I long thought poles more of an affectation than, serious walk aid. A bit like the modern rock climbers addiction to chalk. The only benefactor being the seller of the paraphernalia, unlike chalk I can a split a pair of poles in half. Some years ago I found a pole with a camera thread to act as an alternative to a tripod, I now use the pole more as a walking aid than a photographer's accessory.
I am not tempted to take part in the Spine Challenge, though I carry around a permanent reminder of that part of my anatomy, the reason I choose to carry a walking stick. My problem is not forward motion or even the reverse, it is being immobile in the upright position. An attitude that is frequently forced on me in the urban environment, in a very short time I will get intense pain in my lower back, this will then spread down my left leg and increase, but perfectly manageable if I am in control of by environment.
Since adopting a walking stick, my family have expressed the opinion that I should not get defendant on it. But when I walking through the urban ways, I can swing the stick with panache that give my demeanor a modicum of swagger, belying the condition I am dependent on it when standing. It served a useful function 3 nights ago, returning from a show in London West End, a much younger man than my 76 yrs surrendered his seat immediately on my squeezing into an overcrowded underground train carriage. I was very grateful as it saved me from 20-30 minutes of very intense pain, many would resort to chemicals to relieve. Mrs BWW however did not receive the same level of public solicitude, her youthful appearance at odds with the extra 10yrs of nursing employment beyond retirement. I did point out to a youth, who immediately occupied a seat I tried to hold for her, that a lady had stood for many stops before he got on the train. Shamed into offering it, but Mrs BWW thought he looked more in need of it than she.
I have offered Mrs BWW poles on a number of occasions, but as she skips around the hillsides in a manner I taught he 20 or so years ago, I follow with some envy using the photographic accessory to prevent stumbles or falls, the occasional push to augment failing muscles and other balancing assistance. However we both enjoy the poles added uses in forcing a way through nettles, holding up barriers of barbed wire and many other hidden uses.