It all started like it does for many people — nothing too serious. At first, I just felt a bit of tension in my lower back after long hours at work. I brushed it off as fatigue. But over time, that dull ache became sharper and more persistent.
I started waking up with stiffness that made it hard to even get out of bed. Sitting for long periods became unbearable, and standing too long made the pain radiate down my legs. Eventually, I had to give up my morning walks — something I used to love.
As weeks went by, the pain began to control my life. I couldn’t focus at work, and even small tasks like bending to pick something up felt like torture. I stopped going out with friends, canceled plans, and spent most evenings lying flat, hoping the pain would fade.
I tried everything — stretching routines, heating pads, massages, herbal creams — some helped for a short while, but the relief never lasted. When even strong painkillers couldn’t dull the throbbing ache in my back, I knew it was time to see a doctor.
That visit changed everything.