230 Back Pain Recovery (without Surgery!)

Would it surprise you to know that you don’t need to lose weight to get out of pain? I frequently get messages that include something along the lines of “I know I need to lose weight but…” which breaks my heart because I believe that life without pain is possible for everyone - no matter what your body looks like or feels like right now. We’ve been sold this idea that the pain in our joints is directly related to body mass. But time and time again - the research does not find this to be true. You don’t need to lose weight to get out of pain. And the idea that some amount of pain is something we have to just “live with” because of our age or body type is nonsense. You’ll learn: Why you don't need to lose weight to get out of pain Why focusing on BMI is a waste of time (and missing the point) How there is no definitive scientific link between body mass, weight loss, and pain All the links: The association between chronic pain and obesity. J Pain Res. 2015;8:399-408. Published 2015 Jul 14 Evers Larsson, U. Influence of weight loss on pain, perceived disability and observed functional limitations in obese women. Int J Obes 28, 269–277 (2004). Effect of weight loss on musculoskeletal pain in the morbidly obese. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume 1990 72-B:2, 322-323 Unraveling the Directional Link between Adiposity and Inflammation: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Approach, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 95, Issue 1, 1 January 2010 Join me for the next Movement Mavens Retreat! www.aewellness.com/retreat/ 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more. Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/ TikTok @ aewellness Bodywork Starter Guide - learn the 6 places you need to roll right now for quick relief, plus the reason why what you’ve tried so far has only given you a temporary fix. Download the guide for free now at www.aewellness.com/bodywork 818-396-6501 is the Body Nerd Hotline - how do you build consistency and/or where are you getting stuck? Drop me a line and let me know your body nerd hacks - you might just hear your voice on a future episode! Today’s episode is brought to you by Mobility Mastery Toolkit. Forget icing and stretching - and get a simple program you can do on your own that actually works. The Toolkit includes 30-days of exercises so you know exactly what to do to improve the mobility of your hips, lower back, feet, neck and shoulders. With video demos and a full-body mobility workout calendar, you’re just 15-mins a day from feeling stronger and more flexible. Get $20 off when you use the code MASTERY at www.mobilitytoolkit.co

More than 50 million people in the U.S. live with osteoporosis, a bone disease that leads to a decrease in the structure and strength of bone. But what if I told you that the best way to rebuild bone strength doesn’t require any pharmaceuticals? Because it might surprise you to know that osteopenia isn't the same as osteoporosis. But should we be treating them differently? In today’s episode, I’m joined by physical therapist (and my hiking partner), Dr. Sarah Court (@sarahcourtdpt), and she’s sharing her best tips to improve bone density, the difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia, why strength training might be a better bet than pharmaceuticals and how to get started with strength training when you’re worried about building stronger bones. We’re scared into the idea that our bones are becoming weak and brittle - and for some people, this may 100% be true. And from the conversations I’m having with clients and my DM’s on social media, it's clear this is on many of our minds, and I couldn't be more excited to tackle it in today's episode. Dr. Sarah is here to guide us through the nuances of building stronger bones - so whether this is top of mind or not, I know you’re going to enjoy today’s episode! You’ll learn: The difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia How to improve bone density How to get started with strength training (and why you absolutely want to) All the links: Heel Drop Exercise [YouTube] Sarah's Website - SarahCourtDPT.com Follow Sarah on Instagram - @sarahcourtdpt Join me for the next Movement Mavens Retreat! www.aewellness.com/retreat/ 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more. Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/ TikTok @ aewellness Bodywork Starter Guide - learn the 6 places you need to roll right now for quick relief, plus the reason why what you’ve tried so far has only given you a temporary fix. Download the guide for free now at www.aewellness.com/bodywork 818-396-6501 is the Body Nerd Hotline - how do you build consistency and/or where are you getting stuck? Drop me a line and let me know your body nerd hacks - you might just hear your voice on a future episode! Today’s episode is brought to you by Mobility Mastery Toolkit. Forget icing and stretching - and get a simple program you can do on your own that actually works. The Toolkit includes 30-days of exercises so you know exactly what to do to improve the mobility of your hips, lower back, feet, neck and shoulders. With video demos and a full-body mobility workout calendar, you’re just 15-mins a day from feeling stronger and more flexible. Get $20 off when you use the code MASTERY at www.mobilitytoolkit.co

Do you drink coffee? When I posted the video "Why I Quit Caffeine (and you should too!!)" on YouTube in 2017, I quickly realized just how passionate folks are about their coffee rituals. Fast forward to 2024 - and I still don't drink coffee. Not a drop. Not even in ice cream! But I'm not entirely anti-caffeine. I do, however, still have a cup of tea every morning, but I tread carefully because too much caffeine turns me into the Energizer Bunny with insomnia. Many of my experiments start with a curious "I wonder what would happen if…" and giving up coffee was no exception. The result? No regrets. Waking up is a breeze, falling asleep is a dream, and that notorious 3 pm crash is a distant memory. And before you scroll away - hear me out - coffee affects the adenosine receptors in your brain. Drink coffee, create more receptors, crave more coffee—it's a deliciously vicious cycle. Stay caffeinated (or not)! ☕️ You’ll learn: What adenosine is and how caffeine works in your brain Why you need more coffee to feel awake And how to be more energized without having to rely on coffee All the links: [Why I Quit Caffeine (and you should too) Video] Join me for the next Movement Mavens Retreat! www.aewellness.com/retreat/ 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more. Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/ TikTok @ aewellness Bodywork Starter Guide - learn the 6 places you need to roll right now for quick relief, plus the reason why what you’ve tried so far has only given you a temporary fix. Download the guide for free now at www.aewellness.com/bodywork 818-396-6501 is the Body Nerd Hotline - how do you build consistency and/or where are you getting stuck? Drop me a line and let me know your body nerd hacks - you might just hear your voice on a future episode! Today’s episode is brought to you by Mobility Mastery Toolkit. Forget icing and stretching - and get a simple program you can do on your own that actually works. The Toolkit includes 30-days of exercises so you know exactly what to do to improve the mobility of your hips, lower back, feet, neck and shoulders. With video demos and a full-body mobility workout calendar, you’re just 15-mins a day from feeling stronger and more flexible. Get $20 off when you use the code MASTERY at www.mobilitytoolkit.co

The internet is filled with fitness myths that promise quick fixes and magical solutions. From the carnivore diet to the “best exercise to make shredded abs!” - there’s a lot of 💩 out there. So when UK-based Michael Ulloa (@michaelulloapt) came through my feed calling out lies on the internet - I knew I wanted to be friends and have him on the show. Michael is a personal trainer and performance nutritionist with a unique talent for making health advice accessible and empowering for everyone, regardless of their fitness background. And while we could have gone through the myths line by line, I wanted to empower you with your own BS detector. So whether your feed is filled with the carnivore diet or some other nonsense - if you’re ready to bust some myths, today’s episode is for you! You’ll learn: How to spot BS on the internet Why “it depends” is the best phrase to look for How to bridge the gap between fitness professionals and regular people just wanting to move better and feel better All the links: Michael’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelulloapt/ Get Fit with Michael program: https://www.getfitwithmichael.com/ Join me for the next Movement Mavens Retreat! www.aewellness.com/retreat/ 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more. Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/ TikTok @ aewellness Bodywork Starter Guide - learn the 6 places you need to roll right now for quick relief, plus the reason why what you’ve tried so far has only given you a temporary fix. Download the guide for free now at www.aewellness.com/bodywork 818-396-6501 is the Body Nerd Hotline - how do you build consistency and/or where are you getting stuck? Drop me a line and let me know your body nerd hacks - you might just hear your voice on a future episode! Today’s episode is brought to you by Mobility Mastery Toolkit. Forget icing and stretching - and get a simple program you can do on your own that actually works. The Toolkit includes 30-days of exercises so you know exactly what to do to improve the mobility of your hips, lower back, feet, neck and shoulders. With video demos and a full-body mobility workout calendar, you’re just 15-mins a day from feeling stronger and more flexible. Get $20 off when you use the code MASTERY at www.mobilitytoolkit.co

Unlock the secrets to a pain-free life - recent research reveals that retraining your brain is the key to saying goodbye to chronic back pain without surgery. But is life without pain possible? Even if you have an x-ray or MRI that says the only fix is surgical? Here's a revelation: MRI studies on people without back pain consistently reveal a significant percentage with disc issues but zero pain. This challenges the idea that disc issues are always correlated with pain. And I know this goes against what most of us have been told about back pain — which is precisely why I recorded this episode. There is an increasing amount of data and research that has found decreases in pain with mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques but it seems that information has yet to reach orthopedic surgeons in practice. So if you believe that life without pain is possible, but you’re not quite sure how to get there — today’s episode is for you! 🔗 (all research and references are available in the show notes at aewellness.com) You’ll learn: The surprising link between pain and your brain The transformative power of the mind-body connection in overcoming pain. How therapy balls and activations can help you get out of pain All the links: Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine in people without back pain. New England Journal of Medicine 331.2 (1994) Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. American journal of neuroradiology 36.4 (2015): 811-816. Reattribution to Mind-Brain Processes and Recovery From Chronic Back Pain: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Join me for the next Movement Mavens Retreat! www.aewellness.com/retreat/ 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more. Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/ TikTok @ aewellness Bodywork Starter Guide - learn the 6 places you need to roll right now for quick relief, plus the reason why what you’ve tried so far has only given you a temporary fix. Download the guide for free now at www.aewellness.com/bodywork 818-396-6501 is the Body Nerd Hotline - how do you build consistency and/or where are you getting stuck? Drop me a line and let me know your body nerd hacks - you might just hear your voice on a future episode! Today’s episode is brought to you by Mobility Mastery Toolkit. Forget icing and stretching - and get a simple program you can do on your own that actually works. The Toolkit includes 30-days of exercises so you know exactly what to do to improve the mobility of your hips, lower back, feet, neck and shoulders. With video demos and a full-body mobility workout calendar, you’re just 15-mins a day from feeling stronger and more flexible. Get $20 off when you use the code MASTERY at www.mobilitytoolkit.co  

If you’re ready to get started with weights or redefine your relationship with strength training — today’s episode is for you. I’m joined by the incredible Allison Tenney (@allisontenney). As a former D1 Athlete and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Allison totally gets the “all or nothing” mentality that so often sabotages our progress (especially when you’re an overachiever perfectionist like me!). And while I thought this would be a conversation on how to get started with strength training (which it is), we go so much deeper. I’ve been a proud member of her coaching program, The Den, for the last 2 years and have been loving the strength I’ve built because of it. In our conversation, you’ll learn: How to get started with strength training How to use compassion as an antidote to perfectionism with your workouts How smart strength programming makes a world of difference All the links: Allison on Instagram - @allisontenney Allison’s website - https://allisontenneyfitness.com/ Join me for the next Movement Mavens Retreat! www.aewellness.com/retreat/ 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more. Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/ TikTok @ aewellness Bodywork Starter Guide - learn the 6 places you need to roll right now for quick relief, plus the reason why what you’ve tried so far has only given you a temporary fix. Download the guide for free now at www.aewellness.com/bodywork 818-396-6501 is the Body Nerd Hotline - how do you build consistency and/or where are you getting stuck? Drop me a line and let me know your body nerd hacks - you might just hear your voice on a future episode! Today’s episode is brought to you by Mobility Mastery Toolkit. Forget icing and stretching - and get a simple program you can do on your own that actually works. The Toolkit includes 30-days of exercises so you know exactly what to do to improve the mobility of your hips, lower back, feet, neck and shoulders. With video demos and a full-body mobility workout calendar, you’re just 15-mins a day from feeling stronger and more flexible. Get $20 off when you use the code MASTERY at www.mobilitytoolkit.co  

Are you curious about collagen powder and whether it lives up to the hype? In this week’s episode of the Body Nerd Show, we’re diving deep into the world of collagen, including exploring what it is, the various types, and most importantly the science behind collagen supplementation. How much should you take if you want to reduce joint pain? Or reduce aging? I’ll be honest - I went into this knowing that collagen works but was really surprised at all the ways research has found it helps! But it makes sense when you consider that collagen makes up 25% of all protein in your body. I’m all about providing you with evidence-based information so you can make informed decisions about the best next steps for yourself - and today is no different. So whether you currently supplement with collagen, are thinking about it, or just like to get nerdy - today’s episode is for you! You’ll learn: Does collagen powder actually work? How much collagen to supplement with to improve joint health And how collagen is needed to improve skin elasticity and hydration from within All the links: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder (the one I use) Hip Mobility Basics Workshop - LIVE January 8, 2024 Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. International Journal of Dermatology 60.12 (2021) The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review. Amino Acids 53.10 (2021) Influence of caffeine and hyaluronic acid on collagen biosynthesis in human skin fibroblasts. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2014. Join me for the next Movement Mavens Retreat! www.aewellness.com/retreat/ 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more. Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/ TikTok @ aewellness Bodywork Starter Guide - learn the 6 places you need to roll right now for quick relief, plus the reason why what you’ve tried so far has only given you a temporary fix. Download the guide for free now at www.aewellness.com/bodywork 818-396-6501 is the Body Nerd Hotline - how do you build consistency and/or where are you getting stuck? Drop me a line and let me know your body nerd hacks - you might just hear your voice on a future episode! Today’s episode is brought to you by Mobility Mastery Toolkit. Forget icing and stretching - and get a simple program you can do on your own that actually works. The Toolkit includes 30-days of exercises so you know exactly what to do to improve the mobility of your hips, lower back, feet, neck and shoulders. With video demos and a full-body mobility workout calendar, you’re just 15-mins a day from feeling stronger and more flexible. Get $20 off when you use the code MASTERY at www.mobilitytoolkit.co

Has your physical therapist or chiropractor used a stainless steel tool to work on your persistent knots? If so, you've experienced Graston therapy. The Graston Technique is a type of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IATSM), which research has shown to be effective in improving range of motion and reducing pain. Personally, I've never been a big fan of hard tools, especially if they cause bruising, but this is where things can get confusing. In many Eastern medicine techniques (gua sha, cupping, etc.), bruising is the goal and is seen as a sign of healing. So is Graston just a watered-down, Westernized version of an ancient practice? Does it actually work? In this week's episode, we dive into all things Graston and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. You’ll learn: Using tools for bodywork aka instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization The history of the Graston Technique and how it works How hard tools can be used safely and effectively to reduce pain and improve range of motion… without bruising All the links: The efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization: a systematic review. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association 60.3 (2016) Instrument-assisted cross-fiber massage accelerates knee ligament healing. Journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy 39.7 (2009) The efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization: a systematic review. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2016 The immediate effects of graston instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization and self-stretching on the muscular properties of the gastrocnemius in athletes." Korean Society of Physical Medicine 15.4 (2020) Join me for the next Movement Mavens Retreat! www.aewellness.com/retreat/ 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more. Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/ TikTok @ aewellness Bodywork Starter Guide - learn the 6 places you need to roll right now for quick relief, plus the reason why what you’ve tried so far has only given you a temporary fix. Download the guide for free now at www.aewellness.com/bodywork 818-396-6501 is the Body Nerd Hotline - how do you build consistency and/or where are you getting stuck? Drop me a line and let me know your body nerd hacks - you might just hear your voice on a future episode! Today’s episode is brought to you by Mobility Mastery Toolkit. Forget icing and stretching - and get a simple program you can do on your own that actually works. The Toolkit includes 30-days of exercises so you know exactly what to do to improve the mobility of your hips, lower back, feet, neck and shoulders. With video demos and a full-body mobility workout calendar, you’re just 15-mins a day from feeling stronger and more flexible. Get $20 off when you use the code MASTERY at www.mobilitytoolkit.co

Can blue light blocking glasses help prevent migraines? For many people who suffer from migraines, sensitivity to light (aka photophobia) is a debilitating piece of the migraine experience. To answer this question, we have to understand a little bit more about how your eyes work, the role blue light plays, and the nerdiest of nerdy cells in your eye - ipRGCs. While the science might not have definitive proof on blue light blockers and migraines, I know there are many people who have found blue light-coated lenses to be super helpful. But do they actually work and are they worth it? So whether you're a seasoned migraine warrior or just curious to learn more about blue light blockers and how they work - today’s episode is for you! You’ll learn: The connection between migraines and blue light If blue light blocker glasses are a valid preventative for migraines And the 3rd type of cell in your eye that you’ve never heard about All the links: Thin-film optical notch filter spectacle coatings for the treatment of migraine and photophobia." Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 28 (2016) Phototransduction in ganglion-cell photoreceptors. Pflugers Arch - Eur J Physiol 454, 849–855 (2007) Diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of photophobia. Survey of ophthalmology 61.4 (2016) Join me for the Movement Mavens Retreat! www.aewellness.com/retreat/ 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more. Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/ TikTok @ aewellness Bodywork Starter Guide - learn the 6 places you need to roll right now for quick relief, plus the reason why what you’ve tried so far has only given you a temporary fix. Download the guide for free now at www.aewellness.com/bodywork 818-396-6501 is the Body Nerd Hotline - how do you build consistency and/or where are you getting stuck? Drop me a line and let me know your body nerd hacks - you might just hear your voice on a future episode! Today’s episode is brought to you by Mobility Mastery Toolkit. Forget icing and stretching - and get a simple program you can do on your own that actually works. The Toolkit includes 30-days of exercises so you know exactly what to do to improve the mobility of your hips, lower back, feet, neck and shoulders. With video demos and a full-body mobility workout calendar, you’re just 15-mins a day from feeling stronger and more flexible. Get $20 off when you use the code MASTERY at www.mobilitytoolkit.co

Have you ever heard of "mouth taping"? Wondering if it's the real deal? Does it actually work? As a Body Nerd Show listener, you might remember previous episodes I’ve done on breathing, including episode 140 with renowned breathing expert Patrick McKeown. Now, as much as I love sharing only what I've personally tried and tested, let's give credit to my husband for this one. His venture into mouth taping gave me a first-hand account of how it can decrease snoring and improve energy throughout the day. So, here's the big question: Does science back this up? Should we all be taping our mouth shut at night? Well, if you’ve been feeling out of breath, snore like a lumberjack, and feel tired even after multiple cups of coffee - you might want to consider it. Of course, this isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Talk to your doctor first - but if you're looking for a non-invasive approach to optimize your breathing and overall well-being, mouth taping might just be the thing. You’ll learn: The science behind mouth taping Surprising benefits of breathing through your nose An easy breathing exercise to help you decongest your nose in just a few minutes All the links: Hostage Tape - mouth tape brand my husband swears by The Breathing Cure: Develop New Habits for a Healthier, Happier, and Longer Life by Patrick McKeown Behavioral and Psychological Approaches to Breathing Disorders by Beverly H. Timmons, Ronald Ley The impact of mouth-taping in mouth-breathers with mild obstructive sleep apnea: a preliminary study." Healthcare. Vol. 10. No. 9. MDPI, 2022. Role of the nasal airway in regulation of airway resistance during hypercapnia and exercise. Second-Place Resident Award at 1982 Research Forum." Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery: official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 92.3 (1984) Join me for the Movement Mavens Retreat! www.aewellness.com/retreat/ 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more. Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/ TikTok @ aewellness Bodywork Starter Guide - learn the 6 places you need to roll right now for quick relief, plus the reason why what you’ve tried so far has only given you a temporary fix. Download the guide for free now at www.aewellness.com/bodywork 818-396-6501 is the Body Nerd Hotline - how do you build consistency and/or where are you getting stuck? Drop me a line and let me know your body nerd hacks - you might just hear your voice on a future episode! Today’s episode is brought to you by Mobility Mastery Toolkit. Forget icing and stretching - and get a simple program you can do on your own that actually works. The Toolkit includes 30-days of exercises so you know exactly what to do to improve the mobility of your hips, lower back, feet, neck and shoulders. With video demos and a full-body mobility workout calendar, you’re just 15-mins a day from feeling stronger and more flexible. Get $20 off when you use the code MASTERY at www.mobilitytoolkit.co