#287 ‒ Lower back pain: causes, treatment, and prevention of lower back injuries and pain | Stuart McGill, Ph.D.

The Peter Attia Drive

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Stuart McGill is a distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Waterloo and the chief scientific officer at Backfitpro Inc. where he specializes in evaluating complex cases of lower back pain from across the globe. In this episode, Stuart engages in a deep exploration of lower back pain, starting with the anatomy of the lower back, the workings of the spine, the pathophysiology of back pain, and areas of vulnerability. He challenges the concept of nonspecific back pain, emphasizing the importance of finding a causal relationship between injury and pain. Stuart highlights compelling case studies of the successful treatment of complex cases of lower back pain, reinforcing his conviction that nobody needs to suffer endlessly. He also covers the importance of strength and stability, shares his favorite exercises to prescribe to patients, and provides invaluable advice for maintaining a healthy spine.

We discuss:

• Peter’s experience with debilitating back pain [3:30];
• Anatomy of the back: spine, discs, facet joints, and common pain points [14:45];
• Lower back injuries and pain: acute vs. chronic, impact of disc damage, microfractures, and more [24:45];
• Why the majority of back injuries happen around the L4, L5, and S1 joints [31:00];
• How the spine responds to forces like bending and loading, and how it adapts do different athletic activities [36:15];
• The pathology of bulging discs [43:15];
• The pathophysiology of Peter’s back pain, injuries from excessive loading, immune response to back injuries, muscle relaxers, and more [46:00];
• The three most important exercises Stuart prescribes, how he assesses patients, and the importance of tailored exercises based on individual needs and body types [56:15];
• The significance of strength and stability in preventing injuries and preserving longevity [1:08:15];
• Stuart’s take on squats and deadlifting: potential risks, alternatives, and importance of correct movement patterns [1:19:30];
• Helping patients with psychological trauma from lower back pain by empowering them with the understanding of the mechanical aspects of their pain [1:30:00];
• Empowering patients through education and understanding of their pain through Stuart’s clinic and work through BackFitPro [1:39:00];
• When surgical interventions may be appropriate, and “virtual surgery” as an alternative [1:46:45];
• Weakness, nerve pain, and stenosis: treatments, surgical considerations, and more [1:55:30];
• Tarlov cysts: treatment and surgical considerations [2:00:15];
• The evolution of patient assessments and the limitations of MRI [2:02:15];
• Pain relief related to stiffness and muscle bulk through training [2:07:00];
• Advice for the young person on how to keep a healthy spine [2:14:15];
• Resources for individuals dealing with lower back pain [2:25:30]; and
• More.

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