Stretching the Body and the Soul

For me, 2005 is probably going to be marked as the year of bad health. I got strep throat and tonsillitis. But the big health concern for me in 2005 was continual lower back and leg pain.

It started with a tight feeling last Christmas. Then, one day in January, I flipped over in bed and felt like my back exploded. I've never fully recovered. During bad periods, the pain travels down my leg. I have been to my doctor, a chiropractor, a back specialist, a physical therapist, and one trip to the Emergency Room. Each person contributed a little bit, but no one could completely heal it. I have had x-rays, and MRI, a Chiropractor's back scan (don't really know what that is). I've learned what the problem is, but I haven't been able to get rid of it.

Part of this is history. I was diagnosed with scholiosis when I was in elementary school. It got bad enough that I had seven of my vertebrae fused together and steel rods inserted in my spine when I was fourteen. After healing from the surgery, I haven't had any issues or problems with it.

Fast forward to today: I have one of the most common back problems. I have lifted poorly for too long. I'm not flexible, so I have tight calves and hamstrings. I don't have good posture when I sit. This is pretty usual. The twist is this spine fusion. It means a chiropractor doesn't help. It also presents a challenge in the healing process.

I'm not writing this to complain. Actually, I was thinking that I've been feeling pretty good lately. I've changed a lot of my habits and lifestyle issues that contribute to back pain. I'm really making an effort to do my stretches and exercises I learned from the physical therapist. I'm slowly stretching my calves and hamstrings.

I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but I'm getting pretty close this year. I want to make 2006 the year of health. I'm going to do my exercises. I'm going to eat right. I'm going to combine spiritual practice with exercise...for example, lately, I've been "timing" my stretches by reciting the Creed and the Lord's Prayer - and not in a rushed way either!

I have not appreciated the chronic pain of others until I experienced it myself. For that reason, I would like to pray for your continued health, as well as mine.

Dear God,
Our bodies are a living sacrifice for You.
Help us to put our bodies to the best use possible. Sustain us for your continued purpose and use. Help us to cherish our bones, muscles, and organs as beautiful creations. I pray this for all who feel acute pain, as well as those who are not worried about their bodies.
Amen