Swogger's Revenge: Your injury isn't shit.

[Austin Baraki]

This immediately became one of my favorite articles on the site. Incredible story, and very well-written.

[old guy]

Great story . Thanks for sharing and good luck with your lifting.

[matthewswogger]

Another amazing story.

I do relate to the fear of adding 2.5lbs and having your spine explode or knees collapse.

It is irrational though, because human tissue adapts to the increasing loads over time, unlike a bridge or a vehicle which basically just gets weaker over time.

First, thank you.

I agree with you 95%, but I think it would be a little short sited to discount the fact that I, and anyone with a similar injury, now have two less points of articulation in my spine so the deviation from ‘neutral spine’ that I can handle is smaller. My disk at L5-S1 now has to make up for the absents of disks above it. How does this play out in practice? I work hard to stay in neutral just like everyone else, and have to do a better job of it than most, or the ambulance will be called.

Yeah, but you don't understand, my piriformis tightness like REALLY hurts sometimes you guys. (Great article, great story.)

Don't worry, so does mine.

[Rich Rowe]

I can only comment in the same vein as others - what an amazing account from an amazing man. It sucks that the accident occurred but I can't think of any braver or better course of action than that which you have taken. Bravo.

[matthewswogger]

Thanks everyone.

[Bestafter60]

You got redirected from the Army to serve a higher purpose - to be an example for millions. Sorry for all your pain, I admire your courage!

[Mark Rippetoe]

Thanks to Glenn Reynolds at Instapundit for the link: Instapundit » Blog Archive » A 40-FOOT FALL, A SEVERED SPINE, and a recovery via strength training?.

[Jay Mund]

Outstanding work. Inspirational. All the way.