Healing from Pain: A Personal Journey

Pain has a way of forcing us to pause and listen—if we allow it to. This is a personal account of a muscle strain I experienced on the left side of my back after a long bus journey while traveling to cast my vote. There was no sudden injury, no fall, and no heavy lifting—just prolonged sitting in an awkward posture. Sometimes, that is enough to trigger discomfort.

How the Pain Started

The discomfort didn’t appear immediately. That night, everything seemed normal. But the next morning, I woke up with a locked, gripping pain on the left side of my back. The pain felt deep and restrictive, almost as if the muscles had tightened overnight and refused to let go. Movements became difficult:

• Forward bending

• Lateral bending to the left

• Backward bending

  
  

Any attempt at these movements triggered sharp discomfort.

Exact Region Involved

The pain trajectory was quite specific. It extended:

• From the infraspinatus region

• Down toward the latissimus dorsi

  
  

This helped narrow down the muscles involved.

Muscles Likely Involved

Based on the pain pattern, location, and movement restriction, the primary muscles affected were likely:

• Infraspinatus

(A rotator cuff muscle stabilizing the shoulder and upper back)

• Latissimus dorsi

(A large superficial muscle responsible for spinal extension, lateral flexion, and rotation)

• Thoracolumbar fascia

(A connective tissue structure linking upper and lower back mechanics)

• Erector spinae (left side)

(Key muscles involved in spinal extension and posture maintenance)

• Quadratus lumborum (possible involvement)

(Especially given the pain during lateral bending)

This combination explains the “locked” sensation and movement restriction.

Choosing a Different Approach: No Painkillers

One conscious decision I made was not to take painkillers or injections. Instead, I chose to:

• Understand the pain

• Respect the body’s healing process

• Support recovery rather than suppress symptoms

  
  

Physiotherapy Insight

I consulted a fellow colleague in physiotherapy. After assessment, the suggestion was:

• Gentle resistance band exercises

• Focus on activation rather than force

• Avoid sudden or loaded movements

  
  

I also made a clear decision:

• No gym

• Adequate rest

  
  

Sometimes, rest is the most therapeutic intervention.

Local Therapy That Made a Difference

What truly helped in the acute phase included:

• Murivenna oil application over the affected region

• Hot kizhi (rock salt fomentation) for muscle relaxation

• Gentle warmth to improve circulation and reduce spasm

  
  

After this, I took complete rest.

The Next Day: Clear Improvement

By the next morning:

• Pain intensity had noticeably reduced

• Movements were less restricted

• The “locked” feeling had eased

  
  

I continued with:

• Hot application

• Collagen supplementation

• Improved daily protein intake

  
  

This combination seemed to support tissue repair and recovery remarkably well.

The Biggest Takeaway

What made me happiest was this realization: I healed without painkillers, without injections, and without rushing the process. By listening to my body and supporting it with:

• Proper nutrition

• Local therapies

• Gentle movement

• Rest

  
  

…the recovery felt natural and complete.

Embracing the Healing Process

Healing is a journey, not a race. It requires patience and understanding. Each step I took was a reminder that I could trust my body to heal itself. I learned to embrace the process rather than fear it.

The Role of Nutrition in Recovery

Nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery. I focused on incorporating nutrient-dense foods into my diet. This included:

• Lean proteins for muscle repair

• Healthy fats for inflammation reduction

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals

  
  

These choices helped fuel my body and support the healing process.

Gentle Movement and Its Benefits

Incorporating gentle movement was essential. I started with simple stretches and mobility exercises. This helped maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness. It was important to listen to my body and adjust movements based on how I felt.

The Importance of Mindfulness

Mindfulness became a key component of my recovery. I practiced being present with my body and acknowledging my feelings. This awareness helped me understand when to push forward and when to rest. Mindfulness allowed me to cultivate a deeper connection with my body.

Conclusion

Pain is not always the enemy. Sometimes, it is a teacher. When we understand its source instead of silencing it, healing becomes more meaningful—and often more lasting. This experience reinforced my belief that informed, mindful recovery can be just as powerful as medication when used in the right context.

By embracing natural healing methods and listening to my body, I found a path to recovery that was both empowering and transformative.