I Wish I Knew This Sooner About Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic Low Back Pain: When to Seek Help, What to Try First, and Lessons From Back Surgery This episode discusses chronic low back pain with the host and his brother Noel, a nurse practitioner with 30+ years of experience who previously had back surgery for spinal stenosis. They describe how back pain can start subtly, come and go, and worsen with poor posture and body mechanics, often improving temporarily with over-the-counter medications or support like a cart. Noel shares that he waited too long, ultimately needing surgery after exhausting options like physical therapy, and emphasizes practical changes such as supportive shoes, mattresses, pillows, chairs, and better posture, along with core strengthening and weight loss. They stress choosing an experienced surgical center, understanding recovery expectations and risks (including infection), having adequate home support after surgery, and being cautious with NSAID overuse while considering alternatives like topicals, acupuncture, and acupressure. 00:00 Back Pain Warning Signs 01:02 Early Symptoms Explained 02:01 When to See a Doctor 02:41 Exhausting Non Surgical Options 03:35 Shoes Posture and Core 05:23 Surgery Recovery and BLT Rules 06:46 Choosing the Right Spine Center 08:28 Post Op Discomfort and Weight Loss 09:19 Injections Relapse and Long Term Habits 14:00 Hospital Discharge and Home Support 18:01 MRI Findings and Alternative Therapies 20:06 Medication Caution and Final Takeaways 22:06 Wrap Up and Subscribe 📥 FREE DOWNLOAD: Your Health Change Navigation Guide A beautiful 2-page printable with the Three Questions, your Navigation Team roles, trusted health resources, and more. → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/shop 💌 JOIN GLOWUP — Dr. George's free newsletter on healthy aging, mindfulness & intentional living: → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/#news... 🎙️ ABOUT DR. MARY CATHERINE GEORGE: Dr. Mary Catherine George (MM PhD) is a health psychologist and Director of Clinical Research at a major academic medical center in NYC. She is the host of Healthy by George — a YouTube channel dedicated to intentional healthy aging, where science meets soul. She is also a classically trained singer, former improv performer, and the creator of GlowUp, a newsletter on healthy aging and mindful living. 📲 CONNECT WITH DR. GEORGE: YouTube: @HealthyByGeorge Newsletter Website: https://www.healthybygeorge.com/ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.