In this episode, hosts Ben James and Jacob Steyn dive deep into the crucial role muscle mass plays in maintaining low back health. They discuss the delicate balance required to avoid the pitfalls of too little or too much muscle mass. Listeners will learn how insufficient muscle mass can limit the ability to adapt to progressive exercises, while excessive muscle mass can lead to back pain.

Ben and Jacob emphasize building muscle through a balanced diet and a graded exercise program tailored to various fitness levels and age groups. They debunk common misconceptions and provide actionable advice on achieving the right muscle mass for optimal stability, control, and athletic performance.

Tune in to discover:

• The relationship between muscle mass and back health
• How to develop graded exercise programs for safe muscle building
• The importance of control and quality movement
• Specific approaches for different groups, including athletes and older adults
• Practical tips on diet and exercise consistency for muscle growth

Don't miss this informative episode, packed with evidence-based insights and expert recommendations. Visit our website and check out our ebook for more exercises and tips to support your journey to better back health.

Resources…

eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60

Send Us A Question…

https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/

Website...

www.smartstrong.co.uk

In this episode, Ben James and Jacob Steyn dive into the potential of vitamin B12 in reducing back pain. They discuss intriguing studies that show a correlation between low B12 levels and increased pain, emphasizing the crucial role of B12 found in animal food sources. The conversation sheds light on the risks of B12 deficiency for those following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle and the challenges of identifying this deficiency through standard blood tests.

Ben and Jacob highlight the importance of functional medicine, advanced blood testing, and biome-genome testing to accurately identify patients with B12 deficiencies. They explore the potential benefits of B12 supplementation, with Jacob advocating for B12 injections and Ben suggesting supplementation for patients experiencing persistent symptoms.

The episode also covers the impact of gut health on B12 absorption, the limitations of standard blood tests, and the physiological effects of B12 deficiency on pain perception and inflammation. Tune in to learn about practical action items for addressing B12 deficiency, the benefits of B12 injections, and why considering B12 levels is crucial for effective back pain management.

Action Items:

1. Consider testing B12 levels or supplementing for patients who are vegetarian/vegan or have gut issues affecting absorption.
2. Discuss B12 testing and supplementation with patients who do not improve as expected with treatment.
3. Revisit the B12 topic in more detail in a future podcast, including testing challenges and oral supplementation research.

Join us for this insightful episode as we explore how vitamin B12 can be a game-changer in back pain management!

Resources…

eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60

Send Us A Question…

https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/

Website...

www.smartstrong.co.uk

In this episode, Ben James and Jacob Steyn tackle the intricate challenges of diagnosing and treating hip pain. They emphasise the importance of understanding hip anatomy and incorporating psychosocial factors into treatment plans for better outcomes. Through various patient case studies, they highlight the necessity of thorough examinations and patient education to accurately address back pain linked to hip issues.

Key topics include the critical role of glute activation and conditioning in managing hip pain, and the interconnection between hip health and back health. The discussion also covers how limited hip mobility can affect activities like golf, and the benefits of hip mobilisation exercises for improving flexibility and joint health.

Action Items:

1. Assess hip range of motion and identify activities that may aggravate the joint in patients with hip pain.
2. Implement glute activation exercises before stretching tight hip flexors to improve hip range of motion.
3. Educate patients on hip anatomy and the common areas where true hip joint pain is felt.
4. Highlight the importance of glute strength and hip mobility for overall back health in future episodes.

Resources…

eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60

Send Us A Question…

https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/

Website...

www.smartstrong.co.uk