In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the often misunderstood role of inflammation in the healing process, particularly in relation to sciatica pain. He explains the three main phases of tissue healing—acute inflammatory, proliferation, and maturation—and emphasizes that inflammation is a necessary part of recovery. The discussion also covers the causes of sciatica pain, the differences between acute injuries and chronic conditions, and the importance of managing inflammation through movement, nutrition, and sleep.

Disc Healing/Resorption:

• Title: The Spontaneous Regression of a Herniated Lumbar Disc: A Review of the Literature and a Case Report
• Journal: Pain Physician
• Link: https://www.painphysicianjournal.com/current/2017/March/Vol20-S1/PPJ_20-S1_S139.pdf

McKenzie Method and Directional Preference for Disc Pain:

• Title: Directional preference in the management of low back pain: a systematic review
• Journal: Spine
• Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17694119

Medical Imaging Not Correlating with Pain:

• Title: Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations
• Journal: American Journal of Neuroradiology
• Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25433605

Ice and Modern Healing Principles:

• Title: Revisiting the PRICE and RICE acronyms for soft tissue injury management: a systematic review
• Journal: Sports Medicine
• Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29243037

Check out our favorite products! (affiliate page): https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/favorite_products

Did you know that our YouTube channel has a growing number of videos including this podcast? Give us a follow here- https://youtube.com/@fixyoursciatica?si=1svrz6M7RsnFaswN

Are you looking for a more affordable way to manage your pain? Check out the patient advocate program here: ptpatientadvocate.com

Here’s the self cheat sheet for symptom management: https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/self-treatment-cheat-sheet-8707

Book a free strategy call: https://msgsndr.com/widget/appointment/ifixyoursciatica/strategy-call

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the role of supplements in managing sciatica and nerve pain. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the causes of sciatica and highlights the most researched supplements, including alpha lipoic acid, B vitamins, and palmitolethylamide. The conversation also covers supplements with mixed evidence, such as turmeric and MSM, and provides guidelines for safely using supplements. Dr. Mak concludes by stressing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regimen.

1. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

• Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375279477_Systematic_Review_and_Meta-Analysis_Medicine_R_Effectiveness_of_alpha-lipoic_acid_in_patients_with_neuropathic_pain_associated_with_type_I_and_type_II_diabetes_mellitus_A_systematic_review_and_meta-an
• Review Article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9774895/

2. B Vitamins (especially B12)

• Systematic Review: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/8/2221
• Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33619867/

3. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

• Review of Clinical Applications: https://www.dovepress.com/palmitoylethanolamide-in-the-treatment-of-pain-and-its-clinical-applic-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-DDDT
• Meta-Analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39798151/

4. Other Supplements

• Turmeric (Curcumin): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8125634/
• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7458879_Efficacy_of_methylsulfonylmethane_MSM_in_osteoarthritis_pain_of_the_knee_A_pilot_clinical_trial
• Arnica: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC539394/

Check out our favorite products! (affiliate page): https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/favorite_products

Did you know that our YouTube channel has a growing number of videos including this podcast? Give us a follow here- https://youtube.com/@fixyoursciatica?si=1svrz6M7RsnFaswN

Are you looking for a more affordable way to manage your pain? Check out the patient advocate program here: ptpatientadvocate.com

Here’s the self cheat sheet for symptom management: https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/self-treatment-cheat-sheet-8707

Book a free strategy call: https://msgsndr.com/widget/appointment/ifixyoursciatica/strategy-call

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Dr. Tracy Foose, MD explore the intricate relationship between anxiety and pain, discussing how they influence each other and create a feedback loop. They delve into the role of psychiatrists in managing chronic pain, the science behind pain perception, and the psychological impact of conditions like sciatica. The discussion also covers behavioral responses to pain, the influence of social media, and various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and medication options. Dr. Foose shares insights on finding the right psychiatrist and highlights the importance of understanding the body's response to anxiety and pain.

You can see more of Dr. Foose's work here: https://www.drfoose.com/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

Check out our favorite products! (affiliate page): https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/favorite_products

Did you know that our YouTube channel has a growing number of videos including this podcast? Give us a follow here- https://youtube.com/@fixyoursciatica?si=1svrz6M7RsnFaswN

Are you looking for a more affordable way to manage your pain? Check out the patient advocate program here: ptpatientadvocate.com

Here’s the self cheat sheet for symptom management: https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/self-treatment-cheat-sheet-8707

Book a free strategy call: https://msgsndr.com/widget/appointment/ifixyoursciatica/strategy-call