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My Back Is My Enemy

Back pain is worse than the asshole in middle school

Illustration: Chloe Cushman

Having a chronically bad back in middle age is like having a bully in middle school: You’re always on edge, fearing some horrible surprise is about to sneak up on you from behind. A bully could abruptly kick your notebooks out of your hand or stuff you in a locker, triggering an afternoon of shame…