The first episode of the year brings a shift in looking at sciatica pain. Yes, there are many ways that sciatica pain can occur: herniated discs, stenosis, arthritis, deep gluteal syndrome, piriformis syndrome. But what about the biology of pain itself? Today we take a deep dive to learn more about how pain works and the types of pain that can be associated with sciatica. We also go through specific actionable steps to help get to the root cause of your sciatica pain.

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 solo session, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses how to manage sciatica flare-ups during the holiday season when many health services are unavailable. He emphasizes the importance of remaining calm, using breathing techniques, and approaching pain with curiosity. Dr. Mak provides practical tips for self-care, including asking for help, keeping a pain journal, and recognizing when to seek medical attention. He reassures listeners that flare-ups are temporary and encourages a positive mindset for recovery as the new year begins.

Happy New Year!

Dr. Van Praag is an anesthesiologist and coach to burnt out physician moms.

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Mak and Dr. Cindy Van Praag delve into the complexities of burnout, particularly among physician moms. They explore the chronic nature of burnout, its physical manifestations, and the importance of self-care and mindfulness. The discussion emphasizes the need for setting boundaries, prioritizing health, and utilizing data-driven insights to manage stress. Dr. Van Praag shares her experiences as a physician coach, helping others navigate the challenges of balancing work and family life while maintaining well-being.

You can reach out to Dr. Van Pragg here: https://inspiredmommds.com/

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 Mak and Dr. Jen Clemons explore the intricate relationship between the gut and brain, emphasizing the gut-brain axis and its impact on pain and overall health. They discuss the importance of the microbiome, neurotransmitters, and inflammation in chronic pain conditions. Dr. Clemons shares insights on dietary principles and supplements that can support gut health, highlighting the need for individualized care and the significance of understanding one's body. The discussion also touches on the role of naturopathy and acupuncture in promoting holistic health.

Link for Dr. Clemons: https://www.drjenclemons.com/

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

Today Dr. Ashley interviews Dr. Deborah Ma, PhD, L.Ac, acupuncturist and owner of Puzzlesf.com a acupuncture clinic out in in the Mission District of San Francisco. We talk about how Chinese Meridians, reorienting the chi flow, and how a new technique called "cheek acupuncture" can be beneficial for those experiencing pain. We discuss the importance of understanding where the pain is coming from and that most of the time, the pain we feel is not the same location as the cause.

Acupuncture is a great tool in recovery. You can reach Dr. Ma at her website puzzlesf.com

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 explores the intricate relationship between foot health and sciatica, emphasizing how issues in the feet can lead to altered mechanics of the body. This episode covers foot anatomy, walking mechanics, and the importance of foot arches in maintaining proper posture. Dr. Ashley provides actionable steps for listeners to improve their foot health and alleviate pain, highlighting the interconnectedness of the body and the role of physical therapy in managing pain.

Flat foot podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/functional-rehab/id1726101419?i=1000651880861

Cure for flat feet youtube video: https://youtu.be/g4UQe4meD6Y

Decreased Subtalar Pronation in Sciatica Patients (Compensation Mechanism):

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40272494/

Foot Overpronation Linked to Low Back Pain:

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8312604/

Orthotics Not Supported for Primary Prevention of Low Back Pain:

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19359999/

Website: ifixyoursciatica.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDSyjTFrrE45LNbmXNad2dQ/featured

Booking Link: https://msgsndr.com/widget/appointment/ifixyoursciatica/strategy-call

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifixyoursciatica-com/

Dr. Ashley introduces the new season of the podcast, focusing on the underlying causes of chronic pain. The season will explore biomechanics, gut health, neuroplasticity, and the endocannabinoid system, featuring expert guests.

Interested in an episode that we haven't coverd yet? Email us at info@ifixyoursciatica.com.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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