In this episode, Ben James and Jacob Steyn dive into the potential of vitamin B12 in reducing back pain. They discuss intriguing studies that show a correlation between low B12 levels and increased pain, emphasizing the crucial role of B12 found in animal food sources. The conversation sheds light on the risks of B12 deficiency for those following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle and the challenges of identifying this deficiency through standard blood tests.

Ben and Jacob highlight the importance of functional medicine, advanced blood testing, and biome-genome testing to accurately identify patients with B12 deficiencies. They explore the potential benefits of B12 supplementation, with Jacob advocating for B12 injections and Ben suggesting supplementation for patients experiencing persistent symptoms.

The episode also covers the impact of gut health on B12 absorption, the limitations of standard blood tests, and the physiological effects of B12 deficiency on pain perception and inflammation. Tune in to learn about practical action items for addressing B12 deficiency, the benefits of B12 injections, and why considering B12 levels is crucial for effective back pain management.

Action Items:

1. Consider testing B12 levels or supplementing for patients who are vegetarian/vegan or have gut issues affecting absorption.
2. Discuss B12 testing and supplementation with patients who do not improve as expected with treatment.
3. Revisit the B12 topic in more detail in a future podcast, including testing challenges and oral supplementation research.

Join us for this insightful episode as we explore how vitamin B12 can be a game-changer in back pain management!

Resources…

eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60

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In this episode, Ben James and Jacob Steyn tackle the intricate challenges of diagnosing and treating hip pain. They emphasise the importance of understanding hip anatomy and incorporating psychosocial factors into treatment plans for better outcomes. Through various patient case studies, they highlight the necessity of thorough examinations and patient education to accurately address back pain linked to hip issues.

Key topics include the critical role of glute activation and conditioning in managing hip pain, and the interconnection between hip health and back health. The discussion also covers how limited hip mobility can affect activities like golf, and the benefits of hip mobilisation exercises for improving flexibility and joint health.

Action Items:

1. Assess hip range of motion and identify activities that may aggravate the joint in patients with hip pain.
2. Implement glute activation exercises before stretching tight hip flexors to improve hip range of motion.
3. Educate patients on hip anatomy and the common areas where true hip joint pain is felt.
4. Highlight the importance of glute strength and hip mobility for overall back health in future episodes.

Resources…

eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60

Send Us A Question…

https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/

Website...

www.smartstrong.co.uk

In this enlightening episode, Ben James and Jacob Steyn discuss the critical importance of a balanced approach to bone health. They emphasize the potential risks of excessive calcium supplementation and highlight the benefits of obtaining calcium through dietary sources and engaging in weight-bearing exercises.

Focusing on the proactive management of osteoporosis, Ben and Jacob advocate for a holistic approach that integrates dietary changes and regular exercise. They explore the potential cardiovascular risks associated with calcium supplements, such as arterial deposits and atherosclerosis, and underscore the importance of high-quality, weight-bearing exercises like squats, which have been shown to significantly increase bone density in the lower spine and femoral neck.

The episode delves into the broader context of bone health, discussing how daily activities and diet play a larger role in preventing osteoporosis than previously thought. They also address the indirect mortality risks posed by osteoporosis-related falls and fractures, reinforcing the need for a proactive stance on bone health.

Ben and Jacob encourage listeners to adopt sustainable lifestyle changes that promote overall health, rather than relying solely on supplements. Tune in to gain valuable insights into effective strategies for enhancing bone health and preventing osteoporosis through a well-rounded, proactive approach.

Resources…

eBook: https://smartstrong.ck.page/dda17bdf60

Send Us A Question…

https://smartstrong.co.uk/contact-us/

Website...

www.smartstrong.co.uk