Build a Strong, Pain-Proof Back | Dr. Stuart McGill
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Stuart McGill, Ph.D., a distinguished professor of spine biomechanics at the University of Waterloo and a world expert on spine anatomy and physiology, back pain, and rehabilitation.
July 15, 2024
2 hr 52 min
185
Full
229 of 417
Episode 185 · July 15, 2024
Build a Strong, Pain-Proof Back | Dr. Stuart McGill
0:00 / 2:52:15
Excerpt playback isn’t available for this episode — use the full-episode link.
Search the Record
Moment search isn’t open for this episode yet
When it opens, you’ll be able to type any phrase and jump straight to the second it was said.
Andrew Huberman Episodes Around July 15, 2024
Episode 229 of 417 — walk the feed in the order it was published.
2:15:13GUEST SERIES | Dr. Matt Walker: Improve Sleep to Boost Mood & Emotional Regulation
2:33:05GUEST SERIES | Dr. Matt Walker: The Science of Dreams, Nightmares & Lucid Dreaming
Build a Strong, Pain-Proof Back | Dr. Stuart McGill
Summary
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
Thank you to our sponsors
AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman
Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman
BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman
Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman
LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman
Timestamps
00:00:00 Dr. Stuart McGill
00:02:33 Sponsors: Helix Sleep, BetterHelp & Waking Up
00:06:23 What Causes Back Pain?; Genetics, Dog Breed Analogy
00:12:55 Tool: Skeleton & Body Type; Spine Flexibility & Discs
00:20:25 Flexibility & Exercises; Discs & Collagen
00:25:43 Sponsor: AG1
00:27:32 Stress & Tipping Point; Athletic Tradeoffs, Triathletes
00:36:17 Back Pain, Goals & Training Program
00:45:57 Spine Hygiene, Back Pain, Powerlifting
00:53:33 Genetics & Running
00:59:34 Sponsor: LMNT
01:00:46 Rehabilitation & Reducing Volume; Injury
01:07:42 Tool: Training for Lifelong Fitness, Injury & Joints
01:17:40 Pain Types, Biopsychosocial Model of Pain
01:26:15 Coaching, Explosivity & Endurance
01:32:43 Virtual Surgery & Rest, Pain Recovery