I Messed Up My Back: Learn Real English for Pain, Injuries & Doctor Visits

🎙️In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, I tell the true story of the serious back injury I suffered and how it affected my daily life for almost a year. You’ll hear how the injury happened, how the pain spread down my leg, what doctors discovered through imaging tests, and why surgery became necessary. This real-life experience helps you understand how Americans describe physical pain, medical problems, and the recovery process.

As you listen, you’ll build useful vocabulary for talking about injuries and health, including terms like “sciatic nerve,” “herniated disc,” “urgent care,” “numbness,” and “seize up.” Everything is explained clearly in natural context to help you remember and use these words in real conversations.

This episode is designed for B1–B2 English learners who want to improve listening skills, expand vocabulary, and learn practical English through true personal stories.

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📝 Vocabulary list:

1) messed up (my back): (informal) injured my back. This implies a significant injury.

2) burning pain: a type of pain that feels like something is hot or on fire.

3) intense pain: very strong pain.

4) sustained (an injury): experienced or suffered an injury.

5) sciatic nerve: a large nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg.

6) limping: walking with difficulty because one leg is injured.

7) in bad shape: in poor condition, often referring to health.

8) seize up: (of a muscle) suddenly become tight and stiff, often causing pain.

9) pain relievers: medication that reduces pain.

10) urgent care: a medical facility for treating illnesses or injuries that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention.

11) emergency room (ER): a hospital department that provides immediate treatment for serious illnesses or injuries.

12) disc (in spine): a cushion-like structure between the vertebrae (bones) in the spine.

13) herniated: when part of an organ or tissue pushes through an opening or weak spot in a surrounding muscle or membrane. In this case, referring to a spinal disc.

14) hype myself up: encourage myself and build up my enthusiasm or energy.