Navigating Pain and Back Health

This chapter delves into the multifaceted relationship individuals have with pain and explores innovative methods, such as 'virtual surgery', to aid recovery without invasive procedures. It emphasizes the importance of tailored movement and exercises, particularly the 'big three', to enhance stability and prevent back pain, especially as one ages. Additionally, the chapter discusses practical strategies for maintaining spinal health amidst modern lifestyles, focusing on individual needs and preventative measures.

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Episode notes

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Stuart McGill, Ph.D., a distinguished professor emeritus of spine biomechanics at the University of Waterloo and a world expert on spine anatomy and physiology, back pain, and rehabilitation. We discuss the most common sources of back pain, how back pain can be assessed (including self-assessment techniques), and how to design a personalized recovery plan to reduce back pain.

We discuss how to train for lifelong fitness, reduce injury risk, and protect your back and joints based on your age and personal goals. We also discuss how to prevent back pain, build core stability, and explain how “McGill’s Big 3” exercises protect and strengthen the back. Dr. McGill, who is exceptionally fit in his late 60s, describes his low-time investment, personal training routine, and the specific exercises he uses for mobility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness.

We also discuss controversial issues in the back pain and rehabilitation field, including how pain originates, the biopsychosocial model of pain, and treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This episode provides clear, actionable tools to strengthen, prevent, and remedy back pain and injury so you can be pain-free while enjoying sports, exercise, and daily activities at any age.

Access the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com.

Watch the clip on back pain relief and spine anatomy that accompanies this episode.

Demonstration of The McGill Method