I am glad to get to the “The Back Porch” this week. This week I need to clear my mind of this opinion thing. Everyone has one…and it sometimes appears that this world favors Opinion.   Please remember my “ponder rules”. A good ponder does not require facts and in most cases it does not answer all your questions but thinking about something is a good thing. It started a few years back with what was referred to as Sciatic nerve pain.

A visit to a doctor, who by the way specializes in the spine, is what has led me to this “Ponder”. Does fact trump opinion? Here is fact from the fine folks at the Mayo Clinic.

“Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve travels from the buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica most often happens when a herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone puts pressure on the lumbar spine nerve roots. This happens “upstream” from the sciatic nerve. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.” Amen!

Now the Opinion from the doctor I saw. There is no such thing, I have been practicing back and spinal medicine for 20 years now. I must be fair here… I did not add quotation marks because I am simply writing what I believe I heard him say. I can say that from my perspective he gave me a good five minute lecture in a very condescending manner. Ok, I admit my feelings were hurt but that doesn’t matter…however, my ego was severely damaged. I am 80 years old and have been dealing with this…sciatica pain for 30 years and I might add my medical insurance has been paying for treatments for a health problem that does not exist! 

Now the fun part… This Ponder has answered no questions and solved no problem and that is exactly what a good ‘ponder’ should do. I can go to Panera Bread now with a clear mind.