Building Bulletproof Backs Ep 26 - Somatic Back Pain Insights Shared by Brian Traskos

Welcome to the 26th episode of the Building a Bulletproof Back podcast.

To Build your own Bulletproof Back go Here

This podcast aims to empower listeners with HOPE that healing is possible when you know how. We discuss strategic tools addressing mindset, movement & emotional health.

I am your host, Marion McRae,  physiotherapist & movement addict on a mission to see the existing model of treating back pain evolve. The current model is broken. It focusses almost entirely on the physical body, neglecting the fact that we are all both thinkers and feelers. When the thoughts in our head, and the emotions in our bodies are less than optimal, we fail to thrive.

In this episode, Marion McRae is joined by Brian Traskos, founder of the Somatic Coaching Academy, to explore the deep, emotional roots of back pain—and how somatic awareness can unlock lasting healing.

Brian shares his personal back pain journey, which began at 14 after lifting heavy weights during a time of grief and emotional suppression. For years, his pain cycled on and off—until he discovered the missing piece: the frustration-pain loop and its deeper emotional connections.

Together, Maz and Brian dive into the mind-body connection, grief, self-punishment, and why pain is never just “in your tissues.”

💡 Brian’s Top 3 Somatic Insights for Back Pain Recovery:

1. Focus on what you can do – even with pain in the background. Tune into healthy sensations using breath, gentle movement, and somatic touch.

2. Keep moving forward – have something meaningful in your life that keeps you engaged and purposeful.

3. Don’t do it alone – work with a somatic professional who understands the full biopsychosocial model of pain.

Whether you’re stuck in a chronic pain cycle or looking for a more holistic path to healing, this episode is full of practical wisdom, emotional insight, and nervous-system-friendly tools.

To Find More from Brian At the Somatic Coaching Academy, go here - 

https://somaticcoachingacademy.com/

We’ve just launched a brand new fan mail feature on our podcast! Now, you can drop us a comment, share the podcast with your friends, or ask us any burning questions you have about back pain. I’ll be taking those questions and answering them over on our Bulletproof Backs YouTube channel. 

So, don’t be shy! Send in your comments and questions, and let's keep the conversation going. Your feedback means the world to us, and we can't wait to hear from you!