proudly I declare that my sleuth work won and I found relief!
From chair bound to healing and happy. I found the spring in my step and sparkle back in my spirit. And this is how I got there.
Xrays, MRIs and medical exams confirmed that my pain level 10 of 10 was justified. I felt redeemed yet extremely vulnerable. Crammed lumbar spinal nerves screamed loudly. If you know, you know, it's intense. I listened. I learned.
Herniated and ruptured (leaking) discs which are like the jelly donuts between my degenerative lumbar vertebrae, plus a slipped vertebra, and thickened ligaments joined together like your worst traffic jam. Eventually my determination tossed me into a deep dive and I found my needles, literally.
Determined to outsmart multiple surgeons after consults and avoid the knife, chishels, drills, rods, screws,and cadaver bone (allografts), then 3 months in a back brace, I succeeded. Even a reputable neurosurgeon agreed when I told him this seemed barabic and creepy. Sometimes those options are unavoidable but my instincts said otherwise.
How did I cause this and how can I avoid making it worse or from ever reoccurring? One Dr. said, you're just made this way. I disagree. Although that's partly true, I believe weak core muscles, over stretching,deep backbending and twists were the major culprits. Another hard lesson learned. Must have strong 360 degree core!
My modern medicine treatments? Disceel, a fibrin substance to seal the leaks was injected into all 5 lumbar discs. A month later, MILD (minimally invasive lumbar dissection) was done with a small incision to cut and remove excess ligament that had thickened in the spinal canal. Relief after both was immediate. The healing and new physical practices began. Physical therapy, walking, and a positive attitude are my allies.
Never, ever give up when you know an elusive "needle" is waiting to be discovered. And when you find it, perhaps it's purpose is to transform into a golden key for possibilities. After my son told me when he saw me a few days later that he noticed I had my spark back, like"night and day", I knew my Pink Panther, Inspector Clouseau style detective work paid off.
Sometimes we need to be our best advocate for our health and healing before we make harsh decisions. Maybe it's to make lifestyle changes as hard as they may be, or to tirelessly search for the right answers. Ask friends, don't be shy. I did and they helped me alot by sharing stories and referrals. I am eternally grateful for their patience and listening to my desperate pleas for any knowledge and wisdom.
Modern medicine is always evolving while ancient medicine and modalities have history and evidence. I meshed both. Natural anti-inflammatories, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic adjustments, ice packs, rest, meditation, better hydration, and other calming practices all helped. I restrained from prescribed narcotics. I quit playing pickleball (for now), challenging hikes, and slow, shorter walks and PT are my new norm. Patience is a virtue.
I know sometimes aggressive surgery is the best option, but not for me, not now. There are great medical doctors out there. We just need to do thorough interviewing and research for our best options. And by all means, be proactive and take good and proper care for your mind, body and soul. And strengthen your core!
Amateur Detective and Wellness Warrior,
Gina
Breathe. Move. Connect.
