What An Injury Taught Me In Mid-Life

As we age, we’re often reminded to stay active. And yet, aging also makes us more vulnerable to injuries that can unexpectedly disrupt that effort.

Last October, Tina injured her back while traveling. At first, it didn’t seem like a big deal. She had experienced minor back pain before, and it usually resolved with rest. This time was different.

What started as a small issue turned into weeks, then months, of persistent pain. Activities she loved—running and strength training—became too painful to continue. She began to wonder if that chapter of her life was behind her.

By January, she decided it was time to seek help and began working with a chiropractor. What followed was a slow and often frustrating road to recovery. After three and a half months of consistent work, she is now—very gradually—easing back into her routine.

She’s not fully recovered. But she feels hopeful again.

More importantly, the experience changed how she thinks about her body, her workouts, and the aging process itself.

In today’s episode, Tina shares her recovery journey and the lessons she’s taking with her:

• The importance of seeking care sooner rather than later

• Following professional guidance, even when progress feels slow

• Resisting the urge to self-diagnose through the internet

• Staying flexible in how you approach movement during recovery

• Listening to your body—really listening

• Recognizing that recovery often takes longer as we age

• Prioritizing stretching and dynamic warm-ups

• Accepting that your body may not be as resilient as it once was—and learning to work with it, not against it

Sometimes the hardest part of staying active isn’t pushing forward—it’s learning when to slow down.