SHARON SMITH

I suffered with chronic lower back and hip pain from the time I was in my late teens. While I wasn't in constant pain, I experienced pain every few months. I also developed migraines in my 20s. I tried everything. Some things helped for a while (chiropractic care, acupuncture), but the pain always ended up coming back. Most people simply told me I had a "bad back", and would just have to live with it. I never quite thought of my back in this way though because I was also strong, flexible and healthy... In 2002 I suffered an "injury" when I leaned over to put a cup in the dishwasher, and was unable to straighten up again. The pain was excruciating. I spent the next week in bed whacked out on painkillers and muscle relaxants. A doctor friend made a housecall and pronounced I had no real damage, but just needed to rest a week or so and my back would get better. I wasn't so sure about this, and was totally terrified that I might not be able to walk again. During this week I made myself a..

Also known as: Sharon Oringderff Smith