Article Rundown

• The truth about back pain
• Conflicting advice from multiple experts
• The importance of time in healing
• The multi-step recovery process
• The role of genetics
• The impact of medical errors

The Truth About Back Pain

In this video, I delve into why specific individuals do not experience relief from treatment for back pain. While this question is challenging and multifaceted, I will do my best to provide insight. It’s important to note that, thankfully, most individuals will not face the most severe outcomes, such as failed surgeries or pain that has escalated beyond manageable levels. However, there are cases where individuals have endured numerous unsuccessful treatments, leading to significant scarring and a need for time to allow the pain to subside naturally. If you experience fluctuations in your pain—times when it improves and times when it worsens—this suggests that your situation is likely not as dire, and you may still have the potential to become pain-free.

Conflicting Advice from Multiple Experts 

The primary reason many individuals remain mired in back pain is the tendency to seek advice from multiple experts simultaneously, often leading to conflicting recommendations. This confusion can arise when individuals mix various programs from different practitioners or “social media gurus,” each offering differing advice that may counteract one another. This can quickly exacerbate back pain, creating a downward spiral in one’s condition.

While it is undoubtedly possible to glean valuable insights from different sources, it is crucial to ensure that the principles and goals of those insights are consistent. For instance, in powerlifting, some experts advocate for regular deloading, while others suggest never deloading. The approach of compromising by deloading occasionally might not yield the best results. The effectiveness of either strategy can vary significantly from person to person; thus, it is essential to adhere to a cohesive set of consistent principles.

The Importance of Time in Healing

Another significant reason individuals become trapped in chronic back pain is the lack of patience in allowing the body adequate time to heal. Biological healing is a gradual process; it does not happen overnight. As discussed in my book, Gift of Injury, it took me 18 months to recover from pain and regain my competitive edge in powerlifting. After allowing the necessary time for healing, I am now completely pain-free, with no flare-ups over the past decade.

Individuals who recover from pain only to return to lifting too quickly often find themselves in a worse predicament. A hasty return can lead to setbacks, ultimately resulting in more severe pain that could require emergency intervention. Understanding that rushing the recovery process can lead to detrimental consequences is essential.

Multi-Step Process to Recovery

Overcoming back pain is a multi-step journey. The first step involves alleviating the pain, followed by a tailored program of specialized exercises designed to rebuild pain-free capacity before resuming previous activity levels. Managing factors such as volume, intensity, and frequency is critical; these parameters will vary for each individual. This comprehensive approach is explored in depth in both Back Mechanic and Gift of Injury, and it is vital to allow ample time in this process. Generally, recovery may take six months to a year, but this timeline can differ significantly based on the specific injury (which tissues are impacted and how many levels?). Some individuals could be years of pain, and others don’t get much better, ever.

The Role of Genetics

Genetics also plays a crucial role in the experience of back pain. Genetic predispositions can make individuals more susceptible to spinal issues, such as short pedicles, narrow spinal canals, or inherent disc collagen type (some types of collagen are more robust than others). These factors can complicate recovery and hinder the ability to develop pain-free capacity after achieving relief.

The Impact of Medical Errors

Lastly, one of the most unfortunate and impactful reasons individuals may fail to achieve relief from back pain is medical errors. Procedures such as spinal injections or epidurals can sometimes exacerbate the situation rather than alleviate it. Complications from surgeries, such as nerve damage or scarring, can lead to irreversible and worsened conditions. While these adverse outcomes are not universal, they occur frequently enough to warrant caution. Therefore, I always recommend seeking guidance from a reliable clinician before considering surgical or injectable options.

If you are in this challenging situation and require support, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. I offer virtual and in-person consultations tailored to your specific needs, which you can find [HERE].

Conclusion 

In summary, several key factors contribute to why some individuals may never find relief from back pain. By understanding the importance of consistent advice, allowing adequate time for healing, recognizing the influence of genetics, and being cautious of potential medical errors, individuals can better navigate their path to recovery. It is crucial to approach back pain as a journey that requires patience, persistence and informed decision-making. With the proper guidance and steadfast commitment to the process, hope for a pain-free future exists.

BRIAN DOES ONLINE AND IN-PERSON COACHING!

Back Injured Average Mary or Joe who wants their life back

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