Terrible News:
I had to drop out of the Sprint Triathlon I was planning to race in tomorrow. I got a slight low back strain this last Wednesday and it’s definitely putting me out of commission for the Tri.
How did it happen???
I think it was a combination of things. I have been taking it easy on weightlifting fort the last four months and I’ve been getting a lot of body work done (massage, pt, chiro, etc.) and doing a lot of body loosening via yoga etc. Because of that, I think things were generally looser than usual – including my back. That is a good thing, but ultimately led to a slight injury this time.
Then, over the past month I’ve started hitting some light squats and deadlifts to get back to lifting. This was fine and felt good. Then, this last week I went a little too much on my exercises and I think it led to the injury. Last Saturday I did a CrossFit Beach WOD that involved kettlebell swings – ie hard on the low back. Monday I did my first long bike ride – 8 miles – hard on the low back. Tuesday I paddled for 1.5 hrs – again hard on the low back. Then Wednesday I decided to do some light front squats. I warmed up REAL good then hit a set of 5 at 95lb, rest…a set of 5 at 135, rest…. then a set of 5 at 155, rest… then a set of 5 at 185, rest. All of this felt good, but DAMN IT…I decided to do another set at 185. On my 5th rep at 185, as I was coming out of the hole, I felt a little twinge in my low back. I didn’t feel anything shift, but it definitely was sore.
I tried jogging after that for a bout a mile and it felt ok, but I could tell it was going to be hurting. It was SORE that night and the next day.
I iced it real good on THursday and started taking NSAIDs. My PT, Ginger, at Action PT, put me on E-Stem and Ice which helped. Friday I saw Ginger again for PT and a she thinks it’s not a spinal shift or a disc thing, but just a strain. She massaged and mobilized and ultrasounded it and then put me on E Stem again and ice.
I went to the Chiro that day to (Kaipo’s Chiro) and he adjusted me. Same diagnosis…he thinks it’s just a strain as well. So I am praying that is all it is. I hit the Jacuzzi today and been icing it. Just gotta stay on the rehab.
Stay tuned.
KaiFit 