Back Specialist Bart Depreitere Reveals His Secret to Dodging Back Pain

Lisa Bos · 2026-08-23

Back pain is one of those things that can sneak up on you. One day you're fine, the next you're moving like a rusty robot. But what if you could avoid it altogether? That's exactly what back specialist Bart Depreitere has been doing for himself. And guess what? His fitness has never been better. So, how does a back specialist keep his own spine happy? Let's dive in. ### The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything Bart didn't always have a perfect back. Like many of us, he spent years sitting too much, lifting incorrectly, and ignoring the early warning signs. Then one day, he realized he was on a fast track to becoming his own patient. That's when he decided to make a change. "I was treating people with back pain all day, then going home and doing all the wrong things," he admits. "It was time to practice what I preach." ### The Simple Daily Habits That Made the Difference Bart's approach isn't rocket science. It's a series of small, consistent habits that anyone can adopt. Here's what he does: - **Move every 30 minutes:** He sets a timer to stand up, stretch, or walk around. Sitting for hours is a back killer. - **Strengthen the core:** Planks, bridges, and bird-dogs are his go-to exercises. A strong core supports your spine like a natural corset. - **Lift smart:** He never bends at the waist to pick something up. Instead, he squats down, keeps the load close, and uses his legs. - **Stretch daily:** A few minutes of stretching in the morning and evening keeps his muscles flexible and his joints lubricated. - **Invest in a good chair:** He uses an ergonomic chair with lumbar support and adjusts it to fit his body perfectly. > "It's not about being perfect," Bart says. "It's about being consistent. Even five minutes of movement every hour makes a huge difference." ### Why His Fitness Improved So Much When you start taking care of your back, something interesting happens: you can do more. Bart noticed that his overall fitness skyrocketed. He had more energy, his posture improved, and he could exercise without pain. "Sitting all day made me stiff and weak," he explains. "Once I started moving regularly and strengthening my core, my whole body felt better. I could run, lift, and play with my kids without worrying about my back." ### The Science Behind It It's not just Bart's experience. Research shows that regular movement and core strengthening are key to preventing back pain. A study in the *Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy* found that people who exercised regularly had a 25% lower risk of developing back pain. Plus, sitting for long periods increases pressure on your spinal discs. Getting up every half hour can reduce that pressure and keep your discs healthy. ### How You Can Start Today You don't need a fancy gym or a personal trainer. Here's how to begin: 1. **Set a reminder:** Use your phone to remind you to stand up every 30 minutes. 2. **Start small:** Do five minutes of core exercises each morning. Planks and bridges are great. 3. **Check your posture:** Sit up straight, keep your feet flat, and make sure your screen is at eye level. 4. **Walk more:** Take the stairs, park farther away, or go for a short walk after meals. 5. **Listen to your body:** If something hurts, stop. Pain is a signal, not a challenge. ### The Bottom Line Bart Depreitere's story is a reminder that back pain isn't inevitable. With a few simple habits, you can protect your spine and improve your fitness. And as Bart says, "Since I started doing this, my condition is so much better." Why not give it a try? Your back will thank you.