Jenny Resmondo | Avoiding Back Pain Through Core Strength & Mobility | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 685

Jenny Resmondo, a physiotherapist specializing in back pain prevention and treatment, reveals on Physical Friday that about 80% of people will experience significant back pain at some point in their lives, making it one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. In this conversation with Tom Rowland, Jenny breaks down the three critical pillars of back health that most people overlook, explains why ignoring early warning signs is the number one mistake she sees in her practice, and shares the surprising connection between sleep quality and spinal injury risk. If you've ever felt a twinge in your back and wondered whether to push through or back off, this episode will change how you think about spine health.

The 80% Statistic That Should Wake Everyone Up

Jenny opens the conversation with a sobering reality: studies show that about 80% of people will experience significant back pain at some point in their lives. This isn't just a minor inconvenience—it's one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. But what's causing this epidemic? Jenny explains that the causes are varied, ranging from poor posture and weak core muscles to previous injuries and the sedentary nature of modern lifestyles. The conversation takes a deeper turn when she reveals how many people don't even realize the damage they're doing until it's too late. The discussion sets the foundation for understanding why prevention matters so much more than treatment.

The Three Pillars of Back Pain Prevention

When Tom asks about the main things people can do to prevent back pain, Jenny breaks it down into three critical areas. First, she emphasizes that core strength is paramount—your core muscles support your spine, and when they're weak, your spine has to work harder to compensate. Second, she addresses posture, explaining that whether you're sitting at a desk all day or lifting heavy objects, maintaining good posture is critical, and many people don't even realize how poor their posture has become. Third, she discusses flexibility and mobility work, noting that tight muscles put stress on the spine and that stretching and mobility exercises help maintain healthy muscle length. But there's a specific reason why each of these matters more than most people think, and Jenny explains the interconnection between all three elements in a way that makes the science accessible.

Why Sleep and Stress Are Destroying Your Back

The conversation shifts to lifestyle factors that many people overlook. Jenny reveals that sleep is huge—when you're not getting quality sleep, your muscles don't recover properly, and you become more prone to injury. She also explains that stress causes muscle tension, which can directly lead to back pain, creating a vicious cycle that many people don't recognize. Tom asks about activity level, and Jenny's answer reveals a critical balance point: being sedentary is terrible for your back, but overtraining without proper recovery is equally damaging. The key is finding that sweet spot, but Jenny hints at specific warning signs that tell you when you've crossed the line. Her insights into the sleep-recovery-injury connection will make you rethink your entire approach to rest days.

The Three Biggest Mistakes (And Why Athletes Make Them Most)

When Tom asks about the biggest mistakes Jenny sees in her practice, her answers cut straight to behaviors that plague the fishing and outdoor community. Number one: ignoring early warning signs. People feel a little twinge and ignore it, then it becomes a serious problem. Her advice? Listen to your body. Number two: trying to "push through" pain, which Jenny says is especially common in athletic communities. She makes it clear that pain is your body's warning signal, not a challenge to overcome. Number three: only doing certain movements and failing to develop a balanced exercise program that hits all angles. But there's a specific reason why each of these mistakes compounds over time, and Jenny explains the cascading effect that turns a minor issue into a major disability. The athletic mindset that serves anglers so well on the water can actually work against them when it comes to injury prevention.

Final Thoughts from Tom

This Physical Friday episode with Jenny Resmondo hit home for me because back health is something every angler and outdoor enthusiast needs to take seriously. We spend so much time thinking about gear and technique, but if your back goes out, none of that matters. You're done.

What I appreciated most about Jenny's approach is how practical it is. She's not talking about spending hours in the gym or following some complicated protocol. She's talking about core strength, good posture, and listening to your body before small problems become big ones. That's actionable advice you can implement today.

The part about ignoring early warning signs really resonated with me. We're conditioned to push through discomfort, especially in fishing and outdoor sports where toughness is valued. But Jenny makes it clear that pain is your body's warning system, not something to overcome. If you've been feeling those twinges or dealing with chronic back issues, this conversation is worth your time. Listen to the whole thing.