Joanna Gaines Overcomes Back Injury with Surgery and Rehab

The Fixer Upper star shares her journey of recovering from a high school cheerleading accident and two back surgeries.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Joanna Gaines, co-host of the hit HGTV show Fixer Upper, has been open with fans about her ongoing battle with a back injury dating back to a high school cheerleading accident. Gaines has undergone two microdiscectomy surgeries, the first in 2001 and the second in late 2022, to address a herniated disc. After her most recent procedure, Gaines said the forced rest during the busy holiday season was a "gift" that allowed her to focus on her recovery.

Why it matters

Joanna Gaines' transparency about her health struggles resonates with many of her fans who have faced similar challenges. Her story highlights the importance of seeking proper medical treatment and rehabilitation, even for long-standing injuries. As a public figure, Gaines' openness about her journey can inspire others to prioritize their physical wellbeing.

The details

Gaines first injured her back during a high-risk cheerleading stunt in high school, which she described as a "basket toss turned back injury." She underwent her first microdiscectomy surgery in 2001 to address a herniated disc. Years later, in late 2022, Gaines had to have the procedure done again to correct the issue. In an Instagram post, she shared that the timing of the second surgery was "inconvenient" due to the busy holiday season, but the forced rest allowed her to "simply stay put, stare at the wonder all around, and just be still."

  • Joanna Gaines first injured her back while cheerleading in high school.
  • Gaines had her first microdiscectomy surgery in 2001 to address a herniated disc.
  • Gaines underwent a second microdiscectomy surgery in late 2022 to correct the issue.

The players

Joanna Gaines

Co-host of the HGTV show Fixer Upper and co-founder of Magnolia, a lifestyle and home goods brand.

Chip Gaines

Joanna's husband and co-host of Fixer Upper.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've always joked that my back likes to act up at the most inconvenient times and I was a bit stressed bc of the timing of it all with the holiday season.”

— Joanna Gaines (Instagram)

“I'm truly grateful for the forced rest during the busiest time of the year. It has been a gift to simply stay put, stare at the wonder all around, and just be still.”

— Joanna Gaines (Instagram)

What’s next

Joanna Gaines has shared that she and her husband Chip have started working with a personal trainer to help strengthen her back and improve her overall fitness. In a recent social media post, Gaines celebrated reaching a milestone of being able to do 50 push-ups, a feat she previously thought impossible due to her back injury.

The takeaway

Joanna Gaines' journey with her back injury and subsequent surgeries highlights the importance of seeking proper medical treatment and rehabilitation, even for long-standing issues. Her transparency and willingness to share her struggles can inspire others facing similar health challenges to prioritize their wellbeing and not let setbacks hold them back from achieving their fitness goals.