Conquering Chronic Pain: How Ascend Changed My Life
Growing up in the Fraser Valley, I’ve always loved the outdoors. Whether cycling, playing softball, hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, or hunting, my passion for nature naturally led me to a career in the natural resource sector.
In the late ’90s, I was involved in an industrial accident that injured my lumbar spine, leaving me confined to bed and off work for several months. A dozen years later, a motor vehicle accident further compromised my back, resulting in surgery and fused vertebrae in my cervical spine.
While neither injury completely sidelined me, chronic pain and a diminished quality of life soon became a constant challenge. Over the years, consultations with specialists and family physicians narrowed my pain management options to three distinct paths: exercise, medication, or surgery.
I tried just about everything—from acupuncture and prolotherapy to regular visits with chiropractors, massage therapists, physiotherapists, and naturopaths—with varying degrees of success. I chose to minimize medication and avoid further surgery, but finding the right exercise program and support was another matter. That is, until a colleague shared their success with Ascend.
In May 2023, I signed up for the Fit for Life six-week trial and haven’t looked back. I’ve experienced marked improvements in my mobility, strength, endurance, and overall well-being. With my two-year anniversary at Ascend just a couple of months away, I’m proud to say that a weekly, personalized exercise program has freed me from relying on prescription pain meds and has made me stronger both mentally and physically.
I also participated in the Ascend Nutrition program, which equipped me with the tools and insights I needed to overcome pitfalls that had long sabotaged my health journey. Despite my ongoing love of food and the occasional indulgence, I’m now making better choices—and my weight is finally trending in the right direction.
If you’re struggling to find the right path to better health, don’t just take my word for it. Check out Ascend for yourself and see how their knowledgeable, compassionate team can help you reach your goals. Maybe I’ll see you there, and we can share our stories together! 😊
