Building Bulletproof Backs Ep 5 - Surfing & Surgery with Dr Simon Smith

Welcome to the Fifth episode of the Building a Bulletproof Back podcast.

This podcast aims to empower listeners with HOPE that healing is possible when you know how. We discuss strategic tools addressing mental, physical and emotional Health.

To Build your own Bulletproof Back go Here
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I am your host, Marion McRae, a 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 the emotions in our bodies are less than optimal, we fail to thrive. 

Our Guest for this episode is Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Simon Smith. Simon shares a unique perspective - as a surgeon who experienced a 10 year journey of back pain, to eventually undergoing Fusion and now returning to a fit and active lifestyle which includes running around after 3 kids, performing joint replacements, surfing waves and showing up to F45 classes. He shares his journey and passes on some sage advice to those attempting to Build a Bulletproof Back. 

We discuss -

Simon’s tools:

1. Physical - Movement (Surfing, mountain Biking, F45 classes)
2. Mental  - Be engaged in fulfilling work
3. Emotional - Be supported by loving family & friends

Simon’s Top 3 tips

1. Take ownership of your pain and be in control. 
2. Find a diagnosis and understand what is causing your pain
3. Explore your conservative and surgical options 
4. Try and keep moving and keep your weight under control 

Links :  https://www.surgeons.org/profile/simon-smith

If you resonated with any of today's conversations and think perhaps you may like to Build your own Bulletproof Back, or assist a loved one on their journey -  Please check out my website.

Marion's Top 3 Tips for creating a Bulletproof Back are Here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx8e1dMuDJg&t=188s