Ella Emhoff, the stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris, opened up about her chronic pain management techniques, stirring conversations amidst a recent celebrity tragedy linked to ketamine.
The New York Post reported that Emhoff's lifelong spinal condition and its management were spotlighted after she shared insights on social media, against the backdrop of actor Matthew Perry's fatal Ketamine overdose.
Emhoff, a 25-year-old IMG model and fashion designer, revealed her battle with a tethered spine condition, known to cause kyphosis, often referred to as a hunchback.
This condition has affected her since childhood, leading to significant back pain over the years.
Through a series of posts to her 345,000 Instagram followers, Emhoff detailed the struggles she faced growing up with this condition. She underwent lower back surgery during her adolescence, which she credits with her physical improvements, though the pain persists.
"I was born with a tethered spine (iykyk) which caused my back to not properly lengthen when I was growing and caused a kyphosis (hunchback)," Emhoff shared in one of her posts.
Continuing her narrative, Emhoff added, "Was in and out of doctors and PT for most of my adolescence. Got lower back surgery, grew a million inches, and now deal with chronic pain." Her journey has been fraught with medical interventions aimed at mitigating her discomfort.
Amid her personal revelations, Emhoff highlighted various pain management strategies that have been suggested to her over the years. Notably, her list included ketamine infusions, a treatment gaining attention but also criticism due to its potential for abuse.
The timing of Emhoff’s post coincided with the news of Matthew Perry’s death on October 28, attributed to a ketamine overdose, further igniting debates over the drug’s safety and regulatory status. Following Perry's demise, authorities arrested five individuals linked to the supply and administration of ketamine.
Dr. Michael Harbison, a pain management specialist, commented on the situation, "There are far better options out there to deal with pain. Some of [Emhoff’s] recommendations are not for back pain — they are basically just getting you high."
Emhoff's approach to dealing with her chronic pain includes more than just medication. She also proposed lifestyle changes such as sleeping for up to 14 hours, engaging in hypnosis, eliminating sugar, and avoiding alcohol as part of her broader pain management strategy.
She emphasized the personal nature of her suggestions, clarifying, "These are all just recommendations made to me; these should not be taken as medical advice. I am just a girl trynna feel less pain." This disclaimer highlights the non-professional nature of her advice and her own ongoing struggle with pain management.
The shared Google Sheet titled “Big Pain Management List,” curated by Emhoff, serves as a collaborative platform for those seeking alternatives to manage chronic pain, showcasing a community-driven approach to healthcare discussions.
Emhoff's openness about her condition and her methods for managing pain has sparked significant online discussion. Followers and critics alike have engaged in conversations about the efficacy and safety of such unconventional methods, particularly in light of recent events involving ketamine.
While some praise Emhoff for her transparency and the discussion it fosters, others express concern about the potential for misinformation surrounding sensitive health topics like pain management.
The debate continues as both medical professionals and the public weigh the balance between innovative treatments and traditional, tested methods for dealing with chronic conditions.
