Making friends with Pain...

I was recently diagnosed with a degenerative bone disease called Cervical Spondylosis:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cervical-spondylosis/DS00697

My doctor seemed to think that my condition is not a hereditary one, but was brought on by an injury or overuse. As we talked about injuries (of which I had one playing college football), the background didn't seem to jive; so as we dug deeper, the conversation led to climbing...specifically belaying when the neck is craned up while watching the leader. When I lived in CT, I would spend 3-5 hours in the gym, 3-4 days a week working out, bouldering, climbing and belaying and I remember vividly the neck pain that resulted from sessions at the gym spotting and belaying my partners as they worked routes.

Just an FYI and a warning to take care of yourselves out there. At the first sign of neck pain, adjust yourself and neck so that you are no longer putting pressure on the base of your neck (C7-T1). Stretch the neck regularly and stay hydrated.

I am 43 years young and last year was one of the best years I have had climbing and felt as strong as I ever have...until this struck me in late August (I assumed I pulled a muscle which in turn pulled my spine out of alignment). I was sadly mistaken...

I won't allow this to slow me down, but the thought of making friends with this pain sends my spirit into the dumps from time to time...I guess it is normal whenever we are faced with our own mortality. Moral of the story: Take care of yourselves and climb strong