Low Back Pain & Sciatica Mythbusting

✅ Join our FREE Membership for access to our Masterclass, resources, video podcast, community, and more!https://app.shapeshiftwellness.com/c/free-trainings-resources/.Have questions about disc herniation recovery? In this Q&A, Dr. Davis and Dr. Blake break down how long healing actually takes, whether surgery gives you a real advantage, and what to do when your body feels stuck. Plus: why glute exercises might still be bothering you, how to build sitting tolerance, and the mindset shift that changes everything for long-term recovery. Real questions from real members — and evidence-based answers from Dr. Davis & Dr. Blake.Questions in this podcast:How long does it take to heal a disc herniation without surgery?Is surgery actually better than rehab long-term?After 20 years of chronic pain, how do I build confidence that my body can actually heal?Glute exercises keep making me worse — what do I do?How do I build tolerance to sitting if it keeps flaring me up?✅ Join our FREE Membership for access to our Masterclass, resources, video podcast, community, and more!https://app.shapeshiftwellness.com/c/free-trainings-resources/

✅ Join our FREE Membership for the extended VIDEO version of this episode!https://app.shapeshiftwellness.com/c/free-trainings-resources/.What are the best exercises for YOU to do if you have chronic low back pain or sciatica?.Which exercises are best for people with disc herniations, vs. stenosis, or SI joint pain, or degeneration?.What if you've developed overprotective muscle guarding, and fear of bending/flexion?.If you've already tried the McGill Big Three, or Back Extensions, or the McKenzie Method and you're wondering why these aren't working for you, I'll explain exactly why popular methods fail, and I'll teach you the exact questions you need to answer in order to determine specifically which exercises YOU need to do, which ones to avoid, and how to safely overcome chronic pain and get active again. ..#lowbackpain #lowbackpainrelief#lowbackpainexercises #discherniation #sciaticarelief#sciatica #sciaticatreatment..⚠️ THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE! CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE ENGAGING IN EXERCISE. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself. This content is purely for educational purposes.

✅ Join our FREE Membership for access to the extended version of this Q&A podcast!https://app.shapeshiftwellness.com/c/free-trainings-resources/(see the post "March 1 Q&A: Running, Hip/Groin Pain, Nutrition, Cardio").In today’s Beyond Back Pain Member Q&A, Dr. Anthony Davis is joined by Dr. Blake to answer a big question: Is running actually bad for your back if you have low back pain, disc herniations, or sciatica?We break down why “running is dangerous” is usually the wrong framing, how training volume + recovery matters more than the activity itself, and what to do if running (or walking) flares symptoms.You’ll also hear practical coaching on graded exposure, safe pain protocols (pain traffic light / no-worse principle), spotting overtraining, and how to switch goals (and cardio options) without losing your identity as “a runner.”Want the full-length member Q&A with the rest of the questions (hip pain, nutrition, cardio, and more) + extra resources? Join our free group:https://app.shapeshiftwellness.com/c/free-trainings-resources/..#lowbackpain #lowbackpainrelief#lowbackpainexercises #discherniation #sciaticarelief#sciatica #sciaticatreatment..⚠️ THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE! CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE ENGAGING IN EXERCISE. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself. This content is purely for educational purposes.

✅ Join our FREE Membership for access to our Masterclass, resources, video podcast, community, and more! ACCESS THE EXTENDED VIDEO EPISODE HERE:https://app.shapeshiftwellness.com/c/free-trainings-resources/Dr. Davis reacts to Squat University & Stuart McGill's typical low back pain fear-mongering around core stability.If you've ever been told to never bend your spine, fix your posture, or just do the McGill Big Three... this one's for you.We're going through the advice piece by piece — what actually holds up, what's overblown, and why so much mainstream back pain content leaves people more scared and more stuck than when they started.We cover:Whether spinal flexion is actually dangerous (especially with a disc herniation)Why your hamstring stretches might be irritating your sciatic nerve without you realizing itThe problem with over-bracing your core — and why it can make chronic pain worseWhat the research says about posture, MRI findings, and who actually develops long-term painWhat a more complete back pain rehab program looks like beyond three exercisesNo scare tactics. Just an honest look at the evidence and what it means for your recovery.📺 Want to see the research on spinal flexion and disc herniations? Watch this next: https://youtu.be/ANLlkDaWTY4..#lowbackpain #lowbackpainrelief#lowbackpainexercises #discherniation #sciaticarelief#sciatica #sciaticatreatment..⚠️ THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE! CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE ENGAGING IN EXERCISE. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself. This content is purely for educational purposes.

✅ Join our FREE Membership for access to our Masterclass, resources, video podcast, community, and more!https://app.shapeshiftwellness.com/c/free-trainings-resources/.In this episode, we tackle one of the most misunderstood MRI findings in the low back pain & sciatica world: annular tears (annular fissures).If you’ve been told your disc is “leaking,” that your spine is unstable, or that you should never bend again… this is for you.We break down one of the most widely shared articles on annular tears and critically analyze it . What’s accurate? What’s misleading? And what’s just fear-based language?You’ll learn what an annular tear actually is.How it compares to a disc herniation.And why most MRI findings don’t mean what you think they mean.We also cover true red flags. The rare situations where disc injuries really matter.If you’re dealing with chronic low back pain, sciatica, or anxiety about your MRI results, this episode will help you stop catastrophizing your spine.And start focusing on what actually drives recovery.

✅ Watch the MASTERCLASS on Low Back Pain & Sciatica.https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/bbp-masterclass-5Why do chronic pain flare-ups last so long? And what do you do when it feels like everything makes your back pain worse?In this member Q&A, Dr. Anthony Davis and Dr. Blake answer real questions from people dealing with chronic low back pain, sciatica, nerve pain, disc bulges, and fear of movement.If you’ve ever felt stuck in the flare-up rollercoaster, this episode is for you..Here’s everything we cover:• Why do flare-ups last 3–4 weeks? Is that normal?• If pain is stress-related, why doesn’t it calm down as quickly as it started?• How do you “switch off” the brain’s pain response?• What if sitting hurts… but standing hurts too?• How do I prove to myself I’m not damaged when I hurt every day?• Meditation isn’t helping my pain — now what?• Am I regressing… or is this just part of recovery?• Is sacral or glute pain actually coming from my back?• How do I overcome the fear of damaging my back with movement?• My hips pop during exercises — am I out of alignment?• If something clicks but doesn’t hurt, should I worry?• Should I adjust pelvic tilt or hip rotation during exercises?• What do you think about swimming for back pain rehab?• How do I test new exercises without triggering a flare-up?• How do I protect my shoulders during upper body training?• Does my MRI diagnosis (stenosis, spondylolisthesis, disc issues) actually matter?.0:00 When Everything Makes Pain Worse8:42 Fear, Catastrophizing & Feeling “Worse”25:24 Why Flare-Ups Last 3–4 Weeks33:20 MRI Results & Diagnosis Myths35:44 Protecting Your Shoulders37:10 Hip Popping & Alignment Fears40:30 Swimming & Testing New Exercises47:40 Relief Positions vs Real Rehab.#lowbackpain #lowbackpainrelief#lowbackpainexercises #discherniation #sciaticarelief#sciatica #sciaticatreatment..⚠️ THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE! CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE ENGAGING IN EXERCISE. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself. This content is purely for educational purposes.

✅ Watch the MASTERCLASS on Low Back Pain & Sciatica.https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/bbp-masterclass-5.In this Q&A with Dr. Davis & Dr. Blake, we answer questions from our members this week about chronic low back pain and sciatica..We talk about:- How to find the right exercises for chronic low back pain and sciatica when everything you do seems to flare up your pain- Why every exercise flares my back pain or sciatica (and what to do instead)- How to make progress with exercise when even easy movements hurt- How to know if exercise pain means damage or just nervous system sensitivity- How to handle asymmetrical pain, flare-ups, stress, and daily activity without making things worse..#lowbackpain #lowbackpainrelief#lowbackpainexercises #discherniation #sciaticarelief#sciatica #sciaticatreatment..⚠️ THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE! CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE ENGAGING IN EXERCISE. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself. This content is purely for educational purposes.

✅ Watch the MASTERCLASS on Low Back Pain & Sciatica.https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/bbp-masterclass-5.In this Q&A with Dr. Davis & Dr. Blake, we answer questions from our members this week about chronic low back pain and sciatica..We talk about:- What to do when you're in chronic pain and struggling with motivation?- How long does it take to feel better and heal from chronic back pain & sciatica?- How to continue to be functional, improve mobility and strength, and continue to live a meaningful life, even when you're recovering from chronic back pain, disc herniations, nerve pain, or sciatica?..#lowbackpain #lowbackpainrelief#lowbackpainexercises #discherniation #sciaticarelief#sciatica #sciaticatreatment

✅ Watch the MASTERCLASS on Low Back Pain & Sciatica.https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/bbp-masterclass-5.If you’ve been told you can’t squat because of back pain, disc degeneration, a disc herniation, a bulging disc, or sciatica, this video will show you how to safely rebuild your squat step by step—without flare-ups, fear, or reckless advice.Squats don’t damage your spine.But trying to squat before your body is ready can absolutely make back pain, nerve pain, or sciatica worse.In this video, I break down every physical prerequisite required to squat safely, including: • Core stability and intra-abdominal pressure • Spinal extension strength (to resist spinal flexion under load) • Hip mobility and ankle mobility • Glute and quad strength • The ability to move your hips and legs without excessive spinal movement

✅ Watch the MASTERCLASS on Low Back Pain & Sciatica.https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/bbp-masterclass-5.Low Back Ability makes some BOLD claims about curing low back pain and sciatica. Does he really have the ONE exercise to magically CURE low back pain INSTANTLY? Will this really work if you have disc degeneration, disc herniations, sciatica, nerve damage, SI joint pain, or a spondylolisthesis? Are back extension exercises, jefferson curls, and nerve stretching exercises really the best exercises for chronic low back pain and sciatica pain relief?..#lowbackpain #lowbackpainrelief#lowbackpainexercises #discherniation #sciaticarelief#sciatica #sciaticatreatment..⚠️ THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE! CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE ENGAGING IN EXERCISE. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself. This content is purely for educational purposes.

✅ Watch the MASTERCLASS on Low Back Pain & Sciatica.https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/bbp-masterclass-5.Is your SI joint really out of place?.Is your SI joint actually unstable?.Is your SI Joint even the cause of your pain?.As usual, I'll be contrasting this fear-mongering by showing real peer-reviewed research that debunks these outdated and fearful myths. .BUT - with my biomechanics experience as a college anatomy & physiology professor, and Doctor of Chiropractic, I'll also show how he gets the basic biomechanics wrong in the first place. .I'll give you practical alternatives and evidence-based tips to overcome chronic pain and get active again. .#lowbackpain #lowbackpainrelief#lowbackpainexercises #discherniation #sciaticarelief#sciatica #sciaticatreatment

✅ Watch the NEW FREE TRAINING on Low Back Pain & Sciatica:https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/beyondpaintraining.If I woke up tomorrow with back pain or sciatica, and my goal was to calm the pain, stop the flare-up, and get back to normal life and exercise as fast as possible, this is exactly what I would do.In this video, I walk you step-by-step through a research-based, non-scary plan for acute back pain and sciatica flare-ups—the same framework I personally use and teach to people dealing with both new injuries and long-term chronic pain.This is not about fixing posture, correcting alignment, or chasing MRI findings. It’s about calming your nervous system, reducing fear, restoring safe movement, and rebuilding confidence in your body.In this video, you’ll learn: • What to do immediately when back pain or sciatica flares up • Why fight-or-flight makes pain worse (and how to shut it down fast) • Why hurt does NOT equal harm, even with disc bulges or degeneration • The best short-term pain relief options (and why none of them “fix” you) • How to figure out why the flare-up happened in the first place • Why MRI findings like disc herniations are often normal and not dangerous • How visualization and mindset affect pain recovery (without woo-woo nonsense) • When and how to safely start exercising again • Why graded exposure to real-life movement beats “perfect rehab exercises” • How to stay mentally healthy while recovering from back pain or sciaticaThis approach applies whether: • Your pain just started yesterday • You’ve been dealing with chronic low back pain for years • You have sciatica, disc herniations, degeneration, or stenosis • You’re afraid to move because you don’t want to “make it worse”I’ve personally lived with chronic pain for over a decade, and I’ve worked with people who’ve recovered after 10, 20, even 30+ years of back pain and sciatica. There is always a path forward...✅ Watch the NEW FREE TRAINING on Low Back Pain & Sciatica:https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/beyondpaintraining.#lowbackpain #lowbackpainrelief#lowbackpainexercises #discherniation #sciaticarelief#sciatica #sciaticatreatment

✅ Book a call with our team:https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/move7-backpaintraining.Struggling with chronic low back pain or sciatica? 😣 You’ve tried physical therapy, chiropractic, injections, core exercises, posture fixes… but nothing seems to work long-term. In this video, Dr. Anthony Davis breaks down why most back pain rehab fails — and shows you 3 evidence-based steps to finally calm pain, fix sciatica symptoms, reduce inflammation, and build a stronger, more resilient spine without surgery or medications.You’ll learn:• What actually causes chronic back pain• How to reduce flare-ups and nerve irritation• How to safely rebuild movement, strength & confidenceIf you’re dealing with a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or SI joint pain and want a real, long-term solution — this is for you.👉 Book a call with our team: https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/move7-backpaintraining

✅ Watch the MASTERCLASS on Low Back Pain & Sciatica.https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/bbp-masterclass-5.Is chronic pain in the brain? Is pain simply a result of stress, anxiety, fear, depression, or trauma?.Or is chronic pain in the body? Is pain just a result of muscle imbalances, weak core, disc herniations, joint degeneration, and other tissue abnormalities?.OR is there a more complete explanation for the causes and factors that lead to chronic low back pain and sciatica?..#lowbackpain #lowbackpainrelief#lowbackpainexercises #discherniation #sciaticarelief#sciatica #sciaticatreatment..⚠️ THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE! CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE ENGAGING IN EXERCISE. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself. This content is purely for educational purposes.

✅ Watch the MASTERCLASS on Low Back Pain & Sciatica.https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/bbp-masterclass-5.In this episode I talk about my personal story with chronic pain. I open up and tell you how devistating chronic pain can be, how chronic pain can lead to unhealthy coping, and ultimately how I recovered from my symptoms by radically transforming my life. .#lowbackpain #lowbackpainrelief#lowbackpainexercises #discherniation #sciaticarelief#sciatica #sciaticatreatment..⚠️ THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE! CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE ENGAGING IN EXERCISE. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself. This content is purely for educational purposes.

✅ Watch the MASTERCLASS on Low Back Pain & Sciatica.https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/bbp-masterclass-5.If you have chronic low back pain or sciatica it's easy to become afraid of bending your spine into spinal flexion. Especially if you're scared about your MRI findings - maybe you have a disc herniation and you're fearful that bending the spine will make it worse. .This episode guides you through how to safely bend your spine and overcome the fear that's keeping you stuck in chronic pain...#lowbackpain #lowbackpainrelief#lowbackpainexercises #discherniation #sciaticarelief#sciatica #sciaticatreatment.

✅ Watch the MASTERCLASS on Low Back Pain & Sciatica.https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/bbp-masterclass-5

✅ Watch the MASTERCLASS on Low Back Pain & Sciatica.https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/bbp-masterclass-5.If I had a dime for every person who told me they had "muscle knots" or "adhesions" or "imbalances" or "tightness"....First - your muscles are NOT in "knots"... That's a made up thing. . You don't have to "release" anything. Not adhesions, not scar tissue... that's all an outdated myth..Second - What does myofascial release (AKA self massage) actually DO?✅ Short-term pain relief✅ Short-term improvements in mobility✅ Relaxation: Get you out of your fight/flight response (If done correctly).Third - HOW should you do it?➡️ Pick any spot that feels good➡️ Don't worry about "releasing" your "imbalances" (that's not a real thing)➡️ Breathe deeply and peacefully while doing it➡️ Do NOT cause so much pain during self massage that you tighten up. This triggers your fight/flight response, which is the opposite of what we're going for.➡️ If it's relaxing, you're doing it right.Want a guided tutorial on self myofascial release? Listen to the episode...#lowbackpain #lowbackpainrelief#lowbackpainexercises #discherniation #sciaticarelief#sciatica #sciaticatreatment

✅ Watch the MASTERCLASS on Low Back Pain & Sciatica.https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/bbp-masterclass-5...#lowbackpain #lowbackpainrelief#lowbackpainexercises #discherniation #sciaticarelief#sciatica #sciaticatreatment

✅ Watch the MASTERCLASS on Low Back Pain & Sciatica.https://visit.shapeshiftwellness.com/bbp-masterclass-5.Fear of pain is more disabling than pain itself. With chronic low back pain and sciatica it's natural to be afraid of flare ups. It's natural to want to protect your spine from reinjury. You've been told to fear your spine, and you've been told your discs are fragile. The truth is the body is incredibly resilient and adaptable. Healing is possible. We need to know how to push into a little discomfort without overdoing it in order to recover from chronic back pain or sciatica and get active again through exercise. This video explains how to do this...#lowbackpain #lowbackpainrelief#lowbackpainexercises #discherniation #sciaticarelief#sciatica #sciaticatreatment