Digital Social Hour Episode #753: Fix Your Back Pain WITHOUT Surgery: Expert Advice | Dr. Grant Elliott DSH

Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Dr. Grant Elliott, DSH
Release Date: September 24, 2024

Introduction

In episode #753 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly delves deep into the pervasive issue of back pain with esteemed chiropractor and rehabilitation expert, Dr. Grant Elliott. The conversation navigates through the complexities of back pain causes, debunks prevalent myths, critiques conventional treatments, and explores effective strategies for managing and preventing back pain without resorting to surgery.

Understanding Back Pain

Causes and Misconceptions

Dr. Elliott begins by addressing the fundamental question: What causes back pain? He emphasizes that 90% of low back pain cases are categorized as non-specific, meaning they cannot be traced to a single cause (00:44). This category encompasses a combination of muscle, joint, and disc pain, influenced by multiple factors beyond mere tissue damage, including social influences, anxiety, depression, and personal beliefs about pain.

Dr. Grant Elliott [00:26]: "All right, guys, we are talking back pain today. Very excited for this one."

He further debunks the myth that uneven hips or slight leg length discrepancies are primary causes of back pain, asserting that only significant discrepancies (over three centimeters) have any clinical relevance (03:35).

Dr. Grant Elliott [02:25]: "It’s no, it’s a combination of things. That is multifactorial."

Deadlifting and Weight Training

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the misconception that deadlifts and squats are detrimental to back health. Dr. Elliott counters this by highlighting that weight training is beneficial for spine health, improving disc height and bone mineral density (06:56).

Dr. Grant Elliott [08:46]: "Deadlifting, it's the worst thing you can do for your back... then you're seeing the wrong provider."

Critique of Chiropractic Practices

Dr. Elliott offers a critical perspective on conventional chiropractic methods, particularly the focus on spinal adjustments. He explains that many chiropractors may inadvertently contribute to ongoing back issues by labeling minor variations in spinal structure as problematic (05:19).

Dr. Grant Elliott [05:20]: "Well, it's a pretty classic thing to say or to hear... almost no evidence to support that."

He underscores the importance of movement-focused rehabilitation over traditional adjustments, advocating for active therapies that empower individuals to manage their own back health.

The Role of Surgery in Back Pain

A pivotal segment of the episode tackles the controversial role of surgery in treating back pain. Dr. Elliott asserts that surgery should be an absolute last resort, citing evidence that 97% of lumbar disc herniations recover without surgical intervention (18:13).

Dr. Grant Elliott [21:07]: "From the perspective of context is everything... But as it relates to the lay public, surgery is vastly overused."

He critiques the biomedical model prevalent in mainstream medicine, which often prioritizes imaging and surgical solutions over conservative treatments. Dr. Elliott shares insights from his extensive consultations, revealing that repeated surgeries rarely yield positive outcomes and often lead to chronic pain and diminished quality of life.

Dr. Grant Elliott [17:51]: "But with Ronnie Coleman specifically... I do not believe so."

Importance of Movement and Exercise

Central to Dr. Elliott's philosophy is the vital role of movement and exercise in managing and preventing back pain. He advocates for active rehabilitation that includes consistently varied spinal movements to enhance resilience and flexibility.

Dr. Grant Elliott [35:00]: "The best posture is the one you're in for the next five minutes."

He advises against static postures and encourages frequent movement breaks, emphasizing that maintaining an active lifestyle is paramount for spinal health.

Preventative Measures and Lifestyle

Dr. Elliott emphasizes that preventing back pain doesn't require miraculous strategies but rather consistent healthy habits. This includes good sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular movement.

Dr. Grant Elliott [09:37]: "Just get good sleep, eat well, and keep moving. That's the best thing you can do to prevent back pain."

He also highlights the importance of addressing psychosocial factors such as stress and mental health, which significantly influence the perception and management of pain.

Opinions on Alternative Treatments

Marijuana

The discussion extends to the use of marijuana for back pain relief. Dr. Elliott acknowledges that while marijuana can provide natural pain relief, it may have deleterious effects on motivation and lifestyle if it leads to reduced physical activity.

Dr. Grant Elliott [23:56]: "If that reduced or suppressed my desire to go to the gym... then the net result could be negative."

He underscores that marijuana should be seen as an adjunct to an active rehabilitation plan, not a standalone solution.

Stem Cells

When addressing stem cell injections for back pain, Dr. Elliott remains skeptical, noting that despite significant social hype, the evidence on efficacy is mixed. Through anecdotal experiences, he observes rare positive outcomes and warns against the high costs associated with such treatments.

Dr. Grant Elliott [26:55]: "We very rarely hear a positive result."

He reiterates the importance of belief and mindset in healing, suggesting that the perceived benefits of stem cells might stem more from a positive mental state than the treatment itself.

Posture and Sleeping Positions

Contrary to popular belief, Dr. Elliott asserts that poor posture and terms like "text neck" do not inherently cause back pain (31:35). He explains that posture-related pain is often a result of prolonged static positions without adequate movement.

Dr. Grant Elliott [33:34]: "The best posture is the one you're in for the next five minutes."

Regarding sleeping positions, he dispels the notion that there is an "optimal" position for spinal health, advising that individuals should sleep in whatever position feels most comfortable to them (13:38).

Dr. Grant Elliott [13:56]: "There is no perfect posture. It’s moving through several different postures."

Yoga and Back Pain

While recognizing the benefits of movement-based practices like yoga, Dr. Elliott cautions against using yoga during the acute stages of back pain. He explains that certain yoga movements can exacerbate sensitive spinal conditions, advocating for professionally guided rehabilitation before engaging in such activities.

Dr. Grant Elliott [36:44]: "Yoga can make a lot of back pain worse."

Practical Workout Advice

For individuals with back pain aiming to return to the gym, Dr. Elliott advises modifying exercises to avoid movements that exacerbate their condition. He supports the continuation of weight training with appropriate modifications and rehabilitation, reinforcing that deadlifts and squats are not inherently harmful when performed correctly.

Dr. Grant Elliott [39:56]: "Do any movement that is the opposite of the position you find yourself the most in."

He encourages a balanced and varied exercise regimen to ensure the spine remains robust and resilient.

Passive vs. Active Therapies

Dr. Elliott differentiates between passive therapies (e.g., back massages) and active therapies (e.g., exercises and education). While he acknowledges that passive therapies can be beneficial as supplements to active rehabilitation, he emphasizes that active engagement is the cornerstone of effective back pain management.

Dr. Grant Elliott [43:14]: "Active therapies, exercise and education, that is number one treatment for low back pain."

Dealing with Acute Pain

Addressing acute neck strains and similar issues, Dr. Elliott recommends a non-obsessive approach. He advises individuals to avoid fixating on the pain and to continue with regular movement and activities as much as possible.

Dr. Grant Elliott [43:26]: "The best way to deal with it is to forget about it."

He highlights the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and not allowing temporary discomfort to derail overall health and rehabilitation efforts.

Conclusion and Resources

As the episode concludes, Dr. Elliott shares information about his online rehabilitation program, RehabFix, which offers one-on-one coaching and consultations to help individuals manage and overcome back pain through conservative, movement-based therapies.

Dr. Grant Elliott [45:02]: "We post free rehab videos and content instruction every single day across our platforms."

Sean Kelly wraps up by encouraging listeners to seek Dr. Elliott's expertise for effective back pain solutions.

Sean Kelly [45:52]: "If you guys have back pain, hit this man up. He's doing 200 consultations a week, so he knows what he's doing."

Key Takeaways:

• Back pain is predominantly non-specific and influenced by a combination of physical and psychosocial factors.
• Weight training, including deadlifts and squats, is beneficial for spinal health when performed correctly.
• Surgery should be a last resort; conservative treatments have a high success rate.
• Active movement and exercise are essential for managing and preventing back pain.
• Myths about posture and sleeping positions do not hold up under scientific scrutiny.
• Alternative treatments like marijuana and stem cells may offer benefits but should complement, not replace, active rehabilitation.
• Personal mindset and belief play a crucial role in the healing process.

For more insights and personalized back pain solutions, visit RehabFix on all major platforms.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Grant Elliott [00:44]: "...90% of low back pain is categorized as non-specific low back pain."
• Dr. Grant Elliott [08:46]: "Deadlifting, it's the worst thing you can do for your back... then you're seeing the wrong provider."
• Dr. Grant Elliott [21:07]: "From the perspective of context is everything... But as it relates to the lay public, surgery is vastly overused."
• Dr. Grant Elliott [35:00]: "The best posture is the one you're in for the next five minutes."
• Dr. Grant Elliott [43:26]: "The best way to deal with it is to forget about it."
• Sean Kelly [45:52]: "If you guys have back pain, hit this man up. He's doing 200 consultations a week, so he knows what he's doing."