Aches And Gains With Dr. Paul Christo

There are several facial pain syndromes, but Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) may be the worst. Sudden, stabbing, electrical sensations radiating from the ear down the face are typical leading some to call this syndrome the “suicide disease” because the pain can be so excruciating.  We’ll get a firsthand account of living with and overcoming TN from […]

Imagine how you would feel if you experienced pain while chewing, swallowing, speaking or even yawing? Or, consider living with such limited jaw movement that you couldn’t insert a spoon or fork into your mouth.  Many suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) endure these symptoms every day. According to the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, […]

Arthritis causes joint inflammation and pain. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common disabling diseases in developed countries. Over the age of 60, about 10% of men and 18% of women have symptoms. Despite appropriate treatment, many people continue to experience pain that interferes with both their physical function, and psychological well-being. Lois Pike, […]

Are you afraid of developing pain as you get older? Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the world’s population, and pain is the most common reason they seek medical care. Fortunately, chronic pain is not an inevitable part of aging. Today’s show features  a story of success from Manny Bellmore, an active 76 […]

Electrical stimulation for the treatment of pain has been around for thousands of years. Learn about neurostimulation, a technique that uses electric impulses to relieve chronic pain. You’ll hear a riveting story from Adam Hammond, a former member of the US Army Golden Nights Parachute Team, as he describes how a nerve stimulator restored his life […]

Everyday things like sitting or exercising can be virtually impossible if you are suffering from pudendal neuralgia, commonly called cyclist’s syndrome, which affects the pelvic floor. Patients feel stabbing, stinging, or burning sensations around the anal, scrotal, or labial regions of the body. Leslie describes how normal childbirth led to a feeling of having a “lit […]

Three year old triathletes?  Elite sports and early specialization for seven year olds? Are we harming our kids with our obsession with youth sports, and putting them at risk for a lifetime of pain? To answer these questions, join Mark Hyman, author of Until it Hurts: America’s Obsession with Youth Sports and How It Harms […]

Shoulder pain is so common that it affects up to 66% of the population at some point in life. Conditions like impingement, tendinitis and rotator cuff tears are the most common. Johns Hopkins orthopedist and shoulder expert Dr. Ed McFarland discusses what we need to know about the causes and treatments of shoulder pain. Former […]

If all efforts to relieve your pain fail or if the pain of cancer plagues you, an implantable pain pump may be the answer.  This device delivers tiny, controlled doses of pain medicine directly to the spinal cord. We are joined by Ami McCarty, who will describe what a difference her pain pump has made […]

Many mind-body therapies help us cope with life events and optimize personal health. A specific mind-body therapy called Chakra Balancing is rooted in the tantric and yoga traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism.  We will explore this rich and complex system of energy healing with both of our guests. Jennifer Becker describes how well chakra balancing […]

It was commonly thought that the nervous system of newborn babies wasn’t developed enough at birth to experience pain.  Even though medical thinking has changed, it’s frightening to realize that under treating or simply not treating pain in sick babies may lead to a life of pain. Pam McFadyen shares an intimate portrait of having […]

Many know that President John F. Kennedy suffered from low back pain. But, Kennedy’s medical history was far more serious and complex.  In fact, his health was a closely guarded secret. It wasn’t until the release of his medical records in 2002 that the public became aware of his lifelong struggle with pain. In the […]

Many know that President John F. Kennedy suffered from low back pain. But, Kennedy’s medical history was far more serious and complex.  In fact, his health was a closely guarded secret. It wasn’t until the release of his medical records in 2002 that the public became aware of his lifelong struggle with pain. The first […]

Electrical stimulation of areas deep inside the brain is used to treat severe tremors and movement disorders caused by conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Our guests Thomas Ashley shares a true story of triumph over “firelike” pain and neurosurgeon Dr. Andre Machado, the Cleveland Clinic, explores this fascinating therapy of accessing our inner brain for pain […]

Chronic pain can be hard to predict. Why is it that we feel fine one minute and in agony the next? Most of all, we feel powerless – resigned to “just living with the pain.” Our guest Dr. Deborah Barrett feels just the opposite. In her book, Paintracking: Your Personal Guide to Living Well with […]

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and the knee joint has great susceptibility to injury, degeneration from age, and arthritis. In adults, the most common causes of knee pain are due to overuse and trauma. On today’s show, we’ll first hear from Joe Montana, one of football’s biggest names. He’ll share how […]

Today, we step away from human pain and examine animal pain. The similarities may astound you.  We’ll get an in-depth look at thoroughbred racehorses. Targeting injury and pain and then treating them quickly and effectively are critical.  But, how is this done? Do trainers have a remarkable gift for understanding horses?  John Servis, champion thoroughbred […]

Being in chronic pain is dreadful but being in pain and feeling alone is unbearable.  In many cases, pain can take over our lives, and engulf us in a cloud of hopelessness. Is it possible to restore vitality and optimism?  Both of our guests believe that there is a way.  Jim Brown shares how Take […]

Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone isn’t able to keep up with the removal of old bone.  Bones then become weak, brittle, and painful — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses like bending over or coughing can cause what is known as a “fragility fracture.”  Our guest is Dr. Keith […]

Biofeedback sounds mysterious and technical, but it’s been in use since the mid-to-late 1960’s. Today, we’ll examine Biofeedback with the help of two of our guests. Retired anesthesiologist Dr. Blossom Sanger shares how this therapy has given her much better control of her pain and her life. Jim Cahill, Biofeedback Therapist from the Scripps Center […]