How to Build a Better Back

We dive into the ways you can protect, strengthen and heal your back. Back pain is the leading cause of chronic pain in the world and more than 80% of us will suffer from it at some point - but you can reduce your risk of getting back pain and speed up your recovery with simple posture and exercise and recovery techniques - listen to find out. Show Notes 3:00— We discuss the stats around how common back injuries are. 8:00— Ian is curious about the economic impact of Tiger Woods’ back injury. 10:15— The most common causes of back pain and back injuries. 12:12— The growing awareness around the importance of desk job ergonomics. 18:10— Ian mentions The Supple Leopard and we discuss why people get shin splints. 21:30— The parasympathetic nervous system and the symmetry of the human body. 26:25— Ian shares his history of back pain and we discuss the effects of sleep positions and sleep duration on one’s back. 30:55— The Herman Miller Aeron Chair as a status symbol for companies back in the dot-com bubble days. 33:10— Darren shares some of the challenges he’s had with back injuries and sings the praises of his inversion table. 45:00— March suggests an alternative to an inversion table using a pull up bar. 47:11— March shares the story of how the wheelbarrow became his person nemesis. 54:50— We share tips for preventing back injuries including the correct way to lift heavy objects and being conscious about repetitive tasks. 53:15— Ian shares a tip for an app and wearable device to help train you for better posture. 56:40— Squats and dead-lifts: valuable exercises to help you strengthen your back. 59:40— Ergonomics 101 1:04:02— What is ATP and how to know if you have it? 1:06:20— Ian walks March and Darren through some quick stretches to learn about and prevent ATP. 1:10:01— Benefits of standing desks. 1:14:10— When to go to the doctor for back pain. 1:15:01— The different types of doctors that treat back pain and how they approach treatments. 1:24:40— What to do when you experience mild, acute, short-term back pain. 1:27:15— We commit to our Better Next Steps. 1:34:00— Better next step for the audience: adjust your desk for proper posture. Mentions Herman Miller Aeron Chair Steelcase Gesture Chair Wirecutter Teeter Inversion Tables Ballbarrow --- innovative design for a wheelbarrow Lumo Lift --- solution for improving one's posture Swedish Kneeling Chair Salli Saddle Chair Follow Us Instagram Facebook Twitter Subscribe iTunes RSS Weekly email newsletter Full Episode Transcript Better Show Blog Feedback Email: [email protected] Enjoy the show? Leave a review in iTunes! Tell two friends about the show!