Avoiding and Curing Carpenter's Back Pain

As a 57 year old stonemason, I can confirm. I used to live with a lot of back pain, but about the time I turned 50 I started doing 30 minutes of mostly core strengthening calisthenics every other morning, and I made a rule for myself to never lift more than around 80% of what I think I can during work activities. If something is that heavy I either ask for a hand or get in the mini excavator. These three things have made the last 10 or so years of my career almost pain free, (except the arthritis), and the calisthenic workouts allow me to build stone patios and walls as fast or faster than any 30 year old. Exercise is a fountain of youth, and it's a mistake to think that hard work is a reason not to do it. All those muscles, big and small, need to be worked on a regular basis so they're ready when called upon.

A video on leverage would be fantastic! Your videos on basic fundamentals (string and batter boards specifically) have been a massive upgrade for me. I'm sure you've got some great stuff to say on leverage and technique for manipulating heavy things.

As a semi-retired orthopedic physical therapist who has been practicing for 37 years, I cannot underscore enough Scott's advice. I have seen lives and families ruined by back injuries that were largely preventable by being open to different ways of doing things and committing to a lifestyle of maintaining your body in a ready to work state.

My Father had a rope with several knots in it attached to the ceiling in the bedroom. Great back helper for getting out of bed.

As a 42 year old mechanic i am learning the true meaning of health is wealth. Throwing transmissions around by hand in my 20's took its toll. I try to teach the young kids about using tools instead of your body. This is a great video.

I'm sure many people have told you but let me repeat it: you are a National Treasure. I'm not much younger than you but you are one of the few people that make me feel like I'm in shop class when I listen to you. The integrity and honesty you bring to the videos, along with the deep, broad knowledge of your craft and clear respect for other craftsmen that you so easily extend, is such a strong foundation for so much. If you are ever in central Florida I would thoroughly enjoy buying you dinner.

Scott is the Bob Ross of the trades. Scott, if you have a video about material handling that will make my life easier… bring it on.

I’m 40 and can tell you that this advice is so important, it should be heard by any young person and it should be heard yearly from 16 to 40 … because at 40, everyone will start feeling the wear and tear of what they’ve been doing wrong. Thank you for talking about this!

I am a lawyer and work at my desk. But this advice is equally applicable to us all - I have managed to get into back problems from not being careful when I do handyman stuff. Simple advice but powerful advice.

I am 69. I wish I had developed good lifting habits at a young age. Years ago as a framing carpenter I thought I could move 3/4” plywood subfloor all day long. I found out otherwise. Bad lifting in the car factory ended up with the first ruptured disc. I’ve been able to continue working and farming but I’ve had 2 lower back fusions since then. Every day I experience pain while working and taking care of my farm. Anyone reading this comment please take heed of Scott’s advice. Learn and practice safe work. Not doing so ain’t pretty.

I needed to hear this, im 23 years old , i have a landscaping buisness and i am currently rebuilding a 200 year old farm house. Thank you for this video, my back does already hurt so i need to do these things you talked about including your truck crane

Hey Scott, I'm a 32 year old Christian husband, father, and contractor in Grants Pass. I've greatly enjoyed the mentorship your videos provide to us "young" guys. It's not only your knowledge that's valued but your presentation of exemplary manhood, your bearing. It's what I hope to pass down to my children and those under my influence. Needless to say, it would be a privilege to shake your hand or buy you lunch some time God willing.

As a nearly 54 year old dad, I'm sending this to my 21 year old son, who now has his own hardscape/lawncare business, and his share of backpain (just like dad has every day). Thank you and God bless 🙌

Yes, practical applications of leverage is a topic I'd be very interested in. At 70 years of age, I have no intention of stopping, but I definitely don't heal as fast or as well as I used to. I'll be leaning over when I brush my teeth from here on. Thanks for the tips.

I herniated two discs in my lower back after 40 years of mechanic work and what you’re saying about stretching really helps to reduce the pain and stiffness, I too abused my back by lifting way more than I should have and ultimately paid the price at 58 years old, could have been worse as I was in therapy with guys in their 20’s , thanks for taking the time to give such excellent advice and hopefully it’ll save many people from years of pain. 👍🙏

As a 71yr. old carpenter and past roofer I always tried to lift with my legs and used levering or other techniques to handle overly heavy stuff and it has served me pretty well over the years with no permanent back issues. Loosening up in the morning is key for us older guys. Take care and thanks for your informative videos.

The eye roll when you say "like old people have" 😂😂😂. We're all bulletproof when we're young. Good tips, Scott. I agree that my life changed when I bought a forklift...and a jib crane for the shop...and a tractor with a bucket.

Just turned 61. I resemblance this video :) Forgetting about my back, everything else is pretty good. Loss of grip strength, loss of overall strength, I’ve always been pretty flexible. I will never stop having the need to move and to flex. Now, like you suggested, I know I need to start every day “mobility“ with stretch and strength movements. I Like working. The pain is both physically and emotionally debilitating. I don’t need to move like I was 20 but I’ve got to be appropriately productive. Sheet goods, loading wheel barrows, pulling carrots :) Thank you for sharing :)

I am 64. Long walks and hanging from the top of a door frame by my hands helps my back. I also walk up and down 5 flights of stairs at work once a day for more strength and balance. We got a softer mattress that helps, firm seems to be more for younger people. I do the same stretch at the top of the stairs.

Thank you Scott. I’m 27 now but when I was 20 I had an older guy give me a kneeler when I was working on a box truck. He said if you don’t want your knees to hurt when you’re older use this, and I’ve listened. Rarely do I get on my knees without pads or at least something. Just a few weeks ago I had another guy (extremely hard worker) about 65, show me some stretches to do in the morning. He said he hasn’t been to physical therapy in 3 years and morning stretching is all he’s changed, and I listened. I’ve been stretching in the morning and I feel better! I really appreciate your tips here too and I will listen to your advice. My future self thanks you!