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Back Pain Solutions helps you identify the cause of back pain and get you back to doing the activities you love
Episodes
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
Tuesday Jul 02, 2024
In this episode, Ben James and Jacob Steyn tackle the intricate challenges of diagnosing and treating hip pain. They emphasise the importance of understanding hip anatomy and incorporating psychosocial factors into treatment plans for better outcomes. Through various patient case studies, they highlight the necessity of thorough examinations and patient education to accurately address back pain linked to hip issues.
Key topics include the critical role of glute activation and conditioning in managing hip pain, and the interconnection between hip health and back health. The discussion also covers how limited hip mobility can affect activities like golf, and the benefits of hip mobilisation exercises for improving flexibility and joint health.
Action Items:
- Assess hip range of motion and identify activities that may aggravate the joint in patients with hip pain.
- Implement glute activation exercises before stretching tight hip flexors to improve hip range of motion.
- Educate patients on hip anatomy and the common areas where true hip joint pain is felt.
- Highlight the importance of glute strength and hip mobility for overall back health in future episodes.
Resources…
eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60
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https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/
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Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
In this enlightening episode, Ben James and Jacob Steyn discuss the critical importance of a balanced approach to bone health. They emphasize the potential risks of excessive calcium supplementation and highlight the benefits of obtaining calcium through dietary sources and engaging in weight-bearing exercises.
Focusing on the proactive management of osteoporosis, Ben and Jacob advocate for a holistic approach that integrates dietary changes and regular exercise. They explore the potential cardiovascular risks associated with calcium supplements, such as arterial deposits and atherosclerosis, and underscore the importance of high-quality, weight-bearing exercises like squats, which have been shown to significantly increase bone density in the lower spine and femoral neck.
The episode delves into the broader context of bone health, discussing how daily activities and diet play a larger role in preventing osteoporosis than previously thought. They also address the indirect mortality risks posed by osteoporosis-related falls and fractures, reinforcing the need for a proactive stance on bone health.
Ben and Jacob encourage listeners to adopt sustainable lifestyle changes that promote overall health, rather than relying solely on supplements. Tune in to gain valuable insights into effective strategies for enhancing bone health and preventing osteoporosis through a well-rounded, proactive approach.
Resources…
eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60
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https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/
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Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
Tuesday Jun 18, 2024
In this informative episode, Ben James and Jacob Steyn delve into the potential benefits of supplements, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid for preventing and managing back pain. They highlight the importance of optimising hydration and nutrition to the intervertebral discs, emphasising the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 supplements and the benefits of vitamins D and K2 for bone health.
Ben and Jacob discuss the role of mitophagy in intervertebral disc health and offer proactive strategies for maintaining back health through daily spine hygiene, regular exercise, and targeted supplementation. While supplements can be beneficial, they note that they are not a miraculous cure for pain and recovery but rather a valuable component of a comprehensive approach to spine care.
Tune in to learn about the best practices for integrating supplements into your health regimen and discover actionable strategies to enhance your overall back health.
Resources…
eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60
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https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/
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Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
In this episode, Ben James and Jacob Steyn explore proactive approaches to preventing back pain and maintaining optimal health. They emphasise the importance of education, understanding your body, and incorporating daily spine hygiene practices and graded exercise programs into your routine. Ben and Jacob highlight the significance of physical activity and a balanced lifestyle, advocating for a more proactive stance on back and musculoskeletal health.
The discussion covers various preventative measures, including individualized education and exercise plans, the role of manual therapy, and the necessity of patient motivation and responsibility in physical therapy. Ben and Jacob address the challenges of promoting proactive health, adjusting their approach to meet each patient's unique needs and preferences.
Tune in to discover actionable strategies for preventing back pain, maintaining long-term health, and fostering a proactive approach to your well-being.
Resources…
eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60
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https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/
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Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
Tuesday Jun 04, 2024
In this insightful episode, Ben James and Jacob Steyn delve into the intricate relationship between back pain and mental health. They highlight the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of back rehabilitation, emphasising the need to foster a belief in recovery among patients. By educating patients about their spine and effective pain management techniques, Ben and Jacob aim to empower individuals to take control of their health.
The discussion covers various strategies for managing chronic pain, improving sleep, and creating a supportive environment for patients. They explore the role of honesty and clarity in prognosis, the significance of understanding patients' social and work environments, and the value of consistent exercise routines. Additionally, Ben and Jacob share practical advice on how to provide reassurance and clear communication to help patients navigate their recovery journey.
Tune in to learn about the vital connection between mental health and back pain, and discover actionable steps to enhance both physical and emotional well-being.
For more episodes of the Back Pain Solutions podcast visit: www.smartstrong.co.uk Don’t forget to subscribe so you can receive updates on new episodes and direct links to additional content.
If you’re suffering from back pain, want to improve your posture, or want to build resilience to future injury then you’re in the right place. Join us and take an active approach to better back health.
Resources…
eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60
Send Us A Question…
https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/
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Friday Apr 05, 2024
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Join us on another episode of The Back Pain Solutions podcast as we delve into the world of back pain management, guided by expert practitioners Ben James and Jacob Steyn. In this enlightening episode, we explore the journey of a 45-year-old business owner who had endured decades of back pain and was seeking guidance on long term solutions to manage his complaint.
Discover the importance of taking a proactive approach to back health and the transformative impact of simple lifestyle modifications and targeted exercises. Learn how patients can empower themselves through education and self-awareness, leading to improved outcomes and long-term relief.
Explore the role of physical therapy in addressing disc pain and musculoskeletal issues, as Ben shares his expertise in hands-on treatment and personalised exercise regimens. From daily spine hygiene to simple habits, Jacob and Ben provide practical tips and advice for managing back pain and maintaining a healthy spine.
This episode serves as a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with chronic back pain.
For more episodes of the Back Pain Solutions podcast visit: www.smartstrong.co.uk Don’t forget to subscribe so you can receive updates on new episodes and direct links to additional content.
If you’re suffering from back pain, want to improve your posture, or want to build resilience to future injury then you’re in the right place. Join us and take an active approach to better back health.
Resources…
eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60
Send Us A Question…
https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/
Website...
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Friday Apr 05, 2024
In this episode of The Back Pain Solutions Podcast, we delve into the intricate world of chronic back pain management, exploring the multifaceted approaches that clinicians need to employ to help patients find relief and regain control of their lives. Join us as we embark on a journey to unraveling the complexities of this condition and the tailored interventions designed to address unique needs in this case study.
Using a poignant case study of a patients ongoing battle with back pain, we shine a light on the challenges faced by individuals who endure years of discomfort despite countless treatments. Through Jacob Steyn's meticulous assessment, we uncover the nuances of the individuals back pain history and musculoskeletal examination, revealing underlying postural imbalances and mobility limitations.
Guided by Steyn's expertise, we explore the diagnosis of lower cross syndrome and the development of a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at correcting posture, addressing muscle imbalances, and mitigating aggravating factors. Delving deeper into posture and movement strategies, we uncover the pivotal role of proper body mechanics and personalised exercise regimens in managing back pain effectively.
From rehabilitation and exercise adaptation to lifestyle modifications for long-term management, we navigate the holistic approach to back pain care, emphasising the importance of empowering patients to take control of their own health journey. We glean valuable insights into successful outcomes and the enduring commitment required for sustainable back health.
As we conclude our exploration, we reinforce the significance of a multidisciplinary approach to chronic back pain management and encourage listeners to seek professional guidance and personalised strategies for reclaiming their back health.
For more episodes of the Back Pain Solutions podcast visit: www.smartstrong.co.uk Don’t forget to subscribe so you can receive updates on new episodes and direct links to additional content.
If you’re suffering from back pain, want to improve your posture, or want to build resilience to future injury then you’re in the right place. Join us and take an active approach to better back health.
Resources…
eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60
Send Us A Question…
https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/
Website...
Thursday Aug 05, 2021
Thursday Aug 05, 2021
Our aim with this podcast is to help you to understand the importance that movement, and exercise, plays in your rehabilitation from low back pain. We’ve highlighted the importance of finding a practitioner that will give you the insights you need to be empowered to get back to the activities you love. An important part of this process is finding someone who can effectively coach you to ensure that you’re executing movements correctly and reducing any risk. Well meaning practitioners sometimes fail to get the outcomes their skills can provide due to the difficulty of communicating effectively to many people with different learning styles.
Today we interview Nick Winkelman Nick Winkelman is the head of athletic performance & science for the Irish Rugby Football Union. His primary role is to oversee the delivery and development of strength & conditioning and sports science across all national (Men and Women) and provincial teams (Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster). Before working for Irish Rugby, Nick was the director of education and training systems for EXOS (formerly Athletes' Performance), located in Phoenix, AZ. As the director of education, Nick oversaw the development and execution of all internal and external educational initiatives. As a performance coach, Nick oversaw the speed and assessment component of the EXOS NFL Combine Development Program and supported many athletes across the NFL, MLB, NBA, National Sports Organizations, and Military. Nick completed his PhD through Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions with a dissertation focus on motor skill learning and sprinting. Nick is a recognized speaker and consultant on human performance and coaching science and has numerous book chapters and peer reviewed papers focusing on the intersection between coaching language and athlete learning.
In this episode we discuss the importance of the quality and timing of WHAT is said to athletes/clients/patients, adapting the approach to an individual's personal communication and learning styles, and directing attention to the right things at the right time. This ensures we can drastically reduce the confusion, frustration and overwhelm that can be experienced by patients. If you feel that you don’t understand what is being said in the clinic room, or in the gym, don’t shy away from asking for clarity so you can get the input you deserve.
Some of the things you’ll discover...
- No one has taught you until you have learned so if you don’t understand then be sure to ask!
- Why it’s important that clinicians and coaching speak the language of their target audience
- Understanding a movement, and what the body should do during the movement is not enough if you can’t then perform it!
- Simple movements are not always simple! You need to get the right input in order to safely perform certain movements
- Language is one of the single greatest tools a clinician has and yet for many professionals there is a lack of awareness of its importance
Highlights
All the tools at the disposal of the clinician can be wasted if their ability to communicate effectively is missing! Increasingly we’re seeing the importance of language in the effective management of pain and injury so be sure to challenge your clinician if you do not understand what is being explained to you about your condition or treatment plan.
For more episodes of the Back Pain Solutions podcast visit: www.smartstrong.co.uk Don’t forget to subscribe so you can receive updates on new episodes and direct links to additional content.
If you’re suffering from back pain, want to improve your posture, or want to build resilience to future injury then you’re in the right place. Join us and take an active approach to better back health.
Resources…
eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60
Nick Winkelmand Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickwinkelman/
Send Us A Question…
https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/
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Thursday Jun 17, 2021
Thursday Jun 17, 2021
For most of us with an injury, unless we are a top athlete, the benefits of nutrition is not one of the first things popping up in our heads when thinking about strategies to overcome it. Nutritional advice is often looked at as dubious and judgemental or even cult-like when one follows a strict diet based on principles. Today we hope to clarify the consideration of how your nutritional strategy is essential to your healing process and ultimately your resilience to future chronic injury and pain.
Today we interviewed Dr David Seaman, who has gone a long way in finding out exactly how important it is to take care of the foundation of our healing capabilities in understanding the role of nutrition. On top of his Chiropractic degree he completed a masters in Nutrition and teaches nutrition at more than one chiropractic school, otherwise he attends conferences worldwide.
In this episode we discuss the typical nutritional faults we make and how we are quite often not aware that we are making them. We will talk about how you can make simple adjustments to your diet resulting in less pain and discomfort.
Some of the things you’ll discover…
- Why some of us are having difficulty recovering from long term injury
- How simple it is to change your diet
- How only a few dietary adjustments will make a big difference
- How your physiology reacts to injury based on the health of your cells
- How passive treatment strategies often times does not offer a solution unless your diet is fixed
- What can be seen as "basic supplement" necessary for optimal health
Episode Highlights
We have all heard, and to a certain extent know, that a good diet works wonders for our body's and minds. The question then is what is an optimal diet and how do we know we are eating well? An optimal diet is a nutritional approach which ensures a nutrient dense formula of food which results in proper uptake and functioning of your body. Today we discuss who this works for and how it can be implemented.
For more episodes of the Back Pain Solutions podcast visit: www.smartstrong.co.uk Don’t forget to subscribe so you can receive updates on new episodes and direct links to additional content.
If you’re suffering from back pain, want to improve your posture, or want to build resilience to future injury then you’re in the right place. Join us and take an active approach to better back health.
Resources…
eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60
Send Us A Question…
https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/
Website...
Thursday Apr 01, 2021
Thursday Apr 01, 2021
We sit to eat, watch TV, work at a desk and so much more…...most daily activities involve sitting! In the US, on average people sit for around 10 hours per day and 80% of them suffer from sitting induced back pain. But that is just the tip of the iceberg as a more alarming consequence is that it increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and even cancer! ‘Sitting disease’ is now known to increase all-cause mortality and shorten lives, a public health emergency that’s just now coming into focus. The problem is now so urgent that sitting has been dubbed ‘the new smoking’.
Today we interview Dr Osler who after 30 years as a surgeon at the University of Vermont’s trauma centre left to begin a career as a research epidemiologist. This switch required hours of sitting at a computer, and despite trying a dozen different chairs, sitting all day caused him unrelenting back pain. Dr Oslers search for a better chair soon became a quest to fight an epidemic. Dr Osler couldn’t stop people from sitting, so he needed a way to let them sit better. Fortunately, available research suggested a way forward. It wasn’t sitting that was the problem but sitting still. The question became: Could sitting somehow be made active?
In this episode we discuss the negative impact of passive sitting and how Dr Osler partnered with his son to invent a solution himself. We discuss the journey of invention and how ‘active sitting’ has created a movement movement! We discuss the commitment that active sitting requires and the best way to introduce active sitting to your daily routine.
Some of the things you’ll discover...
- The negative impact of passive sitting
- How lumbar supports have not prevented a rise in the rates of global back pain
- How ergonomic chairs make it nearly impossible to adopt a natural posture, because they prohibit movement and postural adjustments
- The wider implications of passive sitting
- How Dr Osler created the QOR360 active chair to combat passive sitting
- How active sitting can improve your posture, ease and prevent back pain, strengthen your core and improve whole-body health
Highlights
Everyday people are sitting for prolonged periods which they assume is normal, and certainly not unhealthy. However, research clearly demonstrates that this is not the case. Not only does sitting increase your risk of back pain but it has a negative impact on many areas of your health. DO NOT underestimate the impact that your desk work, TV watching, or time spent driving, can have on your health!
For more episodes of the Back Pain Solutions podcast visit: www.smartstrong.co.uk Don’t forget to subscribe so you can receive updates on new episodes and direct links to additional content.
If you’re suffering from back pain, want to improve your posture, or want to build resilience to future injury then you’re in the right place. Join us and take an active approach to better back health.
Resources…
eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60
Send Us A Question…
https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/
Website...
Dr Osler Website…
Friday Mar 05, 2021
Friday Mar 05, 2021
There is a growing group of chiropractors and other practitioners who are stepping outside the narrative of their prescriptive role and embracing a more holistic approach. This seems to be the result of realising the need to assist the patient in different areas, where needed, in order to help them over the tipping point towards healing. This is often needed when patients experience chronic issues which do not resolve with a single pronged approach. Multi-pronged approaches, for this reason, are often a life saver for patients who have not been successfully helped in the past.
Today we interview Simon Billings who graduated from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in 2001 and is today a Doctor of Chiropractic at St.James Chiropractic Clinic in South Hampton, England. He has lectured nationally and internationally on the subjects of jaw joint disorders, nutrition and trigenics. He has also published articles on the subjects of migraine, vitamin D deficiency, mis-shapen head syndrome (plagiocephaly) and ankylosing spondylitis. Simon also teaches at the Academy of Chiropractic Nutrition. An organisation which he created with the goal to help chiropractors be more efficient with treating their patients through nutrition and supplementation. He speaks of the metabolic side of health as being overlooked by many chiropractors.
In this episode we discuss the need for proper nutrition and supplementation where needed alongside physical therapies as a way to help patients, otherwise often not helped, towards recovery of their complaints. Quite often the ability of the body to heal is overlooked when only applying physical, hands-on therapies and so in the words of Simon Billings “you are flogging a dead horse”. If the body is not ready to heal, for whatever reason, it will not heal. Stimulating the body from a point where you enable the healing ability by correcting for deficiencies or toxicities becomes the goal and so we set the body up towards getting better.
Some of the things you’ll discover...
- That all the pillars of health needs to be addressed
- The metabolic side of health is probably the most overlooked & poorly treated
- The necessity of vitamin D and how to best get it on sunny days
- Why a multi-pronged approach works better than a single therapy
- How nutrition and supplements may be the missing link your recovery process
- That there is hope for long term chronic issues when fixing underlying problems
- The importance of having a good working diagnosis based on sound findings
Highlights
Increasingly we’re seeing the important role that nutrition plays in the management of chronic diseases but it also extends to musculoskeletal care. If you’re suffering from chronic, persistent pain, and you’re not seeing the improvements you would expect, or desire, then you need to seek additional advice to support your recovery. Healthcare practitioners must realise their own limitations and expand their network to maximise the support they can offer their patients.
For more episodes of the Back Pain Solutions podcast visit: www.smartstrong.co.uk Don’t forget to subscribe so you can receive updates on new episodes and direct links to additional content.
If you’re suffering from back pain, want to improve your posture, or want to build resilience to future injury then you’re in the right place. Join us and take an active approach to better back health.
Resources…
eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60
Send Us A Question…
https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/
Website...
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
The last thing many people think about when they’re suffering from a lower back injury, or any injury for that matter, is whether their fitness levels are good enough to help with the recovery process. Our fitness levels are increased by the amount of cardiovascular intensive training we perform and this is increased by regularly challenging the cardiovascular system through exercise. There are numerous ways to train the cardiovascular system effectively but when suffering from injury we want to make sure that we do this in a way which does not make the injury worse but instead helps to support the healing process.
In this episode we talk about the things you can do to safely ensure that you maintain, and even increase, your physical fitness levels. We explain why this is so important and how it affects the injury in a positive way. We also discuss which cardiovascular training exercises will help you increase your cardiovascular capacity safely.
Some of the things to consider:
- Have you honestly taken action to do some daily exercise to support your back and mental health?
- Could a proactive approach make you more resilient to future infections?
- How important is movement to your back health?
- Have you established a healthy morning routine to support your health and well-being?
- Do you want to come out of this pandemic better than you were at the beginning?!
Highlights
Understanding why your cardiovascular fitness is important in your recovery to injury is often overlooked and yet it can have a positive effect on tissue healing. Not only can you maintain your current levels of fitness but you can increase your fitness levels if you make wise decisions during your rehabilitation.
For more episodes of the Back Pain Solutions podcast visit: www.smartstrong.co.uk Don’t forget to subscribe so you can receive updates on new episodes and direct links to additional content.
If you’re suffering from back pain, want to improve your posture, or want to build resilience to future injury then you’re in the right place. Join us and take an active approach to better back health.
Resources…
eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60
Send Us A Question…
https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/
Website...