About Professor Stuart McGill
Dr. Stuart M. McGill is a “distinguished professor emeritus”, University of Waterloo, where he was a professor for 30 years. His laboratory and experimental research clinic investigated issues related to the causal mechanisms of back pain, how to rehabilitate back-pained people and enhance both injury resilience and performance. His advice is often sought by governments, corporations, legal experts, medical groups and elite athletes and teams from around the world.
His work produced over 245 peer-reviewed scientific journal papers, several textbooks, and many international awards including the “Order of Canada” in 2020 for leadership in the back pain area. He mentored over 37 graduate students during this scientific journey.
During this time he taught thousands of clinicians and practitioners in professional development and continuing education courses around the world.
He continues as the Chief Scientific Officer for Backfitpro Inc. Difficult back cases, and elite performers, are regularly referred to him for consultation. Any product associated with this website has been tested in Dr. McGill’s laboratory.
Fix and Prevent your Back Pain – CamBro Conversations
(142) Dr Stu McGill – Fix and Prevent your Back Pain We discuss why there is no “non-specific back pain” and why this diagnosis holds people back from solving their pain. Also the common mistakes clinicians and individuals make when it comes to both assessing back pain and treating it. The world has continued to […]
The Thinking Practitioner- Back Pain, Stiffness & Fascia
Back Pain, Stiffness & Fascia (with Stuart McGill) Legendary back pain researcher Stuart McGill (author of Back Mechanic and others) talks with Whitney and Til about spinal pain, fascia, biomechanics and other topics including: – Non-specific vs specific back pain – Stiffness/mobility tuning in manual therapy – The psoas’ role in supporting the spine – […]
Resolving and Preventing Back Dysfunction – Healthspan Academy
Resolving and Preventing Back Dysfunction with World Class Spine Expert Dr Stuart McGill “In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with spine biomechanics mastermind Dr. Stuart McGill. We chatted about the most effective tactics for rehabilitating and preventing back pain and improving performance. Dr. McGill discussed the data and methodology he used to […]
What People Say
Jeff Overton ~ PGA Golf Professional
‘It was a fight’: After battling life-threatening infection, Jeff Overton returns to Tour 5 years later Golf.com
After being on the PGA Tour from 2005 to 2017, I had a spine injection intended to help a herniated disc but instead led to a life-threatening infection and emergency surgery. After one failed rehab attempt I reached out to Dr. Stuart McGill, a renowned professor of spine biomechanics, and developed a plan to “shut down golf training for a year” and stabilize the area of his back that caused excruciating pain while bending over. Then I worked with trainer Shane Rye on building golf flexibility and endurance to re-establish my golf game.
Jeff played his first PGA Tour start this past week (July 2022)
Adam Oates – NHL Hockey Player
After 19 seasons in the NHL my body and back benefitted from Back Mechanic and Prof McGill’s approaches. I am back to enjoying life.
Adam Oates, 1,079 career assists, over 19 seasons are the 8th most by a player in NHL history.
Derrick Johnson – President and Founder of The Kings of Weightlifting, Weightlifting Champion, American Record Holder
I have been competing in the sport of Olympic Weightlifting for over twenty four years, I had three knee surgeries, multiple back injuries, and took a cocktail of pills for a decade starting in high school in order to compete. Almost ten years ago I learned of BackFitPro and changed the way I operated, eliminated all the pills, eliminated sit-ups and crunches and began rehabilitating myself with a focus on the core and glutes. These changes have resulted in winning championships, representing Team USA and currently having multiple American records in my mid 30s.
Trav from Fightsmart.com
The book Back Mechanic completely altered the course of my athletic career, and inherently my life.
Mondays are Jiu Jitsu days. Usually, on Monday nights, I would experience crippling post Jiu Jitsu back pain, and often have an incredibly difficult time sleeping. This pain would persist through Wednesday, which is another Jiu Jitsu day, thus leading to Thursday being even more horribly unbearable than Tuesday was.
If I needed to do yard work on Saturday, I’d have shooting nerve pain down my leg on Sunday… which is another Jiu Jitsu day, that I would never be healthy enough to attend.
The pain is gone. I have reclaimed my training. I’m doing crazier stuff now in BJJ than I’ve ever done.
Taylor Ritzel, Olympic games Gold Medalist
When I saw Professor McGill, I was feeling frustrated, defeated and burned out after having dealt with numerous rib fractures and little to no guidance or support. Not only did he help me tremendously in understanding proper mechanics and where my weak spots were, but he helped me continue to row pain free and elongate my career. He’s truly a game changer!
Rachel Kemner, Rancher
I am excited to tell you I rode a horse today near Moran, WY.
I wish I could truly express my emotions but can’t.
I am most grateful for your help, and your book, Back Mechanic.
Thank you again for helping me restore my health to as best as can be.