Broken back, 29, don't wanna be an invalid#1697

I broke my back 2 years ago ever since I’ve dealt with debilitating pain, I’ve worked through it because I don’t want to be a “invalid” but I don’t know how much longer I can do this. I messaged hybrid calisthenics on Facebook they said yall might be able to help me, so here I am. If you can’t I get it it’s fine but any help is more than appreciated. I’m at a loss for how to progress

Hey. This is Chrys, one of the trainers at Hybrid.

OK so i’m really glad you reached out. Working through constant pain doesn’t mean you’re weak or an “invalid,” it means you’ve been pushing through something most people never have to face. That said, living in ongoing debilitating pain isn’t something you should just accept or try to muscle through forever.

With a history of a broken back, progression has to be very different. The goal right now isn’t pushing or “toughing it out,” it’s finding movements that don’t flare your symptoms and slowly rebuilding tolerance. That usually means very controlled, low-intensity work, short sessions, lots of rest, and stopping well before pain ramps up. If an exercise consistently worsens your pain, it’s not a stepping stone, it’s a wall, and we don’t keep running into it.

I’ll be honest with you too. With a serious spinal injury and ongoing pain, having a physio or medical professional involved is prob your best bet. We can help guide general movement ideas and principles, but we don’t want to guess when it comes to your spine. The right plan should help you move more and hurt less over time, not just “survive” workouts.