Miri is a seasoned educator with 15 years teaching A-Level Biology and GCSE Science. Her deep love of learning was instilled by her late father. Miri overcame her own health issues, earned an MSc in Sport Rehabilitation, and now empowers others through a blend of fitness, rehab, and teaching, transforming lives with integrity and personal growth.
Is there anyone who hasn’t been consumed by the suffering of loving someone who doesn’t love them back, or the helpless grief of watching a deeply valued relationship unravel?
Heartbreak is a universal human experience, whether unrequited love or the gut-wrenching end of a once-cherished relationship. Few songs capture that raw emotion as poignantly as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ ¹ "A Woman in Love (It’s Not Me)" from their iconic ‘Hard Promises’ album (1981). Dubbed the "most dramatic track" on the album by Billboard1, the song fuses Petty’s raw, emotion-filled vocals with Mike Campbell’s searing, soul-piercing guitar riffs, creating a visceral depiction of love’s harsh realities. With its haunting lyrics and gripping melodies, this track hits the emotional core, resonating deeply with anyone who’s ever loved and lost. ²
Soundtrack to my life
As a heartbroken teen, crushed by my first breakup, hearing "Woman in Love" for the first time resonated deeply, putting my pain into words. For me, that song was the portal into Tom Petty’s gritty, soulful world—a place where heartbreak and timeless music collide. With gritty, jangling guitars and Tom Petty's unmistakably authentic voice, the Heartbreakers’ sound evokes a sense of rebellious freedom and heartland spirit. Each track pulsing with vibrant energy, blending melodic hooks with a rugged, rootsy edge. The songs are immersed in bittersweet nostalgia, laced with a breezy, road-trip vibe, yet grounded by resolute tales of heartbreak, resilience, and defiance. The driving rhythms and infectious choruses create anthems that feel as vast and open as the American highways they often evoke. Tom Petty’s legacy is extraordinary, from his trailblazing music to his lasting impact on generations of fans.
Farewell to a music legend
One October morning in 2017, as I sat in my kitchen having coffee, the sad news broke: Tom Petty had died. The matter-of-fact announcement on London’s LBC felt cold and detached, missing the emotional weight of such a devastating loss. Outside, the sky seemed flatter, its usual vibrancy drained into a muted grey that made everything feel a little more distant.
After months of speculation, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed Tom Petty had died from an accidental overdose of painkillers. Battling emphysema, knee issues, and a hip fracture that deteriorated on tour, he performed 53 shows despite the pain. His wife Dana and daughter Adria believed his excruciating pain drove him to overuse the medications.
Endurance and pain: Tom Petty's last tour
This article is a tribute to Tom Petty's legacy by emphasising hip health, injuries in musicians, effective pain management, and the delicate balance between work and personal well-being. Exploring these themes raises important questions about how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Mayo Clinic warns that hip fractures are serious injuries, often with life-threatening complications. ⁴ The risks increase with age due to bones weakened by osteoporosis. Factors like multiple medications, poor vision, and balance issues also raise the likelihood of falls, a leading cause of hip fractures. Surgery and physical therapy are usually needed for recovery, but maintaining bone density and taking appropriate measures to prevent falls can reduce the risk. Tom Petty died just a week after finishing the Heartbreakers' 40th-anniversary tour. ⁵ He toured for 53 dates with a fractured hip and, as he did, it worsened to a more serious injury," said a statement from his family. ⁶ Osteoporosis - NHS
Injuries: The hidden struggles in a musician’s career
Musicians often push through pain and injury, driven by commitment to their audience, unpredictable employment opportunities, and long-standing obligations. Many performers face significant health challenges, including musculoskeletal pain, ⁶ anxiety, depression, eating disorders, hearing loss, and even heart disease. ⁷ Factors like irregular work hours, disordered eating, frequent travel, and the intense demands of their craft can contribute to these issues. A review by Niemeier and Larsen (2020) highlights how these concerns impact performers, but there's encouraging news—many of these risks can be reduced. By starting health promotion early in training, we can help artists build healthier habits that support them throughout their careers. This includes creating specific programs that focus on their unique health needs. ⁸,⁹ Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Caring for creatives: Ensuring musicians’ well-being
Our top athletes have dedicated teams of physiotherapists, medical experts, massage therapists, and personal trainers to keep them in peak condition. So why don’t our musicians and performing artists receive the same care? Athletes and footballers are pulled from competition if they don’t pass a fitness test. However, musicians, who pour just as much energy—if not more—into creativity, rehearsals, and performing, are left to make their own health decisions, often without medical guidance. ⁷ Shouldn’t they have a safety net too, to protect them from pushing too far when it matters most? They warrant the same health and well-being support we give our athletes.
Understanding hip health – More than just aches and pains
So, why is the hip joint considered one of the most critical, and how does hip function impact overall mobility and quality of life?
The hip joint is crucial because it supports body weight in standing and movement, like walking or running. As a stable ball-and-socket joint, it is reinforced by strong ligaments, making it durable yet vulnerable to common injuries such as dislocations, arthritis, and fractures as we age.
Common hip conditions
The hip is susceptible to soft tissue conditions, such as bursitis, when the fluid-filled sacs that cushion tendons become inflamed. A common example is trochanteric bursitis, which typically leads to gradual pain during activities like walking, crossing the legs, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of a car.
Piriformis muscle issues, like shortening or inflammation, can irritate the sciatic nerve, causing pain that often radiates down the leg. Symptoms develop gradually and are aggravated by twisting or turning activities. Pain can be worse at night.
Hip dislocations, often from car accidents (dashboard injury) are typically linked to fractures of the posterior acetabulum, but can also occur in high-impact contact sports.
Hip pain should always be assessed by a doctor, especially pain experienced after a fall or collision, or pain that gradually worsens. Undiagnosed hip injuries can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility. Early diagnosis and treatment improve long-term outcomes. Tools like MRI scans, X-rays, physical therapy, and personalised treatment plans play a key role in effective recovery.
Hip health is important for everyone, not just athletes and performers, to maintain pain-free mobility and a high quality of life.
Pain medication: Risks and ease of overdose
It was 4.30 a.m. on a dark February Sunday morning when I jolted awake in agony. For 3 days, I'd been depending on soluble analgesics to dull the relentless throbbing of an impacted wisdom tooth, waiting for my dentist's appointment the following day. The pain was unbearable, radiating through my lower jaw, so I quickly dissolved two more tablets in water, desperate for relief. As a student at University College Dublin with lectures and looming deadlines, I couldn't afford to slow down.
Confident I’d sleep off the pain, I casually glanced at the dosage on the back of the pack. Then it hit me—I had been taking far too much paracetamol over the last three days. I had overdosed without realising it, and now I'd just taken another dose. Panic seized me. As a student of Biochemistry, I understood the potential damage to my liver from acetaminophen overdose. Alone in my flat, hours from being able to reach anyone, fear consumed me. I was 18 years old. Would I even survive the night?
About an hour later, searing pain gripped my abdomen, worse on the right where the liver is. My heart was racing, and I was violently sick. In a panic, I called 999. Minutes later, I was in the back of an ambulance, rushing to hospital under blue lights. The details are hazy, but I remember having an allergic reaction upon arrival, which triggered another emergency treatment. For several tense hours, it was touch and go. Thankfully, the commitment of the nurses and doctors was rewarded by the medication taking effect. I was discharged two days later. That experience remains etched in my mind—paracetamol may seem ordinary, but its risks are real. Tom Petty's accidental overdose, caused by unbearable pain, underscores the dangers of underestimating the potency of common painkillers. Awareness of the risks can be life-saving. Drug addiction: getting help - NHS
The unseen dangers of painkillers
Painkiller overdose is a significant public health issue, with both prescription and over-the-counter medications posing serious risks when misused. Opioids, e.g., morphine, commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain, are of particular concern due to their high potential for addiction and overdose. According to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (2016) ¹⁰ opioid overdoses often result from respiratory depression, where the body's impulse to breathe is diminished, leading to fatal outcomes without immediate intervention (Volkow et al., 2014). Even over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, carry dangers. Excessive paracetamol use is a leading cause of acute liver failure in many countries, as highlighted by research (Chidiac, A.S., et al., 2023). ¹¹ NSAIDs, meanwhile, are associated with gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney damage when taken in high doses over extended periods. NHS England » Reducing long-term opioid use
The killer in the kitchen cabinet
One key factor contributing to overdose is the misconception that common pain relievers are safe simply because they are widely accessible. Individuals who inadvertently combine different pain medications are unaware of the overlapping ingredients, such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), ¹² which can increase overdose risk. Furthermore, long-term opioid use can lead to tolerance, prompting patients to take larger doses to achieve the same relief, increasing the risk of overdose. The dangers are further compounded when painkillers are taken alongside alcohol or sedatives, both of which depress the central nervous system. ¹⁴
Overdose awareness: Key strategies for safety
To minimise the risk of overdose, individuals should strictly follow prescription guidelines, avoid combining medications without medical advice, and be educated about the symptoms of overdose, including confusion, extreme drowsiness, or slowed breathing. Naloxone (Narcan), a drug that reverses opioid overdoses, has proven highly effective in reducing fatalities, highlighting the need for broader access to this life-saving treatment (Boyer, 2012). ¹⁶
Take your health to the next level
If any of these issues are affecting your health and well-being, remember—you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply navigating personal challenges, you have the power to create a healthier path forward. For those in the UK, the NHS is a supportive resource. Follow the links included in this article. To start your journey toward wellness, book a free 15-minute discovery call on my website: Contact Me - Miri Moffat Sports Therapy & Education.
In memory of Tom Petty: A heartfelt tribute
RIP Tom Petty. Through every song, you shared a piece of your soul that forever touched mine. You were a poet for all, capturing universal truths in every lyric. Your passing was a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and the value of health. Thank you for your music, spirit, and legacy that inspired me to live fearlessly and authentically, and to focus on what truly matters.
Read more from Miriam Moffat
Miriam Moffat, Graduate Sport Rehabilitator and Educator
Miri is a dedicated teacher, sports rehabilitator, and STOTT® Pilates instructor who is passionate about helping others prioritise their health, which is their most valuable asset. She is committed to empowering women to take charge of their wellbeing, boost their confidence, and find their voice – so that they can thrive in their careers and earn more money. Miri is a member of the Sports Massage Association (SMA), the British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers (BASRaT), and the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).
References and further reading:
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers | Biography, Music & News | Billboard
Tom Petty's Cause of Death: Accidental Overdose (rollingstone.com)
Bosi, Bráulio. The American Music Teacher; Cincinnati Vol. 67, Iss. 1,(Aug/Sep 2017): 16-20
Volkow, N.D. and McLellan, A.T., 2016. Opioid abuse in chronic pain — misconceptions and mitigation strategies. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(13), pp.1253-1263. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1507771.
Chidiac, A.S., Buckley, N.A., Noghrehchi, F. & Cairns, R., 2023. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose and hepatotoxicity: mechanism, treatment, prevention measures, and estimates of burden of disease. Journal Title, pp.297-317. Published online 12 July 2023.
Volkow, N.D., et al. (2014) 'Drug addiction: the neurobiology of behaviour gone awry', The New England Journal of Medicine, 370(4), pp. 363-373.
Larson, A.M., et al. (2005) 'Acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure: Results of a United States multicenter, prospective study', Hepatology, 42(6), pp. 1364-1372.
Palis, H., Xavier, C., Dobrer, S., et al. (2022) 'Concurrent use of opioids and stimulants and risk of fatal overdose: A cohort study', BMC Public Health, 22, 2084. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-14506-w.
Boyer, E.W., 2012. Management of opioid analgesic overdose. New England Journal of Medicine, 367(2), pp.146-155. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1202561.
