Conversation w. Prof. Stuart Mcgill - Spine Safety

Another wonderful conversation, this time with the low back expert Prof Stuart McGill all the way from Ontario, Canada. Prof McGill’s work has guided my work with people with low back pain but has also formed a foundation for anyone looking for improved performance because of the central role that our spine plays in movement.

Whether you are a clinician dealing with low back pain cases, or you are dealing with your own low back pain, do yourself a favour and get reading the Professor’s work – start with this conversation and let it guide you on your next move.

We really do cover so much ground:

• When his career in low back mechanics began, and how he was supported to get to where he is now.
• The real causes of low back pain – how accumulative stress leads to tissue break down in a culminating event.
• The very fact that he is feeling the best that he has in a long time – now that he is retired and not doing so much desk work every day.
• I manage to get some advice from him for anyone who would like to avoid low back pain in the future.
• Proximal stiffness and stability and its roles in joint wear and tear, pain and injury, and athletic performance.
• How Stuart’s insatiable curiosity drove him to ask and answer big questions.
• We also touch on the inherent blocks and barriers that are present in so many academic institutions and prevent professionals from thriving.
• Non-specific back pain does not exist – do not accept that as enough from your clinician or therapist.
• That his knowledge and research is so practically useful because much of it was inspired by real questions by real coaches.
• The key to success is mastery, become expert, the very best, at whatever you do. This is necessary for any clinician wanting to give their patients reliable results.

His book Back Mechanic is the best place to start for almost everyone who is not a clinician – find more information here.

backfitpro.com is the home of Prof McGill’s work – please go check it out to find out more, whether you are a clinician looking for info or to get certified, or whether you are someone dealing with back pain, check it out! There are clinical books and videos as well for anyone who doe snot want to read the books. He also lists his courses and workshops on this platform, be sure to check that out.

Backfitpro is also on Facebook – check it out – like and follow.