

How to Eliminate Back Pain w/ Dr. Melissa Capurro, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #813
10 snips Sep 3, 2025
Dr. Melissa Capurro, a performance physical therapist and CrossFit athlete, dives into the complexities of back pain, revealing it often stems from lifestyle choices rather than just physical issues. She discusses the importance of individualized treatment plans and the shift towards active patient engagement. Specific strategies for CrossFit athletes to avoid back pain, such as proper lifting techniques and core stabilization exercises, are highlighted. The conversation also critiques traditional diagnostic methods, advocating for a more personalized approach to rehabilitation.
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Back Pain Is Multifactorial
- Low back pain usually has many causes including lifestyle, overtraining, and strength imbalances.
- Structural imaging often doesn't explain symptoms because many asymptomatic people show 'abnormalities' on MRI.
Images Don't Equal Causes
- Imaging can show structural issues that are unrelated to pain because many people have asymptomatic abnormalities.
- Therefore, avoid assuming MRI findings are the pain source without clinical correlation.
Prefer Movement Over Prolonged Rest
- Keep people moving and loading the spine rather than prescribing prolonged rest for low back pain.
- Use progressive exercise because tissue capacity improves with appropriate load.