14 Jan Should YOU Get Back Surgery? (SEE THIS FIRST!)
Article Rundown
- Is surgery right for you?
- Alternative option to try first
- Who should try ‘virtual surgery’ first?
- Summary
Is Back Surgery a Good Idea for YOU?
In this video, I address the topic of back surgery and help you assess whether it may be the right choice for you. What should you do if your doctor recommends back surgery? The first step is to ensure you obtain multiple opinions regarding the surgery. Is this procedure truly right for you? How long have you been experiencing pain? In the first chapter of Back Mechanic, Dr. McGill discusses factors that can help determine if you’re a suitable candidate for surgery. I recommend bringing Back Mechanic with you to your surgeon and seeing if they show interest in understanding the specifics of your injury and the duration of your pain. Are there moments when you experience no pain at all? Is your pain localized above your waist rather than extending unrelentingly below? If these conditions apply to you, I strongly advise seeking a second opinion before proceeding with surgery. Personally, I would delay surgery for as long as possible. This approach ultimately led me to meet Dr. McGill in 2013, which allowed me to recover to a completely pain-free state without surgery, while continuing to powerlift and set new world records.
Consider This Before Surgery
Instead of opting for surgery immediately, I recommend trying “virtual surgery” first. This concept, as outlined by Dr. McGill in Back Mechanic, involves taking a conservative approach to allow your body time to heal. Although I am not a medical professional and this is not intended as medical advice, I still encourage you to consult with your doctor and follow their recommendations. In some cases, back surgery may be necessary, and it is not always entirely avoidable. However, I strongly recommend getting a second opinion from a qualified healthcare provider before committing to surgery. If you value my perspective, I suggest reading Back Mechanic, seeking a second opinion, and trying “virtual surgery.”
In Back Mechanic, Dr. McGill defines “virtual surgery” as simulating the recovery process you would undergo following an actual surgical procedure. For the next few days to a week, act as if you had surgery the day before. Rest, reduce your activity level, take a break from work and household chores, move slowly with proper spine hygiene, and engage in short walks that do not exacerbate your pain. Essentially, you are mimicking the post-surgical recovery protocol, assuming the surgeon has provided reasonable guidance.
Who Should Try Virtual Surgery First?
The goal of virtual surgery is to allow your pain to subside without aggravating it. By following this approach, many individuals experience significant improvement over the course of several weeks. Afterward, you can discuss with your medical team and surgeon whether surgery is still necessary, or if continuing with a conservative approach—by prioritizing spine health, stabilizing your core, and gradually restoring your athleticism—can help you overcome your pain without surgery. Many of my clients with the most common back conditions have successfully managed their pain using these methods, avoiding surgery altogether.
If you experience periods of time when you are pain-free and feel good, surgery may not be the best option for you. If your back pain is episodic—consisting of both good and bad days—virtual surgery is, in my opinion, a more effective option than surgery itself.
ConclusionÂ
To summarize, many of my clients—ranging from Green Berets and Navy SEALs to professional athletes and strength competitors—have been told that surgery was the only solution to regain their quality of life. However, they opted for virtual surgery instead, and after several weeks or months, they were able to reduce their pain, rebuild their strength, and return to their passions pain-free without the need for surgery.
Educate yourself by reading Back Mechanic and take that knowledge with you when consulting with your surgeon. Ensure that your surgeon is willing to engage with the concepts in Back Mechanic and spend meaningful time with you, rather than simply spending 15 minutes deciding that surgery is your only option. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Why not educate yourself and explore a free alternative, such as virtual surgery, before immediately opting for a potentially life-changing (for better or worse) surgery?
If you’re interested in learning more about Back Mechanic, you can find it [HERE]. Additionally, I offer both in-person and virtual consultations to guide you through this process. If you’d like to learn more about my services, you can find more [HERE].

Brian Carroll

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