“My Family Has Back Problems — Am I Doomed Too?”

ou might be thinking, "My whole family has back problems — I’m destined to have them too." But what if I told you that you have far more control over your health than you think?

Genes are often compared to blueprints, but a better metaphor might be Christmas lights — they can be switched on and off in different patterns depending on what your body needs. When a gene is “turned on,” it helps make proteins — the essential building blocks of your muscles, bones, immune system, and more.

Even though we have about 20,000 protein-coding genes, our bodies can produce up to 400,000 different proteins. That’s because most genes aren’t one-trick ponies — they can make multiple versions of a protein through processes like alternative splicing. A single gene might make 3 to 10 different proteins, or in some cases, even more.

But here’s the key point: genes are not your destiny.

Take rheumatoid arthritis, for example. Identical twins share 100% of their DNA — yet if one twin develops RA, the other does so only about 15% of the time. Why? Because environmental factors like stress, infections, and lifestyle play a massive role in whether disease develops.

Or consider scoliosis. More than half of all kids carry the most well-known “scoliosis gene,” yet fewer than 1 in 20 will ever develop a noticeable spinal curve. That means the vast majority never do — because gene expression depends on things like growth patterns, posture, muscle balance, activity level, and nutrition.

So what does this mean for you?

Your genes may set the stage, but your environment, habits, and mindset decide the show.

If you keep sending your body the same signals — through unchanging habits, chronic stress, or poor posture — you’re more likely to repeat the same health outcomes. But when you change your environment and your thoughts, you send new instructions to your genes. Over time, this can reshape how your body functions — and how you feel.

You have the power to influence your genetic expression and take charge of your health. So imagine what’s possible when you actively participate in your own healing journey — building strength, shifting mindset, and creating a healthier, pain-free future.

Let’s take that first step together.