u/DaddyNinjaShark

How long should I have expected the LEDs to work on these? I like white light, but it seems nothing ever holds up... the LEDs slowly die over time, until many/most of my fans won't do white light anymore. I just switched all my fans to 'red' so that at least it was a consistent color inside my pc. Makes me sad, because the white can be so pretty and clean looking. I'm thinking of going with static (no LED) and a different brand next time. Is there a better option? I'm guessing there's some "planned obsolescence" built into the LED lifetime on these.

https://preview.redd.it/t4wn07jfadih1.png?width=944&format=png&auto=webp&s=bb13dfdb2c0e9d62a5479538f5ed831a3fa85019

So… sometime pre-Covid, I had a lower back injury that sent me into the sciatic doldrums. After a few very difficult years, I truly needed something, anything—to break the cycle of inflammation. I discovered I could use my HSA (in conjunction with a doctor note), to acquire a hot tub. I started a daily dip routine, and started to get my mobility back.

But… the sciatica has still been there… stiff morning backs, daily reminders… constant fear of tweaking it. Lately I decided I need to start exercising again. I’ve been afraid to do so, because I didn’t want to trigger any kind of regression. Every other form of exercise, I struggle to get into… but shooting hoops, I feel I can do.

We’ve always had an old basketball hoop, and used it sparingly. But now, I’m trying something. I go out there with a Bluetooth speaker, and I shoot (very close shots), repeatedly for about an hour. Every day.

I made a few conscious decisions. No jumping. I don’t want any jarring of the spine, so it’s just a relatively zero-impact motion. It’s like a pseudo jump, not a legit jump. The shorter shots help with this. I also decided I didn’t want to chase the ball down after every shot… so I have a little hoop accessory (hangs under the rim) to direct the ball back to me. It’s just enough to keep things consistent.

I’ve been noticing immediate benefits on several fronts. First.. I work a stressful job like many, and I get a dopamine hit every time the ball goes in. I forget the fact I’m shooting 4-footers. So there’s that. But I’m also noticing advantages in my core/chest muscles. Maybe that’s why I’m waking up lately without as many stiff backs?

I am determined to keep going with this. I don’t know if it’s a cheat code for my body alone, but I know many are willing to try anything to escape sciatica’s grip. If it helps someone else, well—I hope it does. I am feeling better than I have in quite a while, and trying to keep the momentum. Not declaring victory, but hoping to establish a better normal.