Video 18/19: The Myth of Self Esteem & Anxiety
I talk about the myth of self-esteem and the negative connotations that this concept can have on us. For more, see The Myth of Self Esteem. BF
Video 17/19: Anxiety and It’s Demons
I talk about how anxiety and stress can lead to certain obsessive tendencies. Some of the tools from the DOCC project are laid out, specifically those that can help break down the circuits that fuel anxious and stressful thoughts and behaviors. For more, see Your Demons are Robots. BF
Doctors Treat Themselves Differently
Is the Best Treatment No Treatment? The roundtable sent out a reference to an article about how doctors treat themselves when they are faced with end-of-life decisions. Often, what a doctor chooses for himself is not what he would choose for a patient. The majority choose to forego intensive treatments … Read More
My Call to Action
Jean was a middle-aged rancher who I saw for a second opinion from a neighboring state. She filled out an extensive spine pain questionnaire, which included many psychosocial questions in addition to a history and diagram of the pain. She was healthy and normally an extremely physically active rancher. Her low back … Read More
Video 15/19: Anger Fueled Anxiety-“The Highway to Hell”
I discuss how anger is the turbocharger that keeps anxiety both covered up and fired up. Until you turn off anger you won’t be able to get a handle on your anxiety or your pain.
Video 14/19: Chronic Pain: Pain Free is Not Only Possible, it’s Probable.
I talk about how powerful the DOCC Project can be and how it can break down the doors of years of chronic pain. Through patient’s stories, the DOCC project is showing that pain free is not only possible, it’s probable. For more on this, check out Reversing Chronic Pain with … Read More
Back Pain vs. Mouth Pain
I am a busy spine surgeon, yet I spend most of my time talking my patients out of surgery. When I do recommend surgical treatment, many, if not most, become apprehensive. They have heard that spine surgery never works and will relate stories to me about their friends, family, or … Read More
Video 12/19: Your Brain Becomes Sensitized
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
Problems are Opportunities
I was in clinic today and a new patient cancelled. I had the chance to spend some extra time with Lisa, a patient that I am just beginning to get to know. We had a long discussion about the DOCC Project. Although she was initially resistant to the DOCC Project, … Read More