Back in Control with David Hanscom, MD

Getting Back in Control of Healing

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Sachit Egan, an avid outdoorsman, runner, and weightlifter. He discusses his back pain and the various treatments he had undergone. He had been experiencing back pain for many years, with the pain becoming more severe in 2013. He had seen multiple doctors, including surgeons, who all recommended immediate spinal fusion.However, Sachit decided to wait and read David's book, Back in Control, which led him to seek David's help. After seeing David, Sachit made the decision to forgo spine surgery and take control of his own healing. Download the transcriptSachit Egan is an avid outdoorsman, runner, and weightlifter. In his early twenties, Sachit was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis and bulging discs that caused him severe low back and sciaticpain. A half-dozen doctors recommended that Sachit get immediate multi-level spinal fusion surgery, but a visit with Dr. Hanscom convinced Sachit to reconsider the surgical route. Today, Sachit resides in Seattle, WA where he and his partner enjoy backpacking, rock climbing, and cliff jumping in the beautiful Pacific Northwest outdoors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harnessing the Power of Mind-Body Healing for a Healthier Life

In her follow-up interview with Dr. David Hanscom, Brenda Stockdale explores the profound impact of reducing chronic stress on healing and managing illnesses like cancer and autoimmune disorders. She shares insights from pioneers like Dr. Lawrence LeShan, whose approach encouraged terminally ill patients to live authentically and passionately, often resultingin unexpected recoveries. She highlights the importance of behavioral medicine techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, guided imagery, and self-awareness, in promoting safety physiology and allowing the body to heal. She underscores universal principles of healing—connecting with oneself, letting go of stress, and finding purpose and meaning in life.  Download the transcript.As the Director of Behavioral Medicine at regional and nationally recognized cancer centers, Dr. Stockdale synthesizes relevant research into clinical practice through the design and implementation of evidence-based biobehavioral programming. As a result of this rigor, her work is nationally recognized and endorsed by leading specialists in multiple disciplines. For two-decades her programs have been implemented in major cancer centers and other healthcare organizations. In addition to her private practice, Stockdale is a consultant for corporate and health care organizations and developed a health psychology program for primary care settings specializing in preventive medicine, autoimmunity and stress-relatedconditions. She is the author of “You Can Beat the Odds: Surprising Factors Behind Chronic Illness and Cancer.”  For more information, visit: https://www.brendastockdale.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unlocking the Body’s Healing Mechanisms

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Brenda Stockdale, Director of Behavioral Medicine at regional and nationally recognized cancer centers. She explores her innovative work in health psychology, focusing on helping individuals manage chronic pain and overcomeserious illnesses through techniques like psychoneuroimmunology. She discusses her involvement with Bernie Siegel’s Exceptional Cancer Patients (ECAP) program, highlighting the transformative impact of fostering self-mastery, commitment, and the ability to view challenges as turning points. In addition, she shares her personal journey with lupus, illustrating how principles like relaxation, gratitude, and self-compassion facilitated her recovery. Sheemphasizes the physiological underpinnings of stress and healing, underscoring how tools like breathwork, imagery, and emotional reframing can stimulate the body's healing mechanisms. Download the transcript.As the Director of Behavioral Medicine at regional and nationally recognized cancer centers, Dr. Stockdale synthesizes relevant research into clinical practice through the design and implementation of evidence-based biobehavioral programming. As a result of this rigor, herwork is nationally recognized and endorsed by leading specialists in multiple disciplines. For two decades her programs have been implemented in major cancer centers and other healthcare organizations. In addition to her private practice, Stockdale is a consultant for corporate and health care organizations and developed a health psychology program for primary care settings specializing in preventive medicine, autoimmunity and stress-relatedconditions. She is the author of “You Can Beat the Odds: Surprising Factors Behind Chronic Illness and Cancer.”  For more information, visit: https://www.brendastockdale.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Fear to Freedom - How Guided Movement Heals Chronic Pain

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom continues his discussion with Mags Clark Smith, a specialist in somatic work and mindfulness, and a contributor to a textbook on psychophysiological disorders. She highlights how guided movement can alleviate chronic pain by reducing fear and anxiety, which amplify pain responses. She emphasizes creating safety and trust to helpindividuals reconnect with their bodies and overcome resistance to movement. Her work has proven particularly impactful in areas like pregnancy-related pelvic pain, where fear worsens discomfort. She explains how her approach combines reducing fear and fostering movement to promote healing, setting it apart from traditional pain management methods that often overlook the emotional and neurological dimensions of chronic pain. Download the transcript.Mags draws on her extensive knowledge of the body through dance, psychology and non-verbal communication to empower people to move with confidence and resolve chronic pain. Mags offers one-to-one Resolving Chronic Pain consultations and Body Control Pilates classes, as well as taking part in chronic pain research and giving guest talks and lectures onchronic pain. Mags lectures on University Edinburgh Dance Science Masters course. For more information, visit: https://www.resolvingchronicpain.com/teaching-movement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reconnecting with the Body to Heal Chronic Pain

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Mags Clark Smith, a specialist in somatic work and mindfulness, and a contributor to a textbook on psychophysiological disorders. She discusses her unique approach to chronic pain and body awareness. Inspired by identifying her twin brothers through their gaits, she developed a fascination with movement, realizing earlyon how subtle physical cues can reveal individuality and inform body awareness, a theme central to her current work. As a lecturer at Lancaster University, she used somatic methods, including guided movement exercises and mindfulness practices, to help rugby players and individuals with eating disorders connect with their bodies through internal awareness. By focusing on movement quality and sensations, she encourages individuals to reconnect with their bodies, reducing stress and fostering self-awareness, which are key to achieving bothmental and physical healing. Download the transcript.Mags draws on her extensive knowledge of the body through dance, psychology and non-verbal communication to empower people to move with confidence and resolve chronic pain. Mags offers one-to-one Resolving Chronic Pain consultations and Body Control Pilates classes, as well as taking part in chronic pain research and giving guest talks and lectures on chronic pain. Mags lectures on University Edinburgh Dance Science Masters course. For moreinformation, visit: https://www.resolvingchronicpain.com/teaching-movement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices