How to Live Pain Free with Jamie Glick, MS, PT

In this episode of The Functional Medicine Radio Show, Dr. Carri’s special guest Jamie Glick discusses how to eliminate low back pain and live pain free.

Jamie explains why low back pain is so prevalent in our society today. He talks about the medical model versus the functional model for back pain and why it’s vitally important to find the root causes of back pain.

Jamie is a licensed physical therapist and graduate of the Columbia University Program in Physical Therapy.   He has over 15 years experience with a private practice in Huntington, NY.

Jamie specializes in spinal rehabilitation in his physical therapy practice and has also completed 17 full marathons to date.

Main Questions Asked:

  • What are the common misconceptions and misunderstandings people have regarding their diagnosis and treatment of low back pain?
  • Many patients with back pain are told by their doctor to rest their back…just lie on the floor or lie on the couch until their back pain goes away. Why is this NOT an ideal approach when dealing with a spine problem?
  • What do you mean by muscle imbalance and how do we develop imbalances in our postural muscles?
  • How did you come up with your rehabilitation program for your e-book?  Why is it different?

Key Points made by Jamie:

  • The medical model vs. the functional model.
  • MRIs and x-rays can show abnormalities in the spine, but this doesn’t mean it’s the root cause of your pain.
  • Research shows that 70% of people have abnormalities in their spine according to MRI but which do not cause any symptoms.
  • Functional model – figuring out and fixing the muscles that are pulling and creating abnormal forces on your spine and causing your back pain.
  • The piriformis muscle can often be the root cause of low back pain and sciatica.
  • Bed rest causes atrophy or shrinkage of your back muscles and research has never proven bed rest to be helpful beyond 24-48 hours. Keep moving!
  • Muscle tightness and muscle weakness occurs in patterns. Janda proved which muscles are tight and weak in virtually 100% of people.
  • This rehabilitation program is different because it combines the work of Janda with McGill to stretch the right muscles and then strengthen the right muscles.
  • Some of the commonly prescribed back exercises are actually bad for your back.
  • Jamie’s easy 3 step rehabilitation program: Step 1 = stretching the right muscles. Step 2 = strengthening the right muscles. Step 3 = advanced exercises.

Resources Mentioned:

Thank you for listening!

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