When the Body Says "Stop": My Journey with Acute Back Pain and the Path to Spinal Longevity
We’ve all heard the phrase "listen to your body," but what happens when your body doesn’t just whisper...it screams?
As a Dietitian and someone who has dedicated my career to helping people transform their lifestyles through their diet, I spend my days teaching women how to fuel their bodies for energy, health, and longevity. Still, recently, I was reminded that even the most health-conscious among us are not invincible. I went from being active and mobile to being completely "locked" on my couch, unable to stand, sit, or even walk to the door.
Today, I’m sharing my vulnerable story of a herniated disc situation, the remarkable physician who came to my home when I couldn’t leave it, and the crucial connection between your nutrition, your strength, and your spine.
The Night the Lights Went Out (In My Back)
As someone with pre-existing back issues, I had been back at the gym for a few weeks on my own. However, I noticed my recovery was lagging significantly compared to my usual baseline. I started to suspect that my execution was off...that perhaps I wasn't maintaining the strict form necessary to protect my spine.
In fact, I remember a specific time while exercising where I felt that familiar "catch." It was uncomfortable, sure, but I pushed through it, rested a bit, and moved on. I think many of us "ladies of a certain age" do that; we downplay our pain because we have things to do and people to take care of.
But this time was different. This wasn't a "twinge." This was a full-scale mechanical failure.
Alone and immobile. That’s how I found myself when my back gave way. A herniated disc doesn't just hurt; it feels like your vertebrae are fused with hot lead, with every micro-movement firing lightning bolts down your nerves. I fought the pain just long enough to secure my phone and a semi-comfortable spot on the couch, but then time passed and the 'lock' wasn't "unlocking". The vulnerability of that moment is truly hard to put into words.
As I lay there, my mind raced through a desperate checklist: Do I call a relative? Should I call an ambulance? I kept bargaining with myself...if I could just reach my muscle relaxers, maybe the 'lock' would release, but the underlying fear was loud and clear: if that didn't work, I was in serious trouble.
I was lucky enough to have my phone nearby. While I waited for the morning to come, I spent those painful hours scrolling, searching for a solution. I knew I couldn't handle the physical trauma of being bundled into a car, driven to a hospital, and being unable to move or sit and to wait hours in the Emergency would have been extremely difficult for me. I needed help, but I needed it to come to me.
Finding Care in the Chaos
The next day, my sister came by and helped me take a muscle relaxer. I waited. One hour, then two...I managed to sit up slightly but was still in significant pain, and I still couldn't walk or stand. The "wait and see" approach had failed.
That’s when I was given the contact for Dr. Corrado Figaro.
I didn't know what to expect from a house visit, but the moment he arrived, the energy in the room changed. In a situation that felt chaotic and frightening, he was a beacon of professional calm. He didn't just rush in and hand over a prescription; he provided a level of empathetic bedside manner that is rare to find today.
He performed a thorough clinical assessment right there in my living room, explaining the mechanics of my herniated disc with such clarity that my stress levels immediately dropped. He provided the necessary clinical care, which included a targeted injection to break the cycle of acute inflammation, which finally allowed my muscles to release.
The follow-up and genuine concern he showed in the days after were the "gold standard" of medical care. It reminded me that healing isn't just about medicine; it's about feeling seen, heard, and cared for.
What Happens When a Disc "Blows"?
To understand why I was stuck on that couch, we have to look at the anatomy of the spine. Think of your spinal discs as jelly donuts sitting between your vertebrae. They are designed to absorb shock.
A herniated disc occurs when some of that "jelly" (the nucleus pulposus) pushes out through a tear in the tough exterior. This does two things:
Mechanical Pressure: It physically presses on the spinal nerves.
Chemical Inflammation: The "jelly" contains proteins that are highly irritating to nerves.
When those nerves get irritated, your brain sends a panic signal to your back muscles: "LOCK DOWN!" This is called protective muscle guarding. Your muscles spasm to prevent you from moving and causing more damage. That is why I couldn't walk, my body was trying to "splint" itself from the inside.
From a Dietitian’s Perspective: Why Nutrition and Strength are Your Best Defense
While Dr. Corrado Figaro handled the acute crisis, my job as a dietitian is to handle the chronic recovery and prevention. You cannot "exercise" your way out of a bad diet when it comes to back health.
1. The Anti-Inflammatory Kitchen
Inflammation is the enemy of the spinal disc. When you have a herniated disc, your body is in an inflammatory cascade.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish like tuna, avocado, walnuts, and flaxseeds, these act as natural anti-inflammatories.
Antioxidants: kale, leafy greens, berries (frozen might be more affordable) and colourful vegetables help neutralize the oxidative stress that prevents tissues from healing.
Hydration: Your discs are largely made of water. Hydration (8-10 glasses a day) can help to maintain height and flexibility.
2. The "Natural Corset" (Strength Training)
I mentioned that I had experienced this before while exercising. The mistake many people make is stopping all movement forever. In reality, once the acute phase passes, Strength Training is your insurance policy.
By building a strong core (not just "abs," but the deep transverse abdominis and multifidus muscles), you create a "natural corset" that takes the pressure off the discs and puts it onto the muscles. Work with a licensed Physiotherapist to help you find them!
(P.S. Look out for my next blog as I share my recovery phase!)
A Resource for You and Your Loved Ones
I am sharing this today because I don't want any of you, especially "my ladies", to feel as helpless as I did on that couch. Whether you are dealing with a sudden back issue like mine, or you have elderly parents or relatives, friends who are unable to travel to a clinic or doctor's office, having a reliable doctor who does house visits is a game-changer.
Dr. Corrado Figaro provides professional, discreet care anywhere in Trinidad. He handles:
Acute Pain & Illness Management
IV Treatments & Wound Care
Elderly & Bed-bound Patient Care (Perfect for our aging parents or relatives!)
Chronic Disease Reviews (Diabetes, BP, Chest Pain & Stroke assessments)
See flyer below for more information about Dr. Figaro's Services!
Save this info guys!:
Dr. Corrado Figaro, MBBS, MRCP (UK)
Phone/WhatsApp: 703-5292
Availability: Daytime & After-hours
Service Area: Anywhere in Trinidad
Take Care of Your Temple
Guys, and especially my Ladies, we only get one body. Let’s stop "pushing through" the twinges and start proactively building a foundation of health. These are the principles I teach through my Lifelong Wellness Hybrid Programs. Eat to lower inflammation, move to build support, and always have a plan for when life throws you a curveball.
Coming up next: The road to recovery isn't always linear. Look out for my next blog, where I’ll be diving into exactly what I am doing in my recovery phase to get back to better health.
If you found this helpful, please share this post with your relatives and friends. You never know who is sitting in pain right now, wondering who to call.
Stay strong, stay fueled, and keep listening to your body!
Kimberly Suraj, RD, Diabetes Educator
& Founder of Dragonfly Nutrition
868-347-9351
