Video: Your Brain Becomes Sensitized

posted in: Stage 1, Stage 1: Step 1

I discuss how the brain becomes more sensitive to pain with repetition. I also introduce the first 3 “E’s” of the 5 “E’s” of chronic pain as well as the evolution of pain. The 5 “E’s” are Empathy, Evaluation, Education, Encouragement and Engagement. For more on this, check out Sensitization … Read More

Video: I Can Only Fix What I Can See

posted in: Stage 5, Stage 5: Step 2

I discuss the cultural belief system about spine surgery and it’s impact on the treatment for chronic pain. It took me years to understand that performing fusions for LBP is based on unsubstantiated belief rather than hard data. I thought that surgery could always alleviate pain and felt I had an … Read More

Video: Is Your Pain Structural or Not?

posted in: Stage 1, Stage 1: Step 1

I look at the source of the pain and it’s receptors in reference to back pain and one’s spine. I also discuss the difference between a structural and non-structural source of the pain. Read more about this topic in discussing structural sources of pain.  

Video 8/19: Fusions For LBP Don’t Work

posted in: Uncategorized

I talk about the importance about finding the “source” of the pain and the implications of the “real” success rates of most spine operations. This clip takes a closer look into back fusions and the research behind them. Learn more about this in my post, “Surgical Results Overly Optimistic.” Aching … Read More

Video: Surgeons Do What They are Trained to Do

posted in: Stage 5, Stage 5: Step 5

I discuss the lack of awareness to the alternative approaches in the spine surgeon world and the treatment of chronic pain. We are both not being trained in the correct and effective approach, but also ignoring well-established data. (1)   Young AK, et al. “Assessment of presurgical psychological screening in … Read More

Video 2/19: Your Hand Over the Stove

posted in: Stage 2, Stage 2: Step 1

Consider a situation where you are forced to hold your hand next to the hot burner of a stove.  What would happen to your anxiety?  What would be your next response?  In chronic pain, you “can’t get your hand away from the stove.” I talk about this in depth in … Read More

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