Back Pain

ENCORE: Uncovering Psychological Roadblocks to Healing Back Pain, Part 1
March 26, 2024
Dr. John Sarno revolutionized medicine’s approach to back pain with his book, "The Divided Mind," in the 1980s. His thesis is that conventional therapies like surgery are over-utilized and don’t get to the root of the problem which is TMS—tension myoneural syndrome. Dr. Sarno died in 2017, but his disciple Dr. Ira Rashbaum carries on his work at NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation. The method pioneered by Sarno eschews even physical therapy, chiropractic and acupuncture, and instead focuses on uncovering psychological roadblocks to recovery. Dr. Rashbaum explains how stress literally robs aching muscles of oxygen and nutrients essential for pain resolution. Dr. Sarno was beloved by patients—including many celebrities—but reviled by many of his colleagues because he challenged medical orthodoxy which invariably treats pain as the consequence of fixable structural abnormalities. Followers of Dr. Sarno like Dr. Rashbaum argue that structural changes are normal, and not always the culprit lesions that trigger pain. Dr. Rashbaum reveals that the Sarno method works to alleviate many common syndromes, including headaches, TMJ, tinnitus, and IBS. Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: Uncovering Psychological Roadblocks to Healing Back Pain, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Ira Rashbaum of NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation. Click HERE for part 1.

Intelligent Medicine Radio for April 8, Part 1: Fish Oil v. Cognitive Decline
April 10, 2023
I made Flava Naturals chocolate brownies for Passover—and they were a hit! Fish oil scores vs. cognitive decline in new study; Is crystal healing legit? Becoming a stool donor can yield big bucks—but few qualify; An epidemic of back pain in young girls is tied to excess screen time; Big Pharma has plans to harness mRNA technology for cancer, autoimmune disease, genetic conditions by 2030—but is it ready for primetime? Survey shows confidence in CDC recommendations varies by party affiliation; Body composition is a strong determinant of risk for severe Covid. Click HERE for part 2. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

ENCORE: Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: Disk Health
November 3, 2021
Is there evidence that wearing masks decreases oxygen levels and increases CO2 to the point of jeopardizing health?; How much Olive Leaf Extract should I take to protect my carotid arteries?; Is there anything to prevent the progression of deteriorating spinal discs, or to restore disc health? Click HERE for part 1.

Intelligent Medicine Radio Show for July 10, Part 1
July 12, 2021
How a 5 minute/day breathing workout can lower blood pressure as much as exercise, drugs; Can a fecal transplant stop Covid in its tracks? Muscle relaxants strike out for back pain; Tooth loss predictive of dementia risk; TJ Robinson, the Olive Oil Hunter, dishes on how to select quality brands; Extra virgin olive oil may halve risk of bone fractures; Olive-rich Mediterranean diet may be key to Alzheimer's prevention. Click HERE for part 2. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

Intelligent Medicine Radio Show for May 22, Part 1
May 24, 2021
FDA is banning over-the-counter N-acetylcysteine—is it a coincidence now that there’s intense interest in NAC as a hedge against Covid? A caller is dismayed that despite “doing everything right”, he’s accumulating coronary plaque; Does bacon really cause Alzheimer’s? Relieving discomfort of vertebral fracture; CBD shows promise for pain; Is Covid “overblown”? Are vaccine reactions being under-reported? Lottery tickets for shots and vaccine passports for high school graduation ceremonies. Click HERE for part 2. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

Intelligent Medicine Radio Show for November 14, Part 1
November 16, 2020
It’s Diabetes Awareness Month—and the medical establishment still can’t get diet for diabetes right; Why do cardiologists still tell patients to avoid cheese? When you eat as important as what you eat in managing diabetes; Losing just a few pounds can lower your risk of progressing to diabetes by nearly 50%; Chemicals in your home can cause diabetes; The low-FODMAP diet for IBS; Muscle relaxants plus NSAIDs—the “standard of care” for back pain—no better than placebo, study says; Calf muscle circumference a good predictor of health outcomes. Click HERE for part 2. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

Q&A with Leyla, Part 1: Bone Density
May 20, 2020
Springing into Telemedicine; Mental health consequences of the pandemic -- media-fueled agoraphobia?; My ferritin level is quite high. How do I go about lowering it?; What are the best natural remedies to increase bone density in the spine and relieve compression fracture pain? Click HERE for part 2.

Intelligent Medicine Radio Show for February 29, Part 2
March 2, 2020
Leading presidential candidates are all 70 plus—are they fit for Presidency? What critical information is missing from Bernie Sanders‘ health disclosure? Caller with polyps asks for advice on preventing colon cancer; Is too much B12 bad for you? Protocol for reversing Barrett’s esophagus; Keto diet vs. polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); Lavender products might induce premature breast development in young girls and boys; Work stress prompts back pain; Mom’s Vitamin D deficiency hikes kids’ risk for ADHD; Mushroom compound protects against pregnancy hypertension. Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

Q&A with Leyla, Part 2: The Quality of Prescription Drugs
September 18, 2019
A new blood test for Celiac disease?; I have two disc herniations in my cervical spine. Is this the cause of my dizziness, nausea, and weakness?; What do we do when the FDA fails to ensure the quality of prescription drugs? Perhaps we should just rely on food?; Are there any effective treatments for lipoedema? Click HERE for part 1.