Osteoarthritis Can't Stop You

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder, which is due to aging and wear and tear on a joint, as described by the National Institute of Health (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001460/).

I have lived with OA in my spine for 4 years now, and am preparing to run my first marathon.

I was first diagnosed with OA after my first couple of years in the Army (as an infantryman, you carry a lot of heavy things a long way, surely a contributing factor, along with a predisposition to the disease). There were times when it was difficult to even walk not only because of how painful any movement was, but also because my lower back and hips became so incredibly stiff that it took a herculean effort just to move my legs one at a time. After a few years of pain meds, NSAIDs, steroid treatments (including epiderral injections), physical therapy, and visits to the chiropractor, I was still in way too much pain, way too much of the time.

If you are in a similar place it is time to take control. I can tell you what works for me, but I cannot tell you what will work for you. The most important thing you can do is educate yourself on any disorder or disease you may have, yet more importantly educate yourself, on, well, yourself. Everyone is unique, and has a specific reaction emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and physically to every factor and variable in life, including a disease like OA.

OA without a doubt affects the way you think and the way you act. No disease with chronic pain can fail to influence its victim. That is why it is so important to understand how you react to the disease, notice and become aware of what effect it has on your life and the lives of those around you. You may or may not be able to cure OA for yourself, I am writing this to tell you that you can, I am writing this to tell you that you can change the way you allow it to influence you.

So, what do I do that allows me to regain control and stay active and participate in all of the activities that I want to do, including running marathons, playing sports, and staying fit? One word, AWARENESS. I am aware of how my body works, how my disabilities (which include a couple of slipped discs, and degenerative disc disease on top of OA) affect my psyche and emotional states, which in turn affect my physical state. I use meditation to help achieve this awareness and let me tell you, I cannot emphasize enough how much more effective meditating is than any other treatment I have ever had. I do believe that change and healing begin with awareness and grows into so much more. Meditation has helped me effortlessly relieve pain, heal, and improve every aspect of my life. Regardless of religion, education, or background, you can use just about any technique or program to start living a more fulfilled life today.