So, as you guys and gals all probably know at this point, back in January I injured my back. At the time I estimated that it would take six weeks to get me back on course. Well, it's now July and my back problems are worse than they were in January.
For three months after the initial injury (caused by poor deadlift form and too much weight, I believe) I had minor-moderate back pain. Starting late May it transformed into almost entirely leg pain. It's been nothing short of debilitating: my right leg has a severely restricted range of motion, and bending over has become absolutely brutal.
I haven't been to a gym since early May. I've gained weight, fat, and I know I've lost a lot of strength. It's frustrating the hell right out of me. But, I'm tired of being depressed about it.
I have an MRI booked for July 28th, and until I get the results back I won't be doing any chrio, active release, physical therapy, etc. as I've already found little success using any of those for relief. Acupuncture actually made it worse for a few days.
My attitude is this: I injured myself exercising, and I'm going to fix myself with exercise too. Here's my plan:
+ Walk/Run at least 10km per week. My usual loop around my house is 4.7km long, with a shorter 2.79km version for those days that I'm feeling lazy or am hurting pretty bad.
+ Basic core conditioning exercises. Things like push ups, sit ups (very painful), squats, planks, pelvic tilts, stretching, etc.
+ Gradual introduction of weight training. Going to perform basic exercises with nominal weight as my strength rebuilds.
Oh, and I'm not taking any medication for it at this point. I've spent the last six weeks on a muscle relaxant/anti-inflammatory cocktail. Unless the pain becomes so great that I just can't bear it, I'm done with it. When I run (well, hobble thanks to my limp) I feel fantastic both during the time I'm running as well as for a few hours after.
I know this thing can be fixed. Maybe I'll never weight train in the same way again, but regardless, I know I can at least get out of bed in the morning without excruciating pain.