From Back Pain to Back in Action: My Story While Climbing a Rotted Tree

[@alsmith1392]

I’m 54 and bad back as well.. Spinal decompression really helps. This work takes a toll!

[@alsmith1392]

August, I’ve cut trees for 21 years. I don’t know how many climbers I’ve trained. And you are one of a very few channels I tell my new guys and women to watch. Because you do go into detail on why you do things you do. And not to watch the videos of what went wrong. Because I know new people/climbers. Don’t understand the mechanics behind why a situation went bad. And all of the videos that I’ve watched of you, you explain why you’re doing what you’re doing. I applaud you for being one of the good ones. Please keep doing what you’re doing.

[@alsmith1392]

Good job.

[@batmantiss]

Your back hurts because you have balls of steel.

[@AugustHunicke]

😆

[@Thetreefella]

August, I don't chat with you much. But I want you to know,I'm 51,and I feel pains in my body coming on that I haven't ever felt before. With that said,I DO NOT want to stop doing the tree work. I absofreakinlutely love doing it. I work 50 hours a week hvac service tech. I don't need the money,I love climbing trees. Hope you and your family enjoy the holidays. MB for life!!!!!!💚🌳💚

[@carolgadles7045]

I’m sending this message to my son’s that builds and installs huge HVAC systems in all the hospitals in Boston. They are only 42 and 46 and their backs are pretty bad. My youngest runs huge excavators and just sitting and being jostled constantly he goes home in pain also. Thank you August, this video is going to help others who go through pain like my sons. Blessings come in many ways, love your channel ❤️

[@benjaminmartin705]

Hey August, when part of the body suffers the whole body suffers. Praying for you brother!

[@exterminator1]

Major neck(front and back) surgery back in Feb this year and was suppose to have back surgery this winter. I totally feel your pain friend. I love what i do but am not limited. So i have to have more helpers. You have taught me more than you know over all these years! The tree work i do know is so much easier and more efficient. You should be a professor of tree work. Anyway been years since i commented but i am still here watching. Have a great new years!

[@Faith-vl4lv]

I got hurt a little over a year ago. I got crushed and broke a vertebrae in my neck, two in my upper back and a rib. I was in the hospital for a week and could barely move. Drs said i wad lucky to still be here. I wasn't lucky, i was BLESSED. I got hit and i remember feeling like i was gonna die and i was on a job by myself. I hit the ground and i called out to the FATHER and said, no FATHER YOU have a purpose for me. I'm telling you this because i dont hurt anymore and i am stronger than i was before my accident and all of it is through FAITH. The drs told me i was to be bed ridden for two months and then it would be a long time before i went back to work. I was suppose to wear a brace. I didn't listen to what the doctors said. I went back to work two months after being hurt. All GLORY belongs to the FATHER. A lot of people make the mistake of thinking because they believe there is a a GOD, that its the same as BELIEVING in GOD. Whenever Jesus healed someone, He would say your FAITH has made you whole. Jesus says, if you can BELIEVE, all things are possible to him that BELIEVES. When Jesus went to His hometown, the WORD says He was unable to perform many miracles because of their unbelief. All things are possible to him that BELIEVES. Your pain can go away just like mine did. I know you are a man who BELIEVES in the FATHER, now BELIEVE HE can truly make you whole. Don't listen to what man says is possible, BELIEVE the impossible, truly BELIEVE. Jesus healed a blind man and He said this man was made blind so this day the LORD may be GLORIFIED. You were not hurt because of a curse, but so this day the LORD may be GLORIFIED

[@br-dj2ti]

God bless buddy Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@PDAUSRC]

Fantastic editing idea to put a comment in between each of Damiens 50 throws😂😂

[@br-dj2ti]

I feel the same way I don't have a lot of money right now times are super hard we're working as much as we can but we do have today and our families and friends God bless August

[@hulkthedane7542]

Thought provoking, how things get to be cool to do, once you no longer have the ability..... I am 51 years old and have walked (and stood still on hard surfaces) my knees into oblivion. ...and suddenly being able to squat all the way down, just with my own body weight, would be nice. I really enjoy watching your videos, listening to your tree knowledge and general life wisdom. I wish you, your family and your team a Happy New Year 👍🎉☀️.

[@ChattNCC]

Came to this channel for the amazing tree work you and Damien do but I have grown to enjoy your “musings” about life as much as the tree stuff. May 2025 be an amazing year for you, your family and Damien.

[@red---paulvanravenswaay2247]

Sarah steger certified massage therapist is the absolute BOMB for back pain, etc Gives ya stretches to keep things going good, a real lifesaver. She's in michigan 😮

[@jonathanleonard1152]

Over 30 years ago I hurt my back. For over ten years I put up with it, pain putting me on my back for several days at a time on heavy pain meds. Then I got good physical therapy help in the form of exercise routines for where the injury was centered. Over time I have built on that basic set and now do a more extensive set of exercises some daily some alternate days. I feel no pain today and lift 50 pounds over my head multiple times a day with no difficulty.😮

[@billyshumate853]

Nice video August. Do whatever you can to help your body. I've had back surgery and it really didn't help even had some nerves deaden. Take care and have a blessed and safe day and Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@troyerthedestroyer]

Back pain is the worst! For me decompression has been a life saver. MB 2.0 is hands down the best saddle coming from someone who has tried them all. If you guys are a little slower, maybe you and Damien can road trip up here and hang with us?

[@stevebrough304]

I knew that you were going to say core before you said it. Core is everything. Have a Merry Christmas August, family, and crew. This is your boy's first Christmas. This one will be extra special...

[@hockeycoachdoug]

Merry Christmas to you and your whole "crew"

[@DLeslie-o6g]

Thanks so much. You have no idea how much you help my family and I, Thanks Damien too.

[@michaelpaul1397]

After 20 years of back issues, I really hurt into the point I could barely walk. After reading the research I decided against surgery and found a PT that uses the McKenzie Method. Now I can work, ski, and do pretty much what I want. Prayers were answered in a very real way.

[@JimG31547]

There is nothing worse than back pain and not being able to work. I am not nor have I been in the tree business but I was forced to take a medical disability on my 50 th birthday and it about killed me. I loved working and being active around the house and could do very little. I will say with age back has gotten better and now at age 77 have more good days than bad so hang in there. Here is hoping you and your family have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@richaedsnith711]

I feel your struggle, im 57 years old and suffer with neck and shoulder pain. There's not many jobs out there as physically demanding as arb work. As we get longer in the tooth, we really do have to pick and choose what we take on. I know that's easier, said than done when you are running a business and have overheads. Great content in your videos, by the way! Take it easy, fella.

[@MiloTheHusky]

Appreciate you brother

[@Branko1987]

best man in business,greetings for legend August Hunicke from germany 🇩🇪

[@sufysprojects2689]

Thank you for the back pain relief info!!! Sweet video!!

[@johanlindqvist99]

Low back ability. Also great channel for the same thing. I bought a back extension machine because of him and it changed my life. ❤

[@muchmuchmore]

I struggled with back pain for well over a decade. One thing that really helped with pain relief was stretching on an inversion table. I finally got much better after a sneeze that detached the bulging disk creating a fragment. The fragment caused some mostly temporary nerve damage, but once it shriveled up and I fully healed my back issues are 98 percent better. I hope you can find some long term relief one way or another.

[@Justin-ke5qg]

I'm 53 and still climb. 3yrs ago I damaged my back 4th/5th lumber and had sciatica down to my toe. When my bladder was full I was in pain, if I leant in a certain position I dropped to the floor and had to crawl to a wall to try and get up. Took me 30 mins to get out of bed, as I lay in fetal position for comfort I had to stretch inch by inch to straighten up. I was a mess and couldn't walk. Docs gave me pills that didn't work. Told me I would never climb again and should think about another job. I was devastated. No work, no money for 2yrs. Each time I went to see the doc they gave me exercises that felt no good and each different doctor said the last exercises I was given were wrong.. I was told I needed my spine joined together and was put on a 2yr waiting list. Obviously I gave up on meds and their exercises. I know my body as I'm sure you do being in the same job. I did my own exercises and ate hash cakes if it got really bad. I kept the appointment for the op just incase as if you lose your place on the list you start again. I gave that as a date to work for. Slowly but surely the sciatica moved to my calf, that to me showed me it was improving. I went to see the doc before operation date to check all was OK to come off the list. Guess what, he asked me to do movements and I surpassed all to his surprise. Then it was just down to me to go back to work doing all sorts of things that I would have po pooed before just to build up my muscles and strength. I had hit a wall reached my lowest but I was not being told by different people who were not invested in me to tell me my climbing days are over. Not having that. I also took no sick benefits as to me that was accepting that fate. I have just finished my first Yr back in trees, no pains no aches and had the most successful year, (cleared my debts and money in the bank) I have had in a long time and also won a big contract. I am getting old yes, but I make sure I warm up, exercise and things seem to be all good. I feel blessed and proud and have a new lease in life. Maybe a shot across the bow of things to come but for now while the sun shines I'm making hay. Be safe, eat well, stretch look after yourself. 👍

[@AugustHunicke]

Sounds like you know the struggle. You must be in Canada?

[@Justin-ke5qg]

​@@AugustHunicke UK. I stopped working at the point you mentioned of only going straight up lol. I was spiking some ash poles self seeded in between barns. I was fine if I kept straight and didn't lean out. When I finished and bent down to pick up the ropes I dropped like a stone and couldn't move the customer looked at me like wtf. Core is key, I can't say my exercises will help as not all shoes fit. No matter how fit or strong you are or even a top athlete you have a zone around the outer of your core (imagine an invisible ball) that you can work, lift, move safely in. Keep within that ball zone until it increases with mobility and strength. Asian squat, just sitting helped me lots and I do every day. Lying on my back bringing knees to my chest, bringing then up and moving side to side also. Standing up, left knee to come up to right elbow, down, then L knee up so right hand touches left foot. The same other side. These helped adjustment outside the core as it's all linked. My doctors told me to give up 😂😂 I'm glad you found someone that helped

[@JJawsyW]

Smooth like freakin butter!

[@saltrock9642]

The best thing I’ve ever done for my back was powerlifting but it must be with proper form. I broke my back in a couple places training horses in 1996. I’m 58 now and have very little back issues. Learning how to use stomach muscles to deadlift may sound crazy but it’s part of proper form for all lifts, dead, squats and bench. Plus stretching everyday is paramount. Glad you’re doing better.

[@nate-408]

Yes. My back hurts when I'm not training. When I take a break from the gym I have issues. When I'm deadlifting and training back every week I have no issues. Proper form and stretching for mobility are key for sure!

[@imysteryman]

I stopped by a friends house the other day and he was suffering from back pain and could not even stand up straight, I asked him if he wanted me to fix it. He looked at me in disbelief, we were at his house and we went over to his shop and I asked if he had an orbital sander, it took a bit but he found it. I had him place his hands on a desk and I went to work on his lower back with the sander (without sandpaper), the sander will vibrate the sore muscles and turn them to mush. After a couple of minutes he was able to stand up straight, he could not believe how fast it helped. I called him back a couple of days later and he was doing great. Ty it you just might be surprised.

[@havespurswillclimb]

Enjoyed the video. Back problems are no joke for sure. I workout three times per week utilizing an air-dyne, a stepper, a concept2, a universal machine, free weights and dumbbells. I've developed a circuit training program that targets most all muscle groups and works the cardiovascular system. My program changes as I age. You can't beat old man time....but you can slow the guy down. If a lay off for any length of time my back and legs and joints start acting up quickly. I'm thankful I can climb and work in trees at my age (although I need at least two-three days of rest after an aggressive tree job). I'm hoping to climb another year or two. Then it's "stay on the ground" (my wife's works) time. I know you are driven to climb....I wish you well and many years working in the trees.

[@emmetdonohue9545]

Nothing like back pain, glad you have found a way to repair yourself in between climbs. Your MB rigs are fantastic for climbers! Merry Christmas and always thanks for sharing !

[@austinsmith3749]

Thanks for sharing your story August. Ryan is absolutely one in a million. Love you guys and love watching you do freakin awesome work!… oh and Sent

[@colbypwns]

Wnet and said hi on your behalf. Now time to strengthen the core!

[@harrygreen6935]

That was buttery smooth. Outstanding you 2 Merry Christmas to you all & your families.

[@mississippijohn1432]

Tree work definitely takes a toll on your body. Stay safe homie

[@dgoodman1484]

Other than I know what it feels like to get tears in your eyes just from having to get your boots on at 5am, all I can say is constantly riding quads fast and hard a couple times a week and maybe a full hour race as many weekends as I could, helped my back more than anything I’ve done before or since. At 60 now still needing to work and not being in the shape I need to be, I’m in real trouble now. Wish you the best. You have family counting on you. 👍🏼🎄🎅

[@nate-408]

Awesome story my friend. You have to find what works for you and your body. Praise God for healing. I have been a power lifter for a nunber of years and i have sciatic pain and reduced mobility. Mostly due to lack of stretching. I focus more on properly warming up and stretching now and it makes all the difference. Like you i got all sorts of advice from others, none of it was wrong because it worked for them it just didn't work for me. Spending some time with a chiropractor and stretching got me back to where i needed to be. Im very happy to hear that you've gotten to a place that allows you to fo the thing you love. Very inspirational my friend. As always thanks for sharing. You and Damien are absolutely hilarious i love to see you guys working together. Youre the type of people everyone wants to work with and be areound. Merry Christmas to you and your families.

[@michaelboyle4553]

Thank you

[@TheTriangle4]

Was in the same boat for years after S1 surgery in 2002. Tried core training, learned what it was to engage your glutes, just thought it was automatic? But the one thing that made a life altering difference is stretching my ankles with Asian Squats. Try that if you haven't but I know we are all different in what works. 51 now, if I rest I rust. God Bless and Merry Christmas!!

[@h.i.m.dishonmaurice2599]

August, we reaaaaaaaally love you. I hopped over to Ryan Peebles and some of us were there before me on his last posted video. I certainly hope to meet you in person one day.

[@neilrose477]

Hi August 😀 absolutely love watching your videos 👌👌 hope you get to enjoy some chill time with the family, loads of love from Southampton UK 🇬🇧😘😘

[@ertreeservice9558]

Great video, I been dealing with lower back pain from sciatica going on four years now it had me bed ridden for a week a couple different times and put me behind on work, I’m definitely going to check the guy you referred to!

[@michaelnewman-ds3fr]

Thanks for the video August!

[@br-dj2ti]

I'll tell you what buddy I wouldn't even care about bending down I know it sucks that you can't I understand that if I could do half of what you do in a tree right now I would be so happy I mean I'm a good climber but you are excellent

[@trappedinkalifornee]

I am just curious…have you ever considered putting a battery powered heating grid in your climbing saddle to keep your back muscles warm? Thanks for all the videos and take care!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@AugustHunicke]

I like the sound of that

[@petehendry4756]

Hey August merry Christmas

[@tomintexas817]

when it's gods time you'll be able to bend over again, leave it to god. I was born with only one side of my back fused to my hip bone. so i can't do situps and I still am the strongest back in the company. bless you for getting out there and getting it done.

[@Riverguide33]

Good vid, August. Thanks to you and Damien. 👍👍

[@nickbaker9607]

I got bad sciatic nerve pain early in my 13 year climbing career. I tried everything and spent thousands. I bought an inversion table 5 years ago and it changed my life! Anyone looking for some pain relief I highly recommend getting one and use it everyday.

[@opendstudio7141]

It’s natural to have eternal affection for my brothers in Christ. When we come together, the gates of the Kingdom open.

[@nate-408]

Amen

[@JohnVander70]

Indeed.

[@Neighborhoodgo2guy]

✊

[@benjaminwhiteley83]

#getaugustto200k

[@wrstew1272]

Done sent message to yer Guru. Happy Holidays to you and your family, and may we be blessed with many more years of your philosophy 😂. And aerial gymnastics with chainsaws in hand 😮. You are a legend in my eyes and obviously many others. And the ground guy is right up there with skills to envy- give Damien a shout Out also 😊

[@danowen9142]

Will do brother. I too need to improve my core. I have the ISA state competition coming up this June and I wanna place well.

[@bladewiper]

Sadly I have learned the hard way that any day that is pain free is a good day. Every thing else is a bonus.

[@stokermeister3]

Amazing skills ❤ you both make tree work so easy 🥳😁

[@danmcburney3247]

I followed your link to Ryan but didn't find a way to message him other than commenting on a latest video so I'll ask Brandy for help 😅 Super great ropin Damien 👍👍👊 Great video August ❤❤ I can't help but be nervous when you're up in junk tree's 😅

[@nilsgreibich2104]

The ultimate throwline experience...🤣 on a monday it would have tangled up 100 times😂😂

[@daveinky]

Thanks, subscribed to his channel to see if it can be an answer for a hard labored 60 year old.....

[@JohnVander70]

Merry Christmas August.

[@shanebrewster2384]

It’s awesome being able to continue to do what you love. A friend of mine is now going through cancer treatment and he’s vexed and quite angry about not being what he used to. I just hope I can carry on in a sustainable way; which I have through diet and exercise. Sugar is a huge negative of health as it creates tons of inflammation which make moving more strenuous. Like you surfer guy with his back exercises I too have found something to prolong my usefulness- Hanna Somatics. Check it out. Children and pets have it figured out. It’s called pandiculation. It may, in conjunction with your current routine help even more. Keep on climbing Brother!

[@AugustHunicke]

I’m familiar with somatics. It’s basically the same study as my guy .. Its about correcting imbalances.

[@brandon-rustystreecare]

The only thing I noticed about the 2.0 that isnt as good as the og is the ring for the bridge is so smaller that the rope is already wearing out

[@AugustHunicke]

Ahh, ya I dont use the ring

[@facelesspsycho8252]

Barbel back squats are supposed to help with back problems

[@tedsaylor6016]

August, a bit "off topic" but guys on another channel "C & C Equipment" have a old Ford Ranchero like yours and are looking for where the "High Beam Indicator" is. If yours has a working one could you post here where it is?

[@AugustHunicke]

Floorboard foot press button left of brake pedal

[@tedsaylor6016]

@@AugustHunicke I think they want to know if there is some light on the dash (usually a blue light) that shows the high beams on (as opposed to low beams).

[@AugustHunicke]

@ likely so, but none of that stuff works on my car

[@TheGreatLeslie]

STUART MCGILL !! do the 3 power moves to fix most back problem

[@tonyjackson8640]

Damien’s hop when tossing the throw line looks like musks jump on stage🤣

[@LongsQuest]

Merry Christmas!

[@hansyoutube2678]

do you let your vids be auto-translated on purpose or does KZbin do it automatically? I can't find any way to turn it off and it ruins the experience completely ---___---

[@AugustHunicke]

It’s nothing I did. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@AugustHunicke]

It’s likely something in your settings. All I did is upload the video. Your viewing parameters probably need to be changed.

[@hansyoutube2678]

Okay, thank you, good to know!

[@ÁrvoresEmadeiras]

How were you getting the rigging rope back to you?

[@nate-408]

Damien can flip it to him if it's close or in this case I'd say he tied it to his climb line so he could haul it up.

[@julianalderson3938]

A+ riggin'

[@mxdirtcarver9203]

“I really want to bend over and pick up branches and wood rounds but I can’t.” -Every Climber ‘24

[@Tsjoni]

August, stil waiting for the ressurection from the green Ford… are you converting it to a batterypowered vehicle or what? 😂

[@stusue9733]

I assume you've seen Buckin's exercise ball?

[@1eingram]

how many times did you say back in this vid?

[@Podasyahualica]

Saludos

[@Preshoppy]

BPC/TB500 will change your life!

[@GordonWrigley]

Experimenting with format is good but the frequent back and forth cuts in this one didn't land for me, it's a bit jarring.

[@jtrocktree5409]

Dislocated collar bone , 2 torn rotator cuffs , arthritis in upper and lower spine , sketchy right ankle , thumbs shot , if I do not work , I wil fall to pieces , a lot of 30 year old bucks can not keep up with me all day with a saw , driven by the dream , and a strong constitution. Never ever Givin in or up .

[@malmakos8721]

Don’t love the switch back editing. Found the video couldn’t catch my attention for too long. Might have been better with longer scenes before the switch. Apart from that. Great videos. From Australia.

[@jeffhappel1079]

Check out Dr Eric Bergs video DONT IGNORE stop doing this for your lower back pain (9 days ago) love your videos good luck with your back

[@marcofemto9417]

Back hurts from poor developed foundation muscles due to wearing big bulky boots all life. Please look into the whole barefoot movement. Disregard the hippie stuff and vegan stuff, you'll regain your mobility, Look into yoga as well

[@AugustHunicke]

Everybody’s an expert

[@imysteryman]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2XOgJSLl8uimdU

[@kookiethebear]

To be clear, Peebles is not a formal (PhD, MD) doctor, he is a Physical Therapist. A DPT degree is required to practice as a licensed PT. This comment is strictly meant to ensure readers are informed vs misled or assumptive.

[@AugustHunicke]

So, what does the “D” stand for in, “DPT”. Oh yeah, it stands for Dr.

[@_WatsoBrii94_]

Only being 30 but a former green tree guy in Pa and active builder of the body, when I hear your war stories and testimony I always wonder besides the stuff you’ve shared what you do to aid and assist your lumbar or thoracic . HUUGE nerd and analyzer for isolation resistance training to promote a balanced structure/physique. Especially when it comes to range of motion in shortened lengths and lengthened lengths. 15 years training and working hard manual labor, Not that I’m pushing my own belief or view onto your situation, but I would most def lookin into pharmacology especially trt and peptides. But also you can use at home I use whenever I’m extra stiff sore from work and training are tenz unit. Won’t be the end all be all but most def brung me back to prime optimal status dozen plus times in the last 6 years. I suffer from a bum cracked collar bone from middle school football, crackin whenever lifting heavy overhead in the gym or not and haven’t felt a thing since training/diet/rest/pharma became secondary right on thrivivals heels . I’ve learned a lot of from you and your crew of beavers 🫡🤌🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾 even tho I’m no longer climbing for a living, I still take away stuff every vid. Keep on keepin on august✊🏾🤝🏾 a mf standard even if you don’t say it yourself plenty much love to you and yours 🙏🏽 and please even if you don’t indulge, give the knowledge and data a gander