Bad News: L5-S1 Compression!

DAY 35/178
Phase 1, Week 6
Weight Loss Stats:
Weight 239.4 lbs - Loss 62.2 - %Loss 20.6%

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Well, I officially f*%!ed up my back during that leg workout I had on 7/31. I spent most of last week layed-up on the couch with a bag of frozen peas on my back. I was definitely scared, especially because it had appeared that I was getting better. The injury also seemed strange because I kept good form and was lifting very light weight. But I spent the night prior to the workout intensely stretching and adjusting myself and, I suspect, this led to weak, tender back muscles that needed more R&R and not excessive, unnecessary strain. Regardless, I could barely get out of bed the next day. This was particularly discouraging since I had never had this happen to me even after my original injury back in March. Never once did I miss a workout, lose sleep, or need extended bed rest until now.

This pain lasted for most of the week, until my girlfriend gave me the number of a Chiropractor she sees often. She highly recommended him and told me how treatments had cured her Sciatica years ago. I figured I had nothing to lose and decided to make an appointment. Boy, am I glad I did!!!!

I am now a total convert to the power of Chiropractic care! Far from quacks, these guys can really make all the difference in the world in terms of the health of the spine. My first visit, I walked into the clinic limping and slouched-over in pain; I walked out limber, alert, and pain-free! I couldn't believe it! I felt so good, I went back the next day for another adjustment and another round of ultrasound therapy. Right now, as I write this, I feel fantastic! Apart from a little stiffness, the general discomfort and pain I've been grappling with for the past 4 months is gone!!!

But the news isn't all good. The x-rays revealed compression at the L5-S1 disk and this came as a total shock. I literally slumped in my chair as the doctor went over the x-rays. I felt even worse after he told me I needed to lay off heavy weight training while my back heals. But I was encouraged by the fact that recovery is possible.


Now I have to revisit my goals and my training program. Squats and deadlifts are out, and bodyweight exercises and abdominal training are in - at least for now. I have to really focus on continued fat-loss as the extra weight is putting too much pressure on my lower back. I've got to strengthen my body overall and emphasize total recovery.

I will be developing a new training program and will be experimenting with new exercises and training methods in the gym this week. The goals are basically the same - fat loss, strength gains - but the way I exercise will have to be different.