JFK HAD BACK PAIN And Physical Therapy — Not Surgery — Helped!
Born into American royalty, former president John F. Kennedy would go on to preside over historic changes, including NASA’s growth and the emergence of the Peace Corps. Sadly, Kennedy’s tragic and controversial death often overshadows his work — meaning very few people may know just how impressive it is that Kennedy was able to do all that he did with debilitating back pain. Kennedy was plagued by ailments in childhood. This included bouts with whooping cough, measles, and scarlet fever. He was also diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, but his severe back pain would be his Achilles’ heel. Historians believe he had osteoporosis — the degeneration of the bone — in his lower back. Kennedy underwent spinal surgery multiple times, but the procedures reportedly did nothing to help. To combat this, Kennedy then tried various medications, including codeine, which is an opioid, and methadone, which is similar to morphine. Experts believe Kennedy could have been on as many as 12 medications at one time, many of which cause extreme mood swings during times when the nation’s leader needed to be the most lucid man in the room. (The Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961 and the Cuban Missile Crisis of
1962, for example, happened when he was on these medications.)
Other doctors on Kennedy’s treatment team prescribed what was then called “exercise.” This form of physical therapy appears to be the only treatment that worked for Kennedy! (It’s also believed that he underwent massage therapy, had heat therapy, and began swimming to treat his back pain, and all of these treatments helped in combination.)
Soon, Kennedy’s doctors began to believe that treating him with intense medications was not ethical. His doctors weaned him off the drugs and only prescribed “exercise” routines. Furthermore, it’s been speculated that Kennedy’s leadership abilities were far better when he wasn’t on the medication, making it all the more imperative that he opted for physical therapy. It’s been more than 60 years since Kennedy found relief for debilitating back pain through physical therapy, but the studies being done on his life, legacy, and the pain he suffered continue to astound historians and offer a glimpse into treatments for those in leadership. As many have found, it was physical therapy that not only helped Kennedy but also protected our nation.
Take a Break!
SHAVED ASPARAGUS SALAD
Inspired by ACoupleCooks.com
Ingredients
• 1 lb asparagus spears • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated • 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
1. With a vegetable peeler, shave each asparagus spear from tip to base. This is easiest to do if the asparagus is on a flat surface. 2. Place shaved asparagus in a bowl and blot off excess moisture with a paper towel. 3. In a separate bowl, make a vinaigrette by whisking together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. 4. Pour vinaigrette over shaved asparagus and add Parmesan cheese, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings.
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