I have to admit to having an aversion to exercise. Once I get into a regular routine of going to the gym or playing football, things are fine. But getting into that routine is tough.

Recently, I started to play Cageball again. It’s a game of four-a-side football on a small, indoor pitch and fun to do with friends or colleagues. When I worked at Opera Software, we played almost every week.

Over the past four years, I have only played a handfull of times. Coming back to football after not doing much exercise can be tough on the body. I experienced that this Wednesday.

After playing for about 30 minutes, I ran the ball down the side of the pitch and got into a tough spot with the defence. Two of their players rushed me and I fell to ground in what felt like a harmless challenge. But, when I rose to my feet, I felt a slight pain in my lower back.

I stayed on the pitch for about 2 more minutes, but couldn’t run. It hurt to walk, nevermind run, so sat out the rest of the game due to the back injury.

Later that evening, the pain got so bad that shortly before bedtime, I decided to go to legevakt (hospital). The emergency room was quiet, but we spent from around 12:40am – 3:30am in the hospital. During that time, the doctor examined me and gave me an injection of painkillers. He determined it wasn’t anything that needed immediate treatment.

The next day I was in so much pain. Sitting was tough, standing was tough, walking was tough. Everything was painful – even with painkillers. I took the day off work and stayed at home.

Friday, day 2 of the injury, was also bad. From the minute I woke up I was in pain. I could hobble out of bed and to the bathroom, then back again. From the couch to the kitchen, and back again. But sitting hurt, standing hurt, walking hurt.

The NHS website recommends that if you have a muscular injury that you must remain active. Or, not “active” – but in motion. Lying in bed all day can cause more harm than good. I definitely wasn’t able to stay still for more than 10 minutes though before the pain increased. It was all too much.

That morning, I called Torp&Co – a local business who do massage treatments at companies around Oslo. Trained chiropractors, physiotherapists and specialists in muscle and joint disorders. They booked me in for an appointment later that afternoon.

After a thorough examination, they determined that I have muscle damage. Yet, it’s also possible I have a trapped nerve at the bottom of my spine. If that is the case, I’ll need an MRI scan and things are a bit more serious.

Today is Sunday – day 4 since the injury. I’m still taking the painkillers and most of the muscle pain has subsided. Sitting still or moving into different positions results in shooting pains up from my leg to my lower back – not a good sign. The pain seems to be easing off though.

Tomorrow morning, I’ll try to go to work. I also have another follow-up assessment with Torp&Co to check progress since Friday.

Fingers crossed everything will be okay.

🤞