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The Health Crisis Of Office Jobs - Bob King - #1098

Explore episode May 16, 2026

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What's Really Causing Your Back Pain?

At 6:35 · chapter starts 0:39

Bob King opens with a global observation: whether you're in Austin, Tokyo, or Singapore, everyone sitting at a desk looks the same — hunched forward, spine curved into a C, back not even touching the chair. He explains the biomechanics behind why this is so damaging: forward flexion compresses one side of each intervertebral disc while opening the other, placing unique and severe stress on the spine. Chris adds personal weight to the topic by describing flying to rural Canada to consult Dr. Stuart McGill, the world's leading lower back pain specialist, and recounting the disturbing phone call he witnessed — a woman in such chronic pain she was considering ending her life. The segment closes with the haunting example of Ronnie Coleman, eight-time Mr. Olympia, who now walks with crutches and lives on maximum-dose Percocet after back surgery that left him worse off than before. The takeaway: prevention is everything; intervention is a last resort with poor odds.

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