Dr. Stuart McGill, Low Back Specialist

In my quest to diagnose my own lower back issues and learn how to protect against future harm, I stumbled across the website of Dr. Stuart McGill.  The website describes Dr. McGill as follows:

[A] professor of spine biomechanics at the University of Waterloo (Waterloo, ON, Canada). His advice is often sought by governments, corporations, legal experts and elite athletes and teams from around the world. Difficult back cases are regularly referred to him for consultation.

Having read both of Dr. McGill's books (Low Back Disorders, Second Edition and Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance) and after listening to a number of his online interviews, it's no wonder folks seek his expertise.  Dr. McGill has much wisdom to share.  Though we won't delve into specifics here and now, we will be sharing and commenting on them in future posts.  For now, here are our main takeaways as summarized informally for a colleague and friend who inquired about what the good Dr. has to say:

1. address the cause, not the symptom (OK, obvious)
2. train (and rehab) motion, not muscle
3. stability and force reduction, not necessarily strength or flexibility, may keep backs safe/pain-free
4. much so-called common wisdom about backs may be unhelpful and possibly hurtful; he recommends alternatives

For anyone with back issues of their own, or anyone who works with those who have low back issues, we highly recommend seeking the information Dr. McGill has to offer.  We'll be sharing some of it in the future.