Water Heals: Cameron Youngblood’s Journey to Spine Recovery

Physician Assistant Cameron Youngblood of the Spine Center at Valley View knows firsthand how water can heal. A former whitewater raft guide in the Roaring Fork Valley, Cameron has always had a passion for water—from wake surfing and fishing to swimming.

When an injured disc led him to a microdiscectomy, Cameron faced sciatica and nerve pain. But it was his love for water sports that kept him motivated during recovery. “The best thing a person can do for their spine is to maintain a healthy weight, strengthen their core, and choose activities that support proper spine mechanics,” he says.

As a former EMT at the Snowmass Clinic and a Wake Forest-trained physician assistant, Cameron offers science-backed advice with real-world experience.

Spine-Friendly Water Sports Cameron Recommends

Rowing: This is a full-body workout. When you’re rowing, the core and back are engaged as well as arms and shoulders as one moves the boat around. Navigating unpredictable currents forces you to adjust and maintain alignment, enhancing your body’s ability to support the spine during dynamic movement

Swimming: Being in the water and swimming is one of the most spine-friendly exercises out there, says Cameron, offering a mix of support and strength by engaging the core, shoulders and back. Water supports your body weight while you swim, reducing stress on intervertebral discs and joints. This makes swimming ideal for people with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or chronic back pain.

Fishing: This is surprisingly therapeutic way to strengthen your spine. Fly fishing is low impact, making it ideal for people with limited mobility or those recovering from back issues. Casting and reeling activate your shoulders, arms, and upper back with low-impact motion. Wading against currents engages your core and stabilizer muscles, which support spinal alignment.

Cameron is welcoming new patients at the Valley View Spine Center in Glenwood Springs and Eagle. To learn more about Cameron or schedule an appointment, call 970.384.8060.