My Journey with Injury and Fitness
Life Before December 2008:
Before injury changed everything, I was the type of person who could work out for hours without a second thought. I was teaching cardio boxing five times a week and leading 5 AM boot camps—I felt unstoppable. Then, in December 2008, that all changed. My first major injury wasn’t a sprained ankle or a broken arm; it was a spine fracture—Spondylolysis (pars fracture), which would transform my entire approach to fitness and wellness.
For over a year, I ignored the pain. It wasn’t until I could barely bend down to brush my teeth that I finally sought help. Unfortunately, I was misdiagnosed. The hardest part was not just the physical pain, but the emotional frustration of not being properly treated. I share my story in the hopes that others will understand the importance of being persistent in finding the right answers for your health.
The Initial Struggle:
In December 2008, I was sick for a week with symptoms of mono (though the test was negative) and dealing with bronchitis. I felt pain in my lower back but thought it was from being on bed rest. With finals approaching, I ignored it. Despite the pain, I kept teaching cardio boxing and boot camp—looking back, that was a mistake.
The pain worsened, especially with anything involving impact. I had to stop doing the high-impact exercises, but I still demonstrated for my class, adjusting where I could. I kept pushing through, but deep down, I knew I wasn’t doing my body any favors.
The Diagnosis and Physical Therapy:
After more doctor visits and seeing a spine surgeon, I was diagnosed with a bulging disc (which later turned out to be a misdiagnosis). I started physical therapy with hopes it would help, but my condition only worsened. Sitting, walking, and even bending over to tie my shoes became unbearable, and I experienced shooting nerve pain down my legs.
That summer, while balancing two summer classes and teaching boot camp, I continued physical therapy—going twice a week—but nothing seemed to help. Finally, I had an MRI, which revealed the true cause of my pain: Spondylolysis (pars fracture). The bulging disc was just one part of the problem, and the exercises I had been doing were actually making things worse.
Finding the Right Treatment:
After the MRI results, I had several treatment options. I opted for the open MRI despite having a panic attack in the machine. The results confirmed that I had a spinal fracture, not a disc problem. The next step was to choose between steroids to reduce inflammation or wearing a back brace. I chose the back brace, and after wearing it for six to eight weeks, my pain was reduced by 90%. The remaining 10% still lingers at times, especially after standing for long periods, but it’s nothing compared to what I experienced before.
Now, after gaining and losing 40 lbs twice over the years, I’m proud to say that I’m able to run pain-free. This is something I never thought would happen after years of struggling with back pain. Social media played a big part in my ability to stay engaged and motivated throughout my fitness journey, providing me with the tools, ideas, and confidence I needed to push through.
My workouts today include a mix of activities: riding my fake Peloton, running, walking, and weight lifting—each activity helping me stay strong and grounded. I’ve learned to listen to my body, adjust my routine when needed, and stay consistent. Fitness is no longer just about losing weight or achieving a certain body type; it’s about finding joy in movement, embracing challenges, and honoring my body.
The Takeaway:
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that your journey is yours alone, but there’s no harm in seeking inspiration from others along the way. Whether you find it through social media, friends, or fitness communities, being injury-free and pain-free is worth the effort. Don’t be afraid to try new things, challenge yourself, and take the time to heal properly. Your body is your greatest asset, and it deserves care, respect, and the right kind of support. Never stop seeking the answers and care you need—because it’s worth it.