Learning the Hard Way | Eric Todd

Recently my training has changed drastically out of necessity.  About two years ago, I re-injured my lower back while deadlifting.  Instead of immediately going to the doctor I tried training through it and training around it.  While there were quite a few lifts I could still do well, I was unable to get back to squatting and deadlifting properly. 

This past March, I started going to a chiropractor.   I experienced some instant, temporary relief, but my injury wasn’t making much progress.  Finally it got so bad I could hardly pick up my 30 pound little man in the morning, so I knew I had to do something about it.  I broke down and went to the doctor.  He scheduled an MRI and found out I had 3 bulging discs, with a tear in the lowest one, ready to spill out.  Immediately the doctor ordered me to lay off all heavy lifting, and prescribed some physical therapy. 

My physical therapist developed a plan focused on pushing those discs back into place, strengthening my abdominals, and activating my glutes.  I stayed steadfast in my PT, and made steady improvements.  Determined to make the best of my situation, I viewed a hiatus from heavy lifting as an opportunity to work on some hypertrophy training.  Throughout hypertrophy training my mobility was limited, I ended up overdoing movements I was physically able to perform, and developed terrible elbow tendonitis.  I was once again forced to modify my training regimen, which now consists of heat, ice, physical therapy, and lots of cardio. 

At my last PT appointment, I received the green light to jog and perform very light deadlifts, which is promising.  I have also alleviated the tendonitis enough to start lifting again..  I continue to be diligent in my HMB and PEAK ATP supplementation in order to  push me through my therapy, while maintaining as much strength and muscle mass as possible during my sabbatical.

-Eric Todd, Strength Athlete