What I Learned About Back Pain from Working with One of Montreal’s Top Neurosurgeons
Back pain is one of the most common yet misunderstood conditions. I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside one of Montreal’s top neurosurgeons, specializing in chronic and acute back pain treatment. This experience gave me valuable insight into the complexities of back pain and the diverse journeys people take to find relief.
If you’re struggling with back pain, here are some key lessons I learned that might help you understand and manage your discomfort more effectively.
Back Pain is Unique to Each Person
No two people experience back pain in the same way. While the ultimate goal is to reduce discomfort and restore movement, the path to recovery is different for everyone. Factors such as lifestyle, movement habits, and previous injuries all play a role in how pain develops and how it can be resolved.
Understanding your body and working with a professional who tailors a back pain recovery plan to your specific needs can make a significant difference.
Finding the Root Cause of Back Pain is Crucial
One of the biggest mistakes people make is treating symptoms instead of causes. Back pain is often a compensation for dysfunction elsewhere in the body, such as:
Tight hips limiting movement
Weak core muscles failing to support the spine
Foot or knee issues affecting posture and gait
If you only focus on pain relief, such as stretching or medication, you might feel temporary relief, but the problem can return. A holistic approach—one that evaluates your movement patterns and identifies the root cause—is essential for lasting results.
Movement Reprogramming: A Game-Changer
Simply resting or avoiding movement often makes back pain worse. The real key is learning how to move properly. Through movement reprogramming, you can:
✅ Improve mobility and flexibility
✅ Strengthen weak muscles supporting the spine
✅ Reduce stress on overworked areas
✅ Learn about your capacity for movement and how to gradually expand it safely
I’ve seen people who struggled with chronic back pain make incredible progress just by relearning how to move efficiently.
Surgery Isn’t Always the Answer
Many people assume back pain leads to surgery, but that’s not always true. In reality:
Surgery is a last resort, not a first-line treatment.
Many cases of chronic back pain improve significantly through movement therapy, strength training, and lifestyle changes.
Non-surgical treatments, such as athletic therapy, posture correction, and core strengthening, can be highly effective.
Before considering surgery, explore non-invasive options that address the root of your pain.
Chronic Back Pain Affects Your Mental Health Too
Pain isn’t just physical—it impacts your mindset, emotions, and stress levels. Many people develop fear of movement, which leads to:
Increased muscle tension
Avoidance of activity
Worsening of pain due to inactivity
Mindfulness techniques, breathwork, and positive reinforcement can help break this cycle and restore confidence in movement.
There’s No “One-Size-Fits-All” Exercise Plan for Back Pain
If you Google “best exercises for back pain,” you’ll find hundreds of different routines. But the truth is:
🚫 What works for one person might make another person’s pain worse.
✅ A customized movement strategy is always the best option.
If you’re serious about back pain relief, work with someone who specializes in movement therapy to find the right exercises for you.
Final Thoughts on Back Pain Relief
Back pain is a complex and personal experience, but the good news is that recovery is possible with the right approach. Whether it’s identifying the root cause, movement reprogramming, or improving strength and mobility, there are many ways to take control of your pain and regain your quality of life.
If you’re struggling with chronic or acute back pain, I encourage you to seek professional guidance and start your journey toward lasting relief and better movement.
Ready to find relief? Explore customized treatment options and movement strategies that can change the way you feel. Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I’ll bust common myths about back pain and reveal the truth behind them.