From Back Pain...to Surgery...to Progress!

I'm kind of OCD about my history with back problems. From the pinching, tingling, and numbness to the weakness and muscle atrophy, I've experienced a fitness/lifestyle revelation in the past 4 years that still continues. In October 2010, my sciatica and herniated disc affected everything I did. There were days I couldn't tie my shoes. I couldn't get out of bed in the morning for more than 10 seconds without having to sit down. Tears fell and so did my ambition.

This month will be 2 years post-operation. I've "met" a lot of people online, and in life, who have experienced similar circumstances so I feel obliged to share my story and progress. If you've been through anything like this, we would likely become BFF in a matter of seconds and "revel" in the common bond of a shared pain. Not only did I overcome a herniated disc (L5/S1 microdiscectomy), but there was a time when I ate too much and moved too little. In the past 15+ years, the most I ever weighed was 210 pounds, 50+ pounds more than I weigh right now. When I first began working out (and many years after that), along with the self-induced pressure to exceed goals and "push yourself," came the extra miles, sets, reps, and stress on my body. I did not believe in "less is more" and each day was a competition with myself to do more than I did the day before.

So, what is my point? Where am I going with this? (as I've promised to myself and to my blog readers, each entry MUST have a point and help others experience a shift in perception and/or a physical change to their daily routine).....

-moderation is key
-less is more
-we're not meant to keep up with keepin' up!

As cliche as these statements sound, I believe in them because I have experienced them. And sometimes that's what it takes--maybe in the form of a herniated disc, but preferably in the form of a blog entry, written by someone who has been there/done that and has come back stronger.

-If you're feeling rundown and tired, rest. The body's immune system will be compromised and that extra workout may take it's toll, leaving you out of the gym while you recover from illness. You will NOT gain 5 pounds overnight or lose all of the progress you have gained!
-Whether you're feeling run-down or experiencing ankle pain, knee pain, back pain, etc., you may risk further damage to whatever is going on beneath the surface. Give it some rest and/or seek medical advice. I sometimes wonder if I would be a lot further in my recovery right now if I had not waited 16 months after the onset of my pain before having surgery.

If you have questions, please reach out with a comment or message.