Allison Mingo

Just over six years ago, when I was 29, I herniated two disks in my neck at C5-6 and C6-7 which are at the base of the neck right between the tops of my shoulder blades. I didn’t have surgery, so I still get flare-ups from time to time, and they can last from weeks to months of sharp, excruciating pain. For years I’ve been waking up every day in so much pain in the morning that I can’t function normally. Taking a shower in the morning was nearly impossible as I couldn’t twist or turn to reach everywhere. It would take hours to “warm up” and some days it would last all day. The closest I can come to describing it is it feels like an ice pick or a knife jammed between your shoulder blades. Just two or three years ago, there were a few days where I’d be at work and do some simple twisting movement or stretch and I’d have to go to the ER because the pain was so intense. Crippling. Even recently I was having enough trouble that I went to a sports and spine center to get some therapy.

I’ve been working out with Power90 and drinking Shakeology for the last three weeks. I have strengthened the muscles in my shoulders and back enough that I am no longer waking up in any pain. I’m sleeping better, I can function properly, and I feel better than I’ve felt in years. I initially started doing this to lose weight and get in shape. Now I see weight loss as a bonus. Being pain-free is what motivates me!

– Allison