How I fixed my back pain

I have suffered from back pain which puts me in over 50% of the population, according to Dr. Hamilton Hall, “the Back Doctor”. 

My problems began after I forced my body into a yoga pose, trying to teach myself from a yoga book. (not recommended!) This was exacerbated shortly after by a big fall off a horse, and to add more grief to my poor body, I wrenched my back lifting a vacuum cleaner the wrong way while at work and in a hurry. I was debilitated to the point where I stood up to take notes in the entire last year of Homeopathic College because i was unable to sit down. This all went on far too long.

The fall off the horse was the last straw. It resulted in me being forced to be immobilized for two months, and then surgery followed for resection of L5-S1 disk in the year 2000. The surgery got me mobile, but for the next 17 years I avoided any heavy work. Except I had to do gardening which would result in much pain and stiffness the next day. This was not fun! It was hard for the people around me to be sympathetic when there was no blood. 

Homeopathic health care and not sleeping on my stomach have dramatically improved my back pain. However, it would still occur after lifting heavy objects.

The icing on the cake came last year after I joined my friend’s yoga class. I have to admit there was a little bit of fear of movement because in the past movement in certain positions could case pain. Lester Quitzau, my new yoga instructor and friend, taught a class for beginners that was gentle and yet allowed me to stretch my body in classic yoga poses. He said to listen to my body. That this would be enough to produce change. That is was not a competition and that my internal feedback was the most important thing. And change did happen. After the classes I felt relaxed and rejuvenated. 

Eight months ago I started following Ali Kamenova on line at this website: alikamenova.com. I did this not because Lester wasn’t fulfilling my needs but because I started a five month trip away from home and I still wanted to practice yoga and that’s when I found Ali on line.

Today I just feel good! And to be honest I am really proud of what i have accomplished and how my body has responded to yoga. a combination of flexibility and strength, I don’t hurt my back unless i do something stupid and I have muscle instead of flabbiness in areas I never thought I would. 

Starting with a small class gave me the discipline and commitment to continue. As I started to feel better I just realized this was fun and it was important. It means I can work out at home, no matter what the weather is outside and anywhere in the world. I was even able to work out during travels in Europe, and on the small coastal islands in my home of British Columbia. 

P.S. The gorgeous yoga mat in the photo was sent to me by my amazing artist/herbalist friend Danielle Caners. If you are interested in more information about her yoga mats, here is a link to her website: https://ravenectar.com/collections/yoga-mats/products/tree-of-life-yoga-mat.