Back Talk Doc

After undergoing multiple spine surgeries himself, Joel Proskewitz founded the SpineXchange to offer educational materials for others who are dealing with back surgery or general back pain. On this episode of Back Talk Doc, Dr. Lakhia sits in the hot seat as he is interviewed by expert guest Joel for the SpineXchange. Joel and Dr. Lakhia cover advice on many different aspects of back care. Both Joel and Dr. Lakhia found a passion for spinal care and education through personal experiences. For Dr. Lakhia, it was his exposure to osteopathic medicine that included over 300 hours of hands-on training in osteopathic manipulation that sparked his interest in lightening the burden patients feel when suffering from spine issues. Joel shares Dr. Lakhia’s interest in spine care and knows first-hand how important spine health is after having to undergo multiple surgeries to repair a fracture in his spine. Combining standard medical interventions with additional elements like addressing stress levels, prescribing breathing exercises, discussing research-based supplementation, and incorporating acupuncture is core to Dr. Lakhia’s approach. He emphasizes the need for evidence-based alternative treatments as part of a comprehensive approach for patients. “What I've observed in my career is patients are moving away from a pill for every ill, and they want to be able to take more control of their health and use natural interventions,” Dr. Lakhia says when describing the increased interest in integrative medicine for spine health. If you’re interested in learning more about the SpineXchange and becoming a subscriber you can check out their website here: https://thespinexchange.com/. 💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Joel ProskewitzWhat he does: For over two decades Joel Proskewitz has specialized in spinal rehabilitation for people that have undergone or are facing spinal surgery. He has built up a wealth of experience, both as a long-term spine patient himself and working with doctors and physicians from across the medical world. His specific focus is on spinal pathologies, their associated intervention surgeries, and subsequent patient rehabilitation.Company: The SpineXchangeWords of wisdom: “The owner of the spine has emotions. They have certain stressors that can systematically create a whole bunch of problems, and you really need to understand the individual who's sitting in front of you.”Connect: Website |  LinkedIn ⚓ Anchor Points ⚓Top takeaways from this Back Talk Doc episode Having a healthy functioning spine is critical to having a healthy functioning life. Dr. Lakhia’s passion for anatomy led him to osteopathic medicine. He wanted to dive deeper into spine care and understand the science behind a healthy spine so he could contribute to treating dysfunction. In addition, his osteopath older brother inspired him to pursue physical medicine. The modern lifestyle is impacting our health. Dr. Lakhia stresses the importance of reviewing your diaphragm’s ability to expand correctly. The connection between good diaphragmatic movement, posture, and overall health is paramount. Those who disregard the influence of posture on pain are overlooking a crucial component of their health.You have to meet people where they are. When meeting patients, Dr. Lakhia...

Even with their in-depth medical training, doctors can brush off accidents and deny the possibility of a lumbar issue. It’s not until the pain persists or worsens that they come to terms with the possibility of having a longer-term injury. Doctors can even experience a sense of shame about having a spine problem while being a spine expert. On this episode of Back Talk Doc, Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia invites his colleague and friend Dr. Joseph Cheatle, a neurosurgeon at Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates, to discuss the personal challenges that he has faced with low back pain. Dr. Cheatle’s injury occurred following a skiing accident where they were hit by another skier. Initially, he brushed off the incident, but over time, he began experiencing increasing discomfort in his back and buttocks. As the pain worsened, he realized the challenge of diagnosing his own condition.Even after finally seeking professional help with his injury, which included physical therapy and an MRI, Dr. Cheatle was still not entirely upfront with his own family. But they noticed changes in his behavior, including staying in his car longer after arriving home from work because it hurt to get up, and having to excuse himself to go lay down. Ultimately it was conservative therapies, including spinal injections, that helped Dr. Cheatle reduce his pain and begin to recover. It was at this point that he was able to reintegrate exercise into his life with the help of physical therapy. The experience has made him a better doctor, allowing him to provide more meaningful support and encouragement to patients during the healing process. He emphasizes that the emotional aspect of recovery is often as challenging as the physical.💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Joseph Cheatle, MDWhat he does: As a board-certified neurosurgeon at Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates, Dr. Cheatle, provides adult neurosurgical care. His clinical special interests include treating brain tumors, degenerative spinal disorders, transsphenoidal surgery, and spinal cord stimulation.Company: Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine AssociatesWords of wisdom: “I'm a better doctor, for sure. And what I mean by that is that I can sympathize and not empathize.”Connect: Website ⚓ Anchor Points ⚓Top takeaways from this Back Talk Doc episode You should be a patient, not a doctor for yourself. After realizing the severity of his situation, Dr. Cheatle sought professional help from the physical therapy department. He completed a thorough examination and underwent an MRI. Don’t immediately jump to surgery as a solution. A discectomy would likely have provided quick relief. But even as a surgeon, Dr. Cheatle recognized the importance of trying other therapies first. He opted to explore more conservative treatment options before considering more invasive measures.Distinguishing between sympathy and empathy. Dr. Cheatle says that he is a better doctor after his injury. It allowed him to connect with patients on a deeper emotional level. By sharing his patients own struggles and triumphs, he can better relate to patients undergoing difficult situations. ⚕️ Episode Insights ⚕️[04:28] Brushing off an injury: Dr. Cheatle shares how he was involved in a skiing accident that he originally...

What happens when the doctor becomes the patient? In the first episode in this new series, Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia discusses personal back care journeys with some of his esteemed colleagues.On this episode, he talks with Lindsey Howard, PA-C, a physician assistant in the physiatry department at Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Care. Her spine care journey began with scoliosis. When she was 12, she was diagnosed with scoliosis during a routine school screening for the condition. Her spinal curve was 40 degrees and quickly progressed to 72 degrees. Her doctor recommended surgery or, he told her parents, she likely wouldn’t live past age 30.She hadn’t experienced much pain, only discomfort, from her scoliosis, but she remembers some of her post-op pain clearly. It’s helped her become more empathetic with patients.  “The resident was trying to peel off the bandage on my back — that was very painful,” she said. “So now when I remove bandages, I'm very, very sensitive to that for patients.” Thankfully, surgery allowed her to get back to a sporty lifestyle and allowed her to be a cheerleader in high school. And the experience as a whole inspired her to work in medicine. Originally, her plan was to go to medical school, with the goal of helping other girls who suffered from similar issues. But she ended up becoming a physician assistant because she liked to spend more time with patients in their care transitions. Tune in to this episode of Back Talk Doc to hear more of Lindsey’s story with scoliosis and how she uses that difficult experience to be a better care provider today. 💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Lindsey Howard, MPAS, PA-CWhat she does: Lindsey has been a physician assistant with Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates since she graduated in 2013. She works in the physiatry department with Drs. Wiercisiewski and Sumich. Company: Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates Words of wisdom: “The main reason I got into this is because I don't want anybody to ever feel [alone]. I think whenever you go through a major illness or any major medical issue, you can sometimes feel really alone.” Connect: Website |  LinkedIn Subscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode Talking Artificial Disc and Facet Replacement Surgery with Dr. Vince Rossi. 👉 Enroll in Dr. Lakhia’s 6 week course to lower inflammation. 👉 Apply for an Integrative Medicine consult with Dr. Lakhia (NC/SC residents only).🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com.👀 Check us out on the 15 Best Back Pain Podcasts list!🎧 Subscribe in your favorite...

As non-urgent medical procedures slowed during the height of COVID in 2020, some docs faced a lot of stress. Vince Rossi, MD, took advantage of his more-open schedule to get an MBA. So, why did Dr. Rossi want to pursue another degree after becoming a successful neurosurgeon? He wanted to better understand the health care system in which he works, believing that knowing the business world would benefit both his patients and his practice. That desire to benefit his patients led him to do a year of his residency in Australia. He was able to see a higher volume of arthroplasty procedures in a shorter period of time. On this episode of Back Talk Doc, Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and his guest, Dr. Vince Rossi, talk about artificial disc and facet replacement surgery. Dr. Rossi is a minimally invasive spine surgeon at Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates (CNSA). Dr. Rossi’s entire philosophy surrounds improving the lives of his patients — from understanding the business and back end of things to ensuring each one of his patients has explored all conservative treatments before even considering spine surgery. “If there's a reasonable option for any sort of interventional procedure or injections, then those are all the first first line treatment for that patient,” explains Dr. Rossi. “For me, the younger the patient is, the longer I make them wait before we talk about arthroplasty. Even if they've done six months of conservative treatments and they're a young, mid-20s-year-old, I want them to give their body as much chance as possible to heal that on its own.”Tune into this episode of Back Talk Doc to hear Dr. Rossi discuss arthroplasty, his typical route for diagnosis, and what he would tell any potential patient about the pros and cons of this newer intervention. 💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Vince Rossi, MD, MBAWhat he does: Dr. Rossi is a neurosurgeon practicing minimally invasive spine surgery at Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates (CNSA). He believes in using the least invasive methods to help patients reclaim their pain-free lives. Dr. Rossi focuses on motion preservation, specializing in non-fusion techniques such as endoscopic spine surgery and disc replacement.Company: Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates (CNSA)Words of wisdom: “When patients come to CNSA and get motion preservation options there, they're not just getting someone that knows how to implant these devices, they're getting an organization that really has [made] this technology available locally, nationally, and internationally.”Connect: LinkedIn⚓ Anchor Points ⚓Top takeaways from this Back Talk Doc episode Conservative treatments are still the first option. While artificial disc and facet replacement surgery is changing lives for recipient patients, following conservative routes of treatment — spine injections, physical therapy, etc. — are still the first path for patients experiencing lumbar pain. Prevention is the best treatment. Dr. Rossi emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy spine. Practicing good behaviors in everyday life, such as when picking something up or doing core-strengthening exercises, will do more to protect the spine than anything else. Prevent and maintain before treatment is even necessary. Get curious. Curious about how to better help and improve the lives of his patients, Dr. Rossi determined that understanding the business and back end of the healthcare system would be beneficial. He pursued an MBA when surgeries slowed...

You get hurt, and your instinct is to blame the injury itself, right? For Dr. Elizabeth Yurth, it’s a much broader picture than just the injury. While Dr. Yurth got her start in orthopedics and sports medicine, she took a pivot about 15 years into her career. She started looking at ways to keep patients out of her office, rather than coming back in. “I was patching people back together, throwing them back in the fire, and they're back a month later,” she says of her patients. “So I started to ask, could we do better? Could we make people healthier? That way, they could actually heal more completely and they wouldn't keep coming back into my office.”Rather than looking at just the injury, Dr. Yurth looks at the whole inflammation framework. And fortunately, she’s found that you don’t need expensive lab tests to figure out if your hormones are the source of your inflammation. Basic lab work, like CBC, metabolic panels, and glucose tests, can indicate whether hormones are off balance — and at a low cost. Her best advice to maintain health before you even hit the doctor’s office? Keep moving. It’s tempting to stop exercising when you’re injured, but something is better than nothing. Find the movement that works for you and stick to it. Why? Because your muscle acts like an organ, and building and stimulating muscle can help reduce pain. “Stop moving and you will die,” she says. “You’ve got to do something … you've got to move your muscles.”On this episode of Back Talk Doc, hear some of Dr. Yurth’s top tips for staying out of the doctor’s office, such as identifying and minimizing sources of inflammation and treating your muscle as an organ.💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Elizabeth (Betsy) Yurth, MDWhat she does: An expert in orthopedics and spine care, Dr. Yurth is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Boulder Longevity Institute. She’s fellowship trained in anti-aging medicine, regenerative medicine, and cellular medicine, with over 500 hours of continued education in longevity, nutrition, epigenetics, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and regenerative orthopedic procedures. Company: Boulder Longevity InstituteWords of wisdom: “We have absolute certainty and absolute proof now that the cause of the degenerative disease is not the trauma. It’s the immune response to the trauma. If you can change that immune response, then you shouldn't see the trauma go on.”Connect: LinkedIn | InstagramSubscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode Food Elimination and Pain with Heather Wolcott.👉Enroll in Dr. Lakhia’s 6 week course to lower inflammation. 👉Apply for an Integrative Medicine consult with Dr. Lakhia (NC/SC residents only). 🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com.🎧 Subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Back Talk Doc is brought to

As a holistic nutritionist, as well as a health and wellness coach, Heather Wolcott understands concerns about all-or-nothing lifestyles and dietary changes. Instead, Heather believes in promoting a well-rounded lifestyle — and understanding that nothing is forever. On this episode of Back Talk Doc, Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and his guest, functional health coach Heather Wolcott, talk about nutrition and its effect on health, wellness, and even pain. Much of their discussion focuses around food elimination diets.Heather understands that the term “elimination diet” can be daunting for some people. But, she says, this form of lifestyle change is really just a tool to identify food sensitivities and intolerances that can cause brain fog, joint pain, rashes, anxiety, bloating, and fatigue. As with all things in wellness and nutrition, the key is balance. Even elimination dieting doesn’t have to last forever, says Heather. For some people, it may only last a couple of weeks. Everyone is different, and no two paths to health are the same. But Dr. Lakhia and Heather have both observed that certain foods seem to cause more problems than others. Tune in to learn how you might be able to improve your lifestyle by simply cutting certain foods. 💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Heather WolcottWhat she does: As a holistic nutritionist for more than 20 years, Heather has been helping clients improve their health and achieve their nutrition goals. She is a National Board Certified health and wellness coach and an ADAPT-Certified Functional Health Coach. Company: Heather WolcottWords of wisdom: “I love to really dial into nutrition because it's super complicated and complex when you get granular with it, but it doesn't have to be. I think people just need to be more educated.”Connect: Website | Instagram Subscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode Evaluating Supplement Quality with Dr. Tod Cooperman👉Enroll in Dr. Lakhia’s 6 week course to lower inflammation. 👉Apply for an Integrative Medicine consult with Dr. Lakhia (NC/SC residents only). 🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com. 🎧 Subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Back Talk Doc is brought to you by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, with offices in North and South Carolina. To learn more about Dr. Lakhia and treatment options for back and spine issues, go to backtalkdoc.com. To schedule an appointment with Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, you can call us at 1-800-344-6716 or visit our website at CNSA.com.

Nutritional supplements are a recurring topic in discussions between doctors and patients. Many people incorporate supplements into the daily routine when they are looking to enhance their well-being or cure an ailment. But how do you know if you’re using the right nutritional supplements? On this episode of Back Talk Doc, Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and Dr. Tod Cooperman, MD discuss how to choose effective supplements, and what factors you should consider when looking to add supplements to your diet. Dr. Cooperman is the president, founder, and editor-in-chief of ConsumerLab.com, which is dedicated to independent reviews of supplements. He pursued the testing and review of supplements after seeing the impact of the DSHEA act in the 1990s, which allowed companies to make claims about products that they previously weren’t able to, leading to an explosion of interest in the health supplement market.   Understanding what goes into supplements can be a complex science in an industry that lacks FDA regulation. The team at ConsumerLab.com has set up detailed testing procedures at specialized labs to identify which products on the market are delivering on their claims. Despite a boom in popularity, Dr. Cooperman explains he’s not a fan of gummies because their dosage can be inaccurate due to the semi-liquid environment of the product. “There are not a lot of requirements from the FDA, but a product does have to have 100% of what it claims,” says Dr. Cooperman. “So companies don't want to produce a product that's going to fall below that; otherwise, they're in violation of the regulations. So they put in more.” Dr. Cooperman also shares insight into how to make an informed purchase, what to be wary of when shopping online for supplements, and what supplements he takes personally. 💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Dr. Tod Cooperman, MDWhat he does: Dr. Tod Cooperman is a nationally recognized and respected researcher, writer, and speaker on consumer healthcare issues. Dr. Cooperman is a graduate of the Boston University School of Medicine, receiving his M.D. in 1987. He also received his Bachelor's degree from Boston University with a major in Medical Sciences and a minor in Economics. Recognizing a lack of quality standards and oversight in the U.S. dietary supplement industry, Dr. Cooperman founded ConsumerLab.com in 1999, guiding it to become the leading independent evaluator of dietary supplements and nutritional products.Company: Consumer LabWords of wisdom: “Very rarely is there a situation where there are limits on contaminants. That’s left up to the manufacturer, so you’re at the mercy of the supplement company to do the right thing by you when you're buying a supplement. Some companies will cut corners or use simple methods, and others hold their products to a much higher standard.”Connect: Website |  LinkedIn Subscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode Back Pain and the Sacroiliac Joint with Tanner Holden, PT.👉 Enroll in Dr. Lakhia’s 6 week course to lower...

Despite its limited range of movement, the sacroiliac joint is prone to instability and is often a source of back pain in patients. On this episode of Back Talk Doc, Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and Tanner Holden, PT from Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates discuss the SI joint itself, some common causes of SI joint pain, and what the latest science has to offer for management. Patients can experience SI joint pain during or after pregnancy, pain from the joint itself, or autoimmune pain. However, diagnosing SI joint pain is rarely straightforward because medical imaging is not typically helpful in diagnosing SI joint pain. The pain can present in unexpected places and is often best diagnosed with the help of pain provocation tests. Once diagnosed, patients can opt for regular pain-reducing injections for a quick solution. A more holistic treatment plan looks at patient goals and finds ways to improve movement over time. This may also include lifestyle modifications to remove the irritants or activities that cause the pain to flare up. Since SI joint pain sources vary from patient to patient, plans are customized to individual needs. Tanner believes that healthy movement, activity, and strength are key to living an active and pain-free life. He and Dr. Lakhia discuss how this approach puts the patient first and removes the need for unnecessary supports like braces and belts. Instead, a strength-based approach allows patients to take their care into their own hands, resulting in fewer medical visits.  💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Tanner Holden, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCWhat he does: Tanner is a residency-trained Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist serving Charlotte and the surrounding area. He holds a board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Company: Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine AssociatesWords of wisdom: “We like to get people in and out and living their life.”Connect: Website |  LinkedIn Subscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode Rethinking Osteoarthritis and Degenerative Disc Disease.👉 Take Dr. Lakhia’s 14 Day Challenge to get your health back on track. 👉 Apply for an Integrative Medicine consult with Dr. Lakhia (NC/SC residents only). 🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com.🎧 Subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Back Talk Doc is brought to you by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, with offices in North and South Carolina. To learn more about Dr. Lakhia and treatment options for back and spine issues, go to backtalkdoc.com. To schedule an appointment with Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, you can call us at 1-800-344-6716 or visit our website at CNSA.com.

If your back has been hurting and you haven’t been able to find relief, or you have chronic recurrent arthritic pain, it may be time to explore new options. On this episode of Back Talk Doc, Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia hosts a solo episode to reframe how patients should be thinking about osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease. He proposes that patients move away from thinking of these conditions as the inevitable result of wear and tear, and instead look at them through the lens of metabolic dysfunction. Using a framework focusing on food and supplementation options, Dr. Lakhia discusses the connection between what we put in our bodies and the pain that we feel. Two of the biggest culprits for inflammation in the North American diet are gluten and dairy. Studies have shown that removing these from your diet can reduce back pain. Dr. Lakhia discusses the benefits of adding collagen, EGCG, melatonin, and a botanical nutrient combination that uses cannabidiol and a fatty acid known as palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). Each supplement is backed by research and has shown promise for treating back pain. “I think those are some really exciting options to consider beyond the typical thought process of just vitamin D, turmeric, and fish oil,” says Dr. Lakhia. For those interested in learning more, check out the 14 Day Challenge that is available on Dr. Lakhia’s website.  💡 Your Host 💡Name: Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia, DOWhat he does: As a board-certified physiatrist and integrative medicine physician at Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates, Dr. Lakia specializes in nonsurgical approaches to spine and orthopedic conditions and offers a diverse range of innovative treatments for back pain, including acupuncture, spinal injections, and prescriptive exercise. Dr. Lakhia favors a conservative, holistic approach to spine care and understands the importance of getting to know each patient. He believes that listening to a patient without judgment is essential to finding the best course of treatment for back pain relief and a return to a normal life.Company: Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine AssociatesWords of wisdom: “We know that patients and consumers nowadays are spending lots of time on the internet downloading, digesting information at a very, very rapid pace. So as clinicians, it's our duty to keep up as best we can with the evolving literature in the space.” Connect: Website | LinkedIn Subscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode Bone and Spine Health With Dr. Stephanie Plummer.👉Take Dr. Lakhia’s 14 Day Challenge to get your health back on track. 👉Apply for an Integrative Medicine consult with Dr. Lakhia (NC/SC residents only). 🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com.Back Talk Doc is brought to you by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, with offices in North and South Carolina. To learn...

We all feel invincible sometimes, even as we age. Our minds do a great job of remembering how active and agile we were in our 20s and 30s. Even if we maintain an active lifestyle into our 50s and 60s, there are silent diseases that could be lurking in the background. Whether we feel it or not, osteoporosis can sneak up on us, so it’s important to be proactive.Dr. Stephanie Plummer, a physiatrist at Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates, joins Back Talk Doc host Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia to share how women — and men — can best support their bone health to avoid disease and injuries as they get older.As an avid marathon runner, Dr. Plummer is quite active. But she emphasizes the importance of adding strength, flexibility, and balance work into our routines to help build bone density, as she’s done in her own workout regimen.“The flexibility and balance component is huge, and I think is really overlooked,” she says. “It’s great if we build good bone density and bone structure. That’s important for helping to prevent fractures. But if your balance is poor — or you don’t have the mobility to be able to prevent falling in the first place — then you may still be at higher risk.”Dr. Plummer and Dr. Lakhia also discuss the differences between osteoarthritis, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. They touch on hormonal influences as a reason why women are more likely to develop bone disease, as well as the role diet and sleep play in bone health.💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Dr. Stephanie Plummer, DOWhat she does: Dr. Plummer joined Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates as the first female physiatrist in 2021 & has been practicing physiatry in the Charlotte, NC area since 2013.Company: Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine AssociatesConnect: LinkedInSubscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode Battlefield Acupuncture for Pain with John Howard.👉 Enroll in Dr. Lakhia’s 6-week course to lower inflammation. 👉 Apply for an Integrative Medicine consult with Dr. Lakhia (NC/SC residents only). 🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com.🎧 Subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Back Talk Doc is brought to you by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, with offices in North and South Carolina. To learn more about Dr. Lakhia and treatment options for back and spine issues, go to backtalkdoc.com. To schedule an appointment with Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, you can call us at 1-800-344-6716 or visit our website at CNSA.com.

Battlefield acupuncture, a form of ear acupuncture, is well-known in military medicine. It’s now making its way to the civilian population due to ease of use, minimal risk involved, and effectiveness in relieving pain.John Howard, a clinician and academic, is a leading authority on this revolutionary technique. Upon earning his degree in acupuncture, he completed a five-year fellowship with the father of battlefield acupuncture himself, Dr. Richard Niemtzow. John joins Back Talk Doc host, Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia, to discuss battlefield acupuncture’s history, how it works, as well as some of the programs he runs to help fellow clinicians learn and implement the technique.Battlefield focuses on inserting needles into specific points in the ear to relieve pain. And with the low risk involved combined with high pain reduction rates, it’s a safe alternative to opioid use. “There's no contraindication with the medicine. You can’t say well, since you’re on this medication, I can’t give you this needle.” John says. “You don’t have to contact the pharmacy to see if there are any problems with this. It’s that simple.”John and Dr. Lakhia also share examples of how the technique has relieved pain with their own patients, as well as discussing John’s upcoming book to help other clinicians implement battlefield and bring their patients a better quality of life.💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: John Howard, LAc., Dipl. AcWhat he does: John is a clinician and academician, providing international lectures in acupuncture and auriculotherapy. He has authored five books and 21 articles on the subject.Company: Battlefield Acupuncture SeminarsWords of wisdom: “It's really embryology at its finest. Have one of your members look at someone’s ear, or even look at their own ear in the mirror. It kind of looks like an inverted fetus in the womb. And you can go back to physics where the part contains the whole, where the specific parts on the ear contain specific parts of the body. And with the interaction of the cranial nerves, that's how the body balances out the pain and its processes. And that's the question everybody always asks. They always say, Well, how does battlefield work? And I say, Very well, thank you, and just go along with that.”Connect: Website | LinkedInSubscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode Pain, Function & Parkinson's with Sam Schroeder, PT👉 Enroll in Dr. Lakhia’s 6-week course to lower inflammation. 👉 Apply for an Integrative Medicine consult with Dr. Lakhia (NC/SC residents only). 🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com.🎧 Subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Back Talk Doc is brought to you by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, with offices in North and South Carolina. To learn more about Dr. Lakhia and treatment options for back and spine

For those living with Parkinson's, back pain and stiffness can be some of the most frustrating symptoms of the neurological disorder. Luckily, with cutting edge physical therapy programs like LSVT BIG®, those living with Parkinson’s can combat the slowing and smallness of movements associated with the disease. Samantha Schroder, DPT, a physical therapist based in Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine’s Charlotte office is certified in the approach. She joins Back Talk Doc host, Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia, to discuss how the program reorganizes nerve networks in the brain to improve functioning.  The program focuses on big movements, which yield significant improvements in patients committed to the regimen. Samantha explains, “[We] get them to move really big. While it might seem super exaggerated when we act it out, when [the patient] acts it out, it's essentially going to be normal movement because they're starting from a place that's smaller. Having them do things that feel really exaggerated to them is going to look normal to us, and that's one of the main parts of the program.” In addition to explaining the science behind the program, Samantha shares exercises that patients can do to improve their posture and decrease back pain, also noting the benefits of integrating diaphragmatic breathing into the routine. 💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Samantha Schroeder, DPTWhat she does: Samantha Shroeder, DPT, is a licensed physical therapist living in Charlotte, NC. She has extensive experience in treating neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions, with specific interest in Parkinson’s Disease. Samantha is certified in treating Parkinson’s using the LSVT BIG® method.Company:  Carolina Neurosurgery & SpineWords of wisdom: "I fell into Parkinson’s because, during my clinical rotations, I noticed that it was more common than I had realized. It's the second most common neurological disease in the U.S., and people with Parkinson's can experience moderate to severe functional deficits. I believe that there is a significant role for physical therapy in treating Parkinson's, and that's where my interests stem from."Connect: LinkedIn | LSVT BIG® PromotionSubscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode Back Surgery Revisions with Patrick Jowdy, MD👉 Enroll in Dr. Lakhia’s 6 week course to lower inflammation. 👉 Apply for an Integrative Medicine consult with Dr. Lakhia (NC/SC residents only). 🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com. 🎧 Subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Back Talk Doc is brought to you by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, with offices in North and South Carolina. To learn more about Dr. Lakhia and treatment options for back and spine issues, go to backtalkdoc.com. To schedule an appointment with Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, you can...

In this special episode, Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia offers listeners a guided meditation session to help manage daily pain levels.Dr. Lakhia emphasizes the importance of deep breathing as a powerful tool to connect with the present moment and promote relaxation. This episode is especially helpful for those struggling with pain who are looking for natural ways to manage their symptoms.This meditation is meant to be listened to in a quiet, comfortable environment, perhaps seated in a comfortable chair or laying down comfortably. Do not listen to this meditation if you are operating machinery, a vehicle, or in any situation that could be harmful. 💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Dr. Sanjiv LakhiaWhat he does:  In addition to hosting Back Talk Doc, Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia is a board-certified physiatrist who cares for patients at the Ballantyne and Rock Hill offices of Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates. As a physiatrist, he specializes in non-surgical approaches to spine and orthopedic conditions and offers a diverse range of innovative treatments for back pain, including acupuncture, spinal injections, and prescriptive exercise.Company: Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine AssociatesConnect: Website |  LinkedIn Subscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode Back Surgery Revisions with Patrick Jowdy, MD👉Enroll in Dr. Lakhia’s 6 week course to lower inflammation. 👉Apply for an Integrative Medicine consult with Dr. Lakhia (NC/SC residents only). 🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com. 🎧 Subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Back Talk Doc is brought to you by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, with offices in North and South Carolina. To learn more about Dr. Lakhia and treatment options for back and spine issues, go to backtalkdoc.com. To schedule an appointment with Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, you can call us at 1-800-344-6716 or visit our website at CNSA.com.

During medical school, Dr. Patrick Jowdy was drawn to neurology and neurosurgery because of the challenges of the pathology and the importance of the work in improving patients’ lives. It was seeing the patients doing well post-op that finalized his interest in neurosurgery.In this episode of Back Talk Doc, host Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia talks with colleague Dr. Jowdy, now a neurosurgeon at Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, about how he treats patients who may need second low back surgeries. “Whenever anybody presents with [recurring] issues, the main thing that you need to really tease out is what the history is and what's really bothering them,” says Dr. Jowdy. “Sometimes there could be problems from an error in judgment and not really technique. That's why it's really important to identify what the problem is to begin with.” In addition to discussing treatment options for second, or revision, spinal surgeries, Dr. Jowdy also offers guidance on how back pain sufferers can try to avoid needing a second surgery. Tune in to hear how surgeons approach patients who present recurrent back pain after surgery and tips for maintaining a healthy spine. 💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Patrick Jowdy, MDWhat he does: As a neurosurgeon at Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, Dr. Jowdy offers personalized care to his patients by using minimally invasive techniques and complex procedures to treat spine and brain pathologies.Company: Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine AssociatesWords of wisdom: “What I tell patients after the operation is, there is a defect that the disc herniated through in the first place. The best chance you can give it to heal is to take it easy for a couple of weeks after the surgery. So I tell them, no heavy lifting, no bending, no twisting, just to give your back a rest in the weeks that come after the surgery just to reduce the chance that more discs can re-herniate.”Connect: Website | LinkedIn Subscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode Conquer Pain With Virtual Reality. 👉Enroll in Dr. Lakhia’s 6 week course to lower inflammation. 👉Apply for an Integrative Medicine consult with Dr. Lakhia (NC/SC residents only). 🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com.🎧 Subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Back Talk Doc is brought to you by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, with offices in North and South Carolina. To learn more about Dr. Lakhia and treatment options for back and spine issues, go to backtalkdoc.com. To schedule an appointment with Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, you can call us at 1-800-344-6716 or visit our website at CNSA.com.

It was more than 13 years ago that a veterinarian introduced Dr. Gregory Lutz to platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Dr. Lutz had a lame horse suffering from a tendon injury. With the help of a portable ultrasound, the veterinary physician drew the horse's blood, spun it in a centrifuge, and injected it into the tendon, right there in the stall. Within a few weeks, the horse was running around like a pony. That inspired Dr. Lutz to research this treatment for his own patients. With more than 30 years of clinical experience under his belt, Dr. Lutz has proven himself to be a driving force in today’s regenerative medicine movement. He has co-authored more than 60 scientific publications on the topic of PRP and continues to research the power of this treatment to improve outcomes.“We have to share research, speak openly about our findings, report the good and the bad and the ugly, so that people are aware of the risks, and see if we can keep moving this forward,” says Dr. Lutz. “It's been a very exciting journey to finally find something that I think has staying power.” In this episode of Back Talk Doc, host Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and Dr. Lutz discuss PRP treatments for low back pain and Dr. Lutz’s new book.💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Gregory Lutz, MDWhat he does: Dr. Lutz is the founder of the Regenerative SportsCare Institute, Physiatrist-in-Chief Emeritus at New York City's Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and a Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Nationally known for his work and writing on platelet-rich plasma treatments for disc injuries, Dr. Lutz just authored a new book, Heal Your Disc, End Your Pain: How Regenerative Medicine Can Save Your Spine.Company: Regenerative SportsCare InstituteWords of wisdom: “There's some merit to that thought that if we intervene early with a structured healing treatment, you might prevent some of the degenerative changes that occur with the spine that most likely would result in more aggressive treatment like surgery.”Connect: Website | LinkedInSubscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode Conquer Pain With Virtual Reality.👉Enroll in Dr. Lakhia’s 6 week course to lower inflammation. 👉Apply for an Integrative Medicine consult with Dr. Lakhia (NC/SC residents only). 🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com.🎧 Subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Back Talk Doc is brought to you by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, with offices in North and South Carolina. To learn more about Dr. Lakhia and treatment options for back and spine issues, go to backtalkdoc.com. To schedule an appointment

When we think of virtual reality, we usually think about its most obvious uses: gaming, socializing, or even shopping. But researchers and doctors are also experimenting with VR in the healthcare field. Harvard MedTech has found that VR has unique properties that help the brain address pain and return to homeostasis in a holistic way. In the Vx Therapy program, clinicians work alongside VR to help guide anyone from surgical patients to hospice patients and veterans toward relief from their pain. Using a biopsychosocial approach, practitioners there have found that creating acute distractions during a VR therapy session leads to pain relief that lasts hours, the equivalent of a pharmacological option like painkillers. That activity also encourages neuroplasticity and has helped patients achieve long-term relief and even sleep improvement.“We're tapping into the human brain in a way that we've never really been able to do before,” says Gerry Stanley, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Harvard MedTech. “We always treated it with drugs, we would treat it with injections, we would do different things, but now we're leaning into the brain's natural ability to find homeostasis and heal itself.”In this episode of Back Talk Doc, host Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia sat down with Dr. Stanley to discuss Harvard MedTech’s Vx Therapy program, why VR therapy works, and how it can revolutionize medicine as we know it.  💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Dr. Gerry Stanley What he does: As Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Harvard MedTech, Dr. Stanely leads the company’s tech and VR solutions to help combat the opioid epidemic and mental health crisis in the United States. He is also a consultant and business leader providing guidance to healthy systems on healthcare solutions.Company: Harvard MedTech Words of wisdom: “If we treat people holistically, we give them a tool to engage them biopsychosocially — look at the savings on the backend for the carriers. Look at the happiness of the patients […] That’s the holy grail.”Connect: Website |  LinkedIn Subscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode Hip vs. Back pain with Dr. Puneet Aggarwal👉Enroll in Dr. Lakhia’s 6 week course to lower inflammation:https://www.drlakhia.com/offers/WanLnrxk👉Apply for an Integrative Medicine consult with Dr. Lakhia (NC/SC residents only)https://www.drlakhia.com/apply🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com. 🎧

One of the more challenging conditions for doctors to diagnose whether pain is originating in the hip or back. In this episode of Back Talk Doc, host Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and his guest, Dr. Puneet Aggarwal, MD, troubleshoot different patient symptoms and explore how they would treat them.Dr. Aggarwal is the director of Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute of Sports Medicine, where he specializes in non-surgical treatments for the spine and interventional pain medicine. Dr. Lakhia and Dr. Aggarwal discuss multiple scenarios and treatment methods for a patient presenting hip and back pain. They run through different ways of identifying the root cause of the pain, how they would go about treating it, and the multiple options for patients who need more help. And for patients dealing with ongoing pain, Dr. Aggarwal stresses the importance of stretching and strengthening to maintain flexibility in your joints and muscles. From tight IT bands to testing pain on the stairs to SI joint pain and steroid injections, the two doctors cover the full gambit of hip and back pain. They provide tips for physicians to diagnose pain issues, and also help patients assess their own pain. 💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Puneet Aggarwal, MDWhat he does: As the director of Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute of Sports Medicine and division chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Aggarwal specializes in non-surgical spinal treatments and interventional pain medicine.Company: Spine First - Atrium HealthWords of wisdom: “I think maintaining strength, but also maintaining flexibility at the same time is the key.” Connect: WebsiteSubscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode Grief Connects Us with Jodi Stern, MD 👉Enroll in Dr. Lakhia’s 6 week course to lower inflammation:https://www.drlakhia.com/offers/WanLnrxk👉Apply for an Integrative Medicine consult with Dr. Lakhia (NC/SC residents only)https://www.drlakhia.com/apply 🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com. 🎧 Subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Back Talk Doc is brought to you by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, with offices in North and South Carolina. To learn more about Dr. Lakhia and treatment options for back and spine issues, go to backtalkdoc.com. To schedule an appointment with Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, you can call us at 1-800-344-6716 or visit our website at CNSA.com.

When his younger sister, Victoria, died from leukemia, Dr. Joseph Stern stepped out of his white coat, becoming more than a physician. He was a patient’s loved one — his sister’s caretaker and advocate.In this episode of Back Talk Doc, host Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia talks with Dr. Stern about how his experience with his sister led him to reexamine what it means to be a physician, which he chronicles for readers in his book Grief Connects Us: A Neurosurgeon’s Lessons on Love, Loss, and Compassion. “I saw, as if for the first time: what it was like to be a patient and what it's like to be a patient's family member. It really had a tremendous impact on me personally in terms of my relationship with her and family, but also how I take care of patients and the whole notion of passion in medicine,” says Dr. Stern. “I realized that, in many ways, I had never really been as empathetic as I needed to be or as compassionate, and hadn't really understood what it was like to be a patient [going] through this kind of illness.”Dr. Stern explains how physicians can become better doctors by practicing more patience, understanding, empathy, and compassion. He references multiple resources, in addition to his own book, so listeners can learn more about the power of connection between patient and physician.  💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Joseph Stern, MDWhat he does: Dr. Stern is a neurosurgeon, author, and inventor. He is a partner at Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates and practices neurosurgery at the Moses H. Cone Hospital. Company: Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine AssociatesWords of wisdom: “Have patience and the ability to listen — not being hurried — being present and listening and appreciating the [patient’s] experience is of vital importance. It makes you a better doctor, but it also takes your care to a whole different level in terms of the relationship you establish with a patient and family members.”Connect: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram  Subscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode 2022 Gift List For Back Pain2022 Gift List For Back Pain.🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com.🎧 Subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Back Talk Doc is brought to you by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, with offices in North and South Carolina. To learn more about Dr. Lakhia and treatment options for back and spine issues, go to backtalkdoc.com. To schedule an appointment with Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, you can call us at 1-800-344-6716 or visit our website at

Holiday shopping season is upon us, and there’s something out there for everyone. Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia reflects on the guests that decked the halls of Back Talk Doc in 2022 and compiled a list of the top ten gifts for people with back pain. The list is inspired by discussions with guests, including Dr. David Schecter and Esther Gokhale, and addresses a range of prices and applications. Finding the perfect gift is tough, so Back Talk’s top ten list helps strike the balance of something that lights up your loved ones’ faces while not depleting your budget or inflicting more back tension. Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia’s Top Ten List 10. Think Away Your Pain by Dr. David Schechter 9. Desert Tortoise Botanicals Trauma Pain Salve 8. Dr. Eric Goodman’s Foundation Training App 7. Fresh N Lean Meal Delivery Service 6. 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back by Esther Gokhale 5. Back Mechanic by Dr. Stuart McGill  4. Crossover Symmetry Padded Bands 3. Ear Seeds 2. Thermophore Heating Pad 1. The Back Talk Book by Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia Bring enlightenment into friends’ and families’ spines and homes this holiday season and start 2023 with habits that are guaranteed to ease any back pain or stress. Listen to this episode of Back Talk for the top ten gifts people with back pain can’t wait to receive this year. Subscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode Back Pain Relief with Spinal Cord Stimulation🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com. 🎧 Subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Back Talk Doc is brought to you by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, with offices in North and South Carolina. To learn more about Dr. Lakhia and treatment options for back and spine issues, go to backtalkdoc.com. To schedule an appointment with Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, you can call us at 1-800-344-6716 or visit our website at CNSA.com.

Physicians strive to find ways for their patients to live healthy, active lifestyles, and that is what attracted Dr. Dave Eichman to the specialty of spinal cord stimulation. In this episode of Back Talk, host Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and his guest, Dr. Eichman, cover what makes a patient a good candidate for the treatment, what to expect from it, and some potential pitfalls. “The unique ability to test the device before committing can help patients feel more confident in their choice. “[Once] you've had the surgery done, there's no going back. But with the stimulator, there's a five-to-seven day trial period where you come in, like you're gonna have an injection performed,” Dr. Eichman says while explaining a unique aspect of this treatment. “You just get to try it out, see if you can walk further, stand longer, sleep better, use less pain medicine. Are you comfortable with it?” The technology behind spinal cord stimulation has made significant progress since it first became available almost 50 years ago. In the past ten years alone there have been major improvements in the therapeutic modality of the device, so patients have more choices in what the treatment feels like to them. The devices are also now MRI-friendly, giving patients more imaging choices than they traditionally had if they had chosen to pursue this treatment. Tune in to this episode of Back Talk to hear how spinal cord stimulation can improve the lives of patients living with recurring nerve pain. 💡 Featured Expert 💡Name: Dave Eichman, MDWhat he does: As a clinician, Dr. Eichman enjoys caring for patients by using critical thinking, patience, and perseverance. He specializes in pain management with a special interest in spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, MILD procedure, and Botox for migraines.Company: Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine AssociatesWords of wisdom: “My interest has been in trying to make people's lives as bearable as possible. There are a lot of people that, unfortunately, are dealing with conditions that make it difficult for them to function throughout their day. So I've developed an interest in trying to make their lives better.”Connect: Website | LinkedIn Subscribe & Contact👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode A Guided Meditation For Pain: Creating A Safe Space.🔎 For more information on Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia and the podcast visit BackTalkDoc.com.🎧 Subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Back Talk Doc is brought to you by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, with offices in North and South Carolina. To learn more about Dr. Lakhia and treatment options for back and spine issues, go to backtalkdoc.com. To schedule an appointment with Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, you can call us at 1-800-344-6716 or visit our website at CNSA.com.