Stay the hell away from it.

Here’s the thing; I purposely avoided getting my back x-rayed because if there were something actually wrong with it I’d honestly be in more pain.  It’s that whole mind over matter crap.  Now I’m not talking about douchebag magicians, levitation or the nerdy movie Matrix, but there are certain things one can talk themselves into.

Scientist have proven that positive and negative reinforcement can affect the human body or outcome.  For example:  Take the truly Woe is me persona; most of their woes do come from poor choices but it does seem that they are a magnet for misfortunes, missed opportunities and general bad luck (yours truly included – I enjoy being miserable).  Does that mean if they were positive thinkers with a cheery outlook on life nothing upsetting would ever happen again?  Noooo, but a few things may turn in their favor.

Soooo, if I believe there’s no permanent damage and stretching and exercising will relieve my pain and increase mobility; there’s an excellent chance that’s exactly what will occur.

Anyway about the back surgery, it would seem that some naughty surgeons suggest this as a patient’s only option and never reveal they’re actually receiving kickbacks from the company who provides the titanium rods and so forth.  When in fact studies have proven that intense physical therapy (even including such forbidden things as purposely lifting with your back) will strengthen your spine and render you painless.  As opposed to opting for a dangerous invasive surgery that has left many disabled and wheelchair bound for life.