Fearful after back injury... how do I get over it?

I had a severe back injury. After surgery and a long difficult recovery, I am now doing well. I still have pain in my legs and back - but it is manageble. My problem is that I am fearful of re-injury. I would like to lose some weight - which would help my back pain - but I am too afraid to exercise. I also get worried about other aspects of my life. I dont want to do anything that will lead me into that situation again. So I have a lot of anxiety about things that may harm me. Has anyone been through this? Does anyone have advice?

Hi. I also had back surgery about 3 months ago. Before my injury my primary excercise was running. I've been afraid to start again, so I've switched to lower impact exercise. Yoga is working wonders. And swimming is about the gentlest method of exercise for your back (and the rest of you). I know how you feel about being afraid of re-injury. PT is expensive, but perhaps you could meet just once or twice and have them set up an exercise program for you. Your anxiety will lesson the more CAREFULLY active you become. Hope this helps.

I feel for you! I have a similar situation, except I didn't have surgery. I was in a car accident in 2001 and have recurrent back pain off and on since then. In my personal experience, I have found the pain to be more severe and persistent when I am heavier. If I were in your current position, I would try to regulate my diet and start walking to get some exercise (make sure you have good shoes and aren't pounding a hard surface). Once you have lost a little bit of weight and are feeling more comfortable, start moving to other exercises and strengthening your core. You need to strengthen your abs and back if you want to feel better--feeling sore for a day or 2 after a workout is nothing compared to being laid out for a week or 2 because you weren't taking care of yourself.

I hope you feel better!

Having had L-4 L-5 fusion in 2004, I can relate a few things. One, with successful surgery the pain in your legs ought to be near zero, but your back will be sore. You don't mention how long since the surgery, but it took me about four months to fully recover to the point i could walk 3-4 miles, or pick up stuff over 30 lbs. You MUST exercise. Physical therapy can help with this if you can afford it. But just plain 'ol walking did it for me over time. You will naturally be paranoid about re-injury, but if it is really bothering you, ask you neurosurgeon his opinion on the issue. Good luck and good health to you.

Hey JB,

Although I haven't experienced back surgery I do understand many different types of pain.

Just want to give you some perspective as to where I'm coming from... This in not putting anyone down or even patting myself on the back.

To exemplify how hard I used to train, Army and Marine personnel have both gawked in awe, "this guy is a machine!"

That being said, I'll let you in on a little secret... It used to take up to a week to recover from a (that's 1) workout! I was introduced to an All Natural Health Supplement that cut my HEALING time in HALF!!! I went from 6 & 7 day recovery times to 2-3 days!

It works! That's why I'm sharing where I found it with you JB.

http://Help4HealthyLiving.com/Recommends...
Look for the LifePack

The second thing I'm going to share with you is called EFT (or Tapping) - a man named Gary Craig is the founder. You may be interested in looking into this to help with the anxiety or fear of reinjury.

Personally I thought it was a bit goofy... until I tried it! Again - it works, it's amazing!

http://www.thrivingnow.com/for/Health/ga...

Let me know how they work for you.