Comments on: The Best book on Low Back Pain You’ve Never Read!

By: nick

nick — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:18:53 +0000

Rich,

You ask great questions! The same ones that I always ask these researchers when I meet them. And, I’ve met and spoke with many.

But, the honest ones, with no ego, will readily admit that no one really “knows” the cause(s) of back pain. Nor, do they know why many low back pain cases seem to resolve themselves within 6 weeks w/o any intervention at all.

Yes, excessive spinal flexion or extension or rotation and/or some combination has been shown to lead to disc wear and tear. Also, excessive static spinal flexion (sitting for hours and hours) has been shown to create back trouble. But, no one knows how much is too much? PLus, there are many folks who flexion and extend all day and never have any back pain.

In other words, we think we have idea’s about low back pain but know one has been able to repeatedly prove one thing or the other. So, until that happens. everything is just guessing.

I will posting more about Low Back pain in upcoming posts!

Thanks for reading the Blog and taking time to write your comments and questions!

Coach N

By: Rich Thaw

Rich Thaw — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:35:28 +0000

Hey Nick,
Firstly I will go out and take a look at the book. It seems like some seriously scientific stuff!
If I understand this post correctly you are saying that what is the true cause of back pain is unknown. What about repetitive stress of flexion and extension? was that ruled out at all as a key factor in low back pain or is it still put under the category of an unknown factor?
Also could the population of people who get back pain from working out get the pain from preforming technique oriented lifts(deadlift, clean, squat, etc..) poorly? I know it seems like a no brainer but im having a hard time wraping my head around someone getting back pain from exercising correctly.
Thanks

By: nick

nick — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:00:37 +0000

Yes, I’ve read all Stu McGill’s stuff 3x over! I love his stuff and refer to him allot!

By: eugene sedita

eugene sedita — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:56:36 +0000

As a young man,30 years ago, I didn’t know from back pain. I was a contractor/building mechanic and steam fitter all heavy, arduous work. Never got a back pain, I always worked out too. As years went by and I became quite sedentary I got all kinds of back pain,lumbar and thoracic, and pain into my foot as if on fire, could barely walk for a long time and of course resting was not the answer and the doctors didn’t have any answers. I started walking, (as much as I could every day) jogging, running, sprinting calisthenics, lost 50lbs, 237 to 178lbs. Time: 2 1/2 yrs. Started weight training then, 3 years ago to put on some muscle. From almost a total invalid , once I got into training, no more back pains which had been crippling for a very long time. Now, you couldn’t keep me off the track or out of the gym with a gun. You’ve done a lot to help/teach me coach Nick and Alli too. So that’s my story in a nutshell of a long history of low back pain and radiating down the leg/foot and mid-back, where I could barely breathe without pain. thanks for all your help, guys, sincerely, gene s

By: JIm

JIm — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:54:10 +0000

Hey Nick!
Have you read “Low Back Disorders” by Stuart McGill?

Jim C
Health Researcher
Champaign, IL

By: Adrian Crowe

Adrian Crowe — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:10:22 +0000

And this is exactly why of the hundreds of coaches out there “in the know” I choose to spend a good portion of my time taking your advice and testing it out.
Appreciate the recommendation, will check it out.

Cheers,
Adrian

p.s. You should do a review of Bret Contreras “Advanced Techniques in Glutei Maximi Strengthening.”
It is unfortunately only available by ebook but it changed my whole outlook on hip training as you describe Bogduk’s book has done for you