Millions of Americans suffer from back pain every day. Chances are you, or someone you love is suffering or will suffer from back pain at some point. You do not have to suffer in silence. Help is here. Back Talk Doc is a podcast brought to you by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, where providing personalized, highly-skilled, and compassionate spine care to the Charlotte, NC area has been our specialty for over 75 years. And now, it’s time to understand the cause of back pain and learn about options to get you back on track! On Back Talk Doc, Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia will help you find answers to some of the most common questions about back pain and spine health. As a Physiatrist at Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, Dr. Lakhia is an expert in finding non-surgical treatment options for back and spine problems. The podcast features interviews with neurosurgeons and spine specialists along with episodes where Dr. Lakhia covers an array of different issues such as back pain, neck pain, spine surgery, spine injections, and concussion testing. If you would like to know more about Dr. Lakhia and treatment options for back issues, go to BackTalkDoc.com. To make an appointment, contact Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine at 1-800-344-6716 or visit CarolinaNeuroSurgery.com.
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From Host to Guest: Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia Discusses Back Care on "Interview the Expert" at The SpineXchange
Episode 75
Thursday, January 4, 2024 • Duration 32:06
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 Proskewitz
What 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.
Words 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.”
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...
We Feel Your Back Pain with Dr. Joe Cheatle
Episode 74
Monday, November 13, 2023 • Duration 35:10
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.
What 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.
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Battlefield Acupuncture for Pain with John Howard
Episode 65
Monday, May 1, 2023 • Duration 33:15
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. Ac
What 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.
Words 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, And I say, , and just go along with that.”
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Pain, Function & Parkinson's with Sam Schroeder, PT
Episode 64
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 • Duration 27:09
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, DPT
What 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.
Words 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."
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A Guided Meditation for Pain: Breathe and Body Scan
Episode 63
Monday, April 3, 2023 • Duration 13:40
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 Lakhia
What 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.
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, MD
What 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.
Words 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.”
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Heal Your Disc, End your pain with Dr. Greg Lutz
Episode 61
Tuesday, February 28, 2023 • Duration 38:16
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, MD
What 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.
Words 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.”
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Conquer Pain with Virtual Reality
Episode 60
Friday, February 17, 2023 • Duration 32:33
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.
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Hip vs. Back pain with Dr. Puneet Aggarwal
Episode 59
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 • Duration 34:23
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, MD
What 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.
👉 If you enjoyed this episode of Back Talk Doc, check out our recent episode
Grief Connects Us with Jodi Stern MD
Episode 58
Friday, January 27, 2023 • Duration 39:35
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.
“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, MD
What 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.
Words 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.”
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.
[04:28] Brushing off an injury: Dr. Cheatle shares how he was involved in a skiing accident that he originally...
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
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...
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.
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.
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
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.”
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.
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
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