Episode Summary
Join us as we discuss the common culprits of back pain and what we can do to stop it in its tracks and prevent it from ever coming back!
Weโve all had back pain or discomfort at one point or another. As a matter of fact, I was researching how to best help a client through her back issues when I stumbled upon this episode of the Fit is Freedom Podcastโs guest, Leon Turetsky! He is a professional ballroom dancer who used his experience with back discomfort to help others deal with their own.
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About Leon Turetsky
Leon is a professional ballroom dancer, certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist, and owner of the company Back Intelligence. He organically developed his company from a genuine interest in finding ways to correct his personal back pain while traveling as a dancer. The more he learned, the more he wanted to share his newfound knowledge to help others.
You can find more information about Leon and Back Intelligence by visiting his companyโs website and Youtube channel.
Why Back Problems May Occur
There are a myriad of reasons why back problems can occur for people, and itโs important to determine what is causing discomfort, pain, and injuries to properly treat it and prevent it from happening again. Here are some common ways one may develop back discomfortsโฆ
- Poor Posture – As we learn from Leon, posture is crucial. Even with a perfect posture on the dance floor, Leon himself discovered the issues with his posture while traveling and how that was affecting him.
- Underactivity – Sitting for long periods of time (especially with bad posture) can be detrimental to our backs. The average person may sit for 7+ hours a day at work only to drive home (while sitting in the car), then sit down for dinner, watch a few shows, and head straight to bed. This kind of sedimentary lifestyle simply isnโt good for our muscles and tissues.
- Overactivity – On the other hand, some people experience back pain from straining, pulling, or tearing certain muscles and tissues from overuse. Overactivity can also cause spasms and stressed muscles that will need intervention.
Of course, these arenโt the only ways one can develop back injuries. However, these are some of the most commonly diagnosed issues.
Tips for Dealing with Back Problems
Once youโve determined what is causing discomfort, itโs important to take action. First and foremost, itโs important to discuss any pain, discomfort, or injuries with your doctor. You must rule out any harmful injuries and get your healthcare provider’s insight before moving forward in healing and prevention. The following suggestions on dealing with back problems are in no way meant to take the place of a professionalโs opinion.
- Understand Your Body
As we discussed, itโs important to know what is triggering discomfort in your body before moving forward. For example, if opening a door is causing sharp pain, you may be able to look at strengthening your core and correct this issue. Pay attention to your body and your pain triggers, then move forward.
- Take a Holistic Approach
Talking with your doctor is important. Taking appropriate measures to correct and prevent your issues is also important. However, many donโt think about the power of your mind and how itโs also very important in recovery. Mental health, mindset, and lifestyle also correlate with causing pain, so itโs crucial not to overlook them.
- Get Up Every 30-40 Minutes
Because sitting too often is a big cause of back pain Leon recommends getting up every 30-40 minutes, especially if youโre working in a traditional office job. Get up and go get water, take a quick 5-minute walk, stand up and stretch, or do whatever it takes to keep yourself from sitting for too long.
- Practice Good Posture
Pain in your neck and low back can come from sitting in a hunched position with your head forward, which is common for people sitting and looking at their computers or phones. Your back needs to be in a natural S curve with your spine neutral.
- Work on Mobility
Everything is connected, and mobility and flexibility can help prevent stiffness, tight muscles, and pain. From your neck and upper traps to your hip flexors, taking time to work on mobility can greatly help with discomfort in your back. Leon discusses all sorts of tutorials for stretching can be found on his companyโs Youtube channel.
- Ice and Heat Can Help
If itโs a newly acute pain like a quick spasm, ice can really help with inflammation. If itโs a persistent issue lasting 3-6 months or more, heat can also help ease pain and discomfort.

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