Over the past week, I encountered a challenging flare-up of trigger points in my back that left me struggling to find comfort. It started with a nagging pain I thought might have been caused by a workout or possibly some inflammatory foods. Regardless of the cause, the pain quickly interfered with my daily routine and disrupted my sleep.
Coping Strategies and Adaptations
To manage the discomfort, I paused my regular workouts. Normally, I rely heavily on walking as part of my routine, using that time to reflect and memorize quotes and Bible verses for my presentations. Unfortunately, bad weather limited my outdoor activity and added another hurdle to recovery.
Over the Counter Anti-Inflation
I tried over-the-counter medications like naproxen and acetaminophen but found limited relief. A friend suggested using a tennis ball to apply pressure to the trigger points, and this turned out to be one of the more effective tools for managing the discomfort.
Range of Motion and Neuroplasticity
In addition, my background in martial arts training helped me stay grounded. Even though I couldn’t complete full workouts, the muscle memory from years of practice allowed me to use brief stretches and movements to support my body’s natural healing and maintain some level of activity. These habits have helped me over the years to encourage neuroplasticity and resilience, even during tough physical challenges like this one.
Staying Productive and Positive
Despite the physical pain, I stayed committed to my work with Second Chance to Live. Writing articles, creating video presentations, and designing posters gave me a way to stay focused on a larger purpose. Knowing that my experiences could help others kept me motivated, even on the hardest days.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps and Reflection
If the pain continues, I may visit my sports medicine doctor for further evaluation. In the meantime, I’ll keep listening to my body, making adjustments, and using the tools and lessons I’ve built over the years to stay productive, positive, and hopeful.
My Hope to Encourage
By sharing this experience, I hope to encourage others facing similar setbacks — reminding them that persistence, creativity, and small steps forward can make a huge difference.
Always helpful reflections and hoping the trigger points calm down and things get back to normal sooner than later in the days or week or so to come!
Thank you Brett. Was going to see the sport medicine Dr. at the clinic, however decided to step back from upper body work outs. Will monitor in the next week or so and re-evaluate. Thank you again for your reflections. Have a super day, Sir. Craig
Hi Brett, Thank you. Things are getting back to normal. Have a super day my friend. Craig