Article Rundown

• Does Brian Still Get Back Pain?
• Does Brian Ever Have Flare-Ups?
• How Has Brian Continued to Manage His Body?
• Can Everyone Become Pain Free?

Addressing Whether or Not I Still Have Back Pain

In this video, I address a frequently asked question: “Brian, does your back still hurt? Do you still experience flare-ups?” Drawing on insights from “Back Mechanic” and “Gift of Injury,” I will guide you through my journey from debilitating back pain to achieving a pain-free state. I will discuss the mental and physical challenges I encountered, the shift in my mindset required for recovery, and how I transitioned from daily pain-free living to resuming powerlifting without discomfort. This journey culminated in my winning the Arnold Classic two additional times and becoming the first person to squat 1,300 pounds (1,306 pounds) in competition, regardless of body weight.

So, do I experience flare-ups or new issues? Absolutely not. The reason for this is my commitment to maintaining proper movement and spine hygiene every day. As depicted in the recent 1,306 Documentary, I continue to apply the principles of effective movement and core stabilization. This adherence has allowed me to live and train completely pain-free, with my pain rating at a consistent 0 out of 10. I still walk daily, perform core exercises, and lift with proper form. Even though I have recently incorporated more bodybuilding-style workouts, I no longer experience back pain.

Can Everyone Become Pain Free?

This leads to another common question: “If I still have pain, does this mean that everyone can become pain-free?” Despite my severe back injury, which included a sacral split and damaged discs, I managed to become pain-free. However, the unfortunate reality is that not everyone will achieve complete pain relief. Some individuals may need to manage their pain for years before it subsides. Most people do not experience back pain into their 60s or 70s because, over time, their back heals and becomes more gristled. Although their MRI results may not look ideal, many in their later years experience less back pain and more issues with hips, knees, shoulders, and necks—topics for another discussion.

For those who can manage and alleviate their pain like I did, you can reclaim your daily life. I no longer face any restrictions; I can engage in activities such as bouncing in a bouncy house, sprinting on a slip-and-slide, and more, all thanks to adhering to the principles outlined in “Gift of Injury” and “Back Mechanic.” This approach enabled me to drive 10 hours one way from Jacksonville, FL to Tennessee without any back issues and then to squat 1,306 pounds pain-free the next day.

As a McGill Certified Practitioner, and someone who has lived this process over the last 15 years, I understand how debilitating low back pain can be, as it profoundly affected my life. However, by identifying the root cause of the pain, removing it, and adopting proper movement techniques tailored to your injury, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate your pain over time. Trust the process, adhere to the plan, and positive results will follow.

BRIAN DOES ONLINE AND IN-PERSON COACHING!

Back Injured Average Mary or Joe who wants their life back

Back Injured Athlete Wanting to Return to Sport

Lift and exercise coaching & cueing to troubleshoot form

Program adherence & accountability coaching