Beyond the Pain: 6 Lessons I Learned from My Spine Injury

Up until now, the worst injuries I’d faced were shin splints during cross-country and track in high school, and the aftermath of a c-section after the birth of my son. In both instances, I knew the physical pain was real, but I didn’t quite understand the toll that chronic pain could take on your body, yes, but also on your mind and spirit.

That was until I injured my spine.

One day, I woke up with the worst pain I’d ever felt. It wasn’t the result of an accident or sudden movement. I simply opened my eyes, and there it was: excruciating pain radiating from my neck and down my right arm. After multiple tests, I was diagnosed with herniated C5/C6 discs. The result? I was out of commission for two whole months. My life came to a grinding halt.

I couldn’t get out of bed. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t take my son to school, or even play with him. I couldn’t work out. I was stuck. My whole world felt like it was on pause. But even though the experience was brutal, I’m grateful for it. It taught me some lessons that I desperately needed to learn.

1. You Have to Be Your Own Advocate

One of the first things I learned during this ordeal was how important it is to advocate for yourself. Our healthcare system, for all its flaws and strengths, can sometimes leave you feeling like just another patient in a sea of cases. But no one will fight for you more than you.

When I first sought care, I was too passive. I accepted the timeline and instructions given to me without really expressing how much pain I was in, how it was affecting my life. In hindsight, I should have been more assertive, made it clear how urgent my situation was, and demanded the level of care I needed. You can’t assume that anyone else will fully grasp the extent of what you’re going through unless you speak up and advocate for yourself.

This experience taught me that it’s essential to be my own voice in any situation. My health is too important to sit back and wait for someone else to determine how to treat it.

2. Let Go of Past Expectations: Meet Yourself Where You Are

When you’re hit with an injury or illness, it’s easy to fall into a mental trap of comparison—especially if you’ve been fit, active, or healthy for most of your life. I found myself mourning the “old me,” the person who could get up and move freely without pain. But that only made my situation worse.

I had to stop holding on to who I was and instead, accept who I was at that moment. The pain had changed me, and I had to meet myself where I was. I had to let go of past expectations and focus on healing, not on returning to some version of myself that no longer fit.

The process of recovery isn’t linear. There’s no roadmap. And you can’t rush it.

3. Movement Is Life—But Be Patient With Yourself

While the doctor told me to rest and avoid overexerting myself, it was hard for me to grasp how immobilized I truly needed to be. I’ve always believed in movement as a fundamental part of well-being. Yet, during this time, my body was telling me that movement needed to be slow, intentional, and extremely gentle.

I’ve learned that while movement is indeed life, it doesn’t always look the same. It may not be a heavy power clean complex, burpee box jumps or wall balls. Sometimes, it’s simply moving your neck slowly from side to side or stretching your arms when you can, going for a walk. It’s not about pushing through pain, but about respecting your body’s limits, and giving it the time it needs to heal.

4. Lean on Your Community

As tough as it was to go through this experience, I learned just how valuable community support can be. The coaches at GLP have been incredible throughout this journey, providing me with the right programming to strengthen my back and spine while still preserving my muscle mass as I rebuilt my strength. Their expertise and encouragement have been key in making my recovery feel less like an uphill battle and more like a progressive, supported journey.

But even beyond my coaches, I’ve found so much comfort in knowing I’m not alone. I know that I’m not the only one who has struggled with an injury. The community has been a source of inspiration and support, offering words of encouragement, advice on treatment options, and shared experiences. The empathy from others who understand what I’m going through has been a powerful reminder that healing doesn’t have to be done in isolation.

I feel incredibly lucky to have a network of people who not only understand my struggles but also help me stay grounded and motivated on the path to recovery.

5. Be Patient and Give Yourself Grace

This was perhaps the hardest lesson for me. I’m the type of person who wants to get back to normal as soon as possible, especially when it feels like the world is still moving while you’re stuck.

But there is wisdom in being patient with yourself. Healing, whether physical or emotional, takes time. The more I allowed myself to feel frustrated, upset, or angry about my situation, the longer the process seemed to drag on. The more I let go of the need for things to happen on my timeline, the quicker I began to heal—not just physically, but mentally.

It’s easy to forget in the midst of pain that we’re human, and humans are meant to heal at their own pace. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply give yourself grace. And accept a new normal.

6. Your Health Is a Gift Not to Be Squandered

Through all the frustration and discomfort, there was a silver lining. I came to realize just how precious health truly is. Before the injury, I now know that I took my health for granted. I assumed that I could always just push through, always be active, always have the energy to take care of my family and myself.

This experience made me realize that health is a gift. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle, in the daily grind, and forget to take care of the one thing that allows us to do everything else: our bodies.

I will never take my health for granted again. The experience humbled me and reminded me that I need to nurture my body with the same love and attention I give to other areas of my life.

You Got This!

Chronic pain can strip you of more than just your ability to function—it can challenge your identity, your patience, and your understanding of what it means to be truly well. But it can also teach you powerful lessons.

And there is a path forward. Always. It may not be the one you planned but sometimes the road less traveled is just what you need. 

So, if you’re facing a challenge—whether physical, mental, or emotional—know that healing is not linear. Meet yourself where you are, advocate for your needs, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. Your body and spirit deserve that.