In early
2003, I started Karate training following a series of visits
to doctors and physical therapists. My back was aching again,
only this time it was worse than ever. To make matters worse,
one or more pinched nerves made sleeping extremely difficult
and painful. The only option other than surgery was physical
therapy. Unlike previous PT sessions that focussed on abdominal
strength and stretching (which provided only temporary relief)
the new regimen focussed on myofacial pain relief through
exercise and whole body strengthening.
Since core
strength is part of the equation, I decided to pursue Shotokan
Karate. I had always wanted to study the martial arts and
this was just one more excuse to do so. Sensei Rossini started
his dojo at about the
same time.
I'm happy
to say that my back is much improved. Muscular pain is all
but gone. There are still some residual pinches that I can
live with; I don't expect everything to return to normal since
two discs in my lower back have degenerated somewhat.
Meanwhile,
Karate has been both rewarding and loads of fun. I wished
I had done this much, much earlier !
30-April-2004
Note: The
contents in these pages are provided without any guarantee,
written or implied. Readers are free to use them at their
own risk, for personal use only. No commercial use is allowed
without prior written consent from the author.
|