Back in Control with David Hanscom, MD

Spine surgeon Dr. David Hanscom holds an annual Omega workshop called "Relief from Chronic Pain." In this episode he, his wife Babs and daughter Jasmine talk about the specific design of the workshop and the experience they have designed to help attendees heal from their chronic pain. Through group discussions, guided imagery, and sensorimotor exercises, individuals learn to address all the factors that affect their perception of pain.This year's workshop is June 7-9. For more information, visit: https://backincontrol.com/events/rhinebeck-ny-omega-workshop-relief-from-chronic-pain.

Relentless untreated anxiety is the core driver of destructive human behavior. It is the sensation generated by your body’s stress chemicals in response to a mental or physical threat. We hate feeling anxious and will do anything to solve or avoid this sensation.

Untreated anxiety is becoming a major social and health issue. Many people in their late teens, twenties and early thirties are suffering from crippling anxiety. These individuals are (or soon will be) establishing families and taking on greater responsibility in the workplace. Yet, a large percentage of them lack resilience skills.

In this important episode, spine surgeon Dr. David Hanscom discusses the need to view untreated anxiety as a serious public health problem. He shows why it’s the root cause of destructive behavior and makes a compelling case that our human survival will depend on us addressing it correctly. He believes we already have the knowledge and means to accomplish this task. For additional information, visit: http://www.backincontrol.com/societal-disintegration-untreated-anxiety

In this second interview with spine surgeon Dr. David Hanscom, Melissa Cady, DO, a pain specialist and anesthesiologist, talks about the principles that have shaped her patient-centered approach to treating chronic pain. These help patients leverage their body's capacity to heal. She also discusses some of the factors in our current healthcare system that may be preventing physicians from delivering more effective treatment of chronic pain to patients. For more information, go to: http://backincontrol.com.

When she first began treating chronic pain patients, pain specialist and anesthesiologist Melissa Cady quickly realized the traditional approaches being used by her colleagues were, for the most part, ineffective and sometimes harmful. In this interview with spine surgeon Dr. David Hanscom, she talks about how she developed a more patient-centered approach with much better results. She also talks about how she is extending that treatment approach using many different modalities. For more information, go to: http://backincontrol.com.

In part two of the litigation interview series, spine surgeon Dr. David Hanscom talks with attorney John Layman about how to move forward with your healing process while you are in the  process of litigation. They share insights on how attorneys and physicians can better help their patients / clients continue on their healing journey during litigation. John is an attorney representing victims of serious personal injuries, president of the Foundation Board for Inland Northwest Hospital Service and a partner of .John G. Layman LLP since 1983. For more information, go to: http://www.backincontrol.com/the-4-stages/stage-2-forgiveness-play/choose-not-to-be-a-victim or http://www.laymanlawfirm.com.

The medical literature contains a number of articles showing an increased risk for a negative outcome when litigation is a factor.

In this episode, spine surgeon Dr. David Hanscom talks with attorney John Layman about the impact that litigation has on the patient's healing process, their relationship with their physician and healthcare team, and the  quality of their lives overall. John is an attorney representing victims of serious personal injuries, president of the Foundation Board for Inland Northwest Hospital Service and a partner of .John G. Layman LLP since 1983. For more information, go to: http://www.backincontrol.com/angerloss-of-control or http://www.laymanlawfirm.com.

Anger - from chronic pain or some other source - can distort our lives, and isolate us from friends and family.

In this episode, spine surgeon Dr. David Hanscom interviews Fred Luskin, best-selling author of Forgive for Good, about the tools available to help us forgive, move past our anger and move forward with our lives. For more information, visit: http://www.backincontrol.com/the-4-stages/stage-2-forgiveness-play and https://learningtoforgive.com.

People who have suffered from some sort of long term vulnerability - e.g., chronic pain - can become angry and build a "grievance story" to justify holding on to their anger.

In this episode, spine surgeon Dr. David Hanscom talks with Fred Luskin, best-selling author of Forgive for Good, about this process of victimhood, and its power to shape and distort our lives. For more information, visit: http://www.backincontrol.com/the-4-stages/stage-2-forgiveness-play/understand-the-impact-of-anger-on-your-life-2 and https://learningtoforgive.com.

The relationship between a doctor and patient can be a potent force for healing or a barrier to the patient getting better. In addition to providing treatment for a specific condition, the doctor plays an important role in helping guide the patient to tap into their own healing powers. In this episode, spine surgeon Dr. David Hanscom talks with world renowned surgeon Bernie Siegel, best-selling author of Love, Medicine & Miracles. Bernie shares his thoughts and stories about the critical role a doctor-patient relationship based on understanding and compassion, as well as mutual trust and respect, plays in connecting us with our incredible capacity for healing.

Bernie Siegel has touched many lives around the world. In 1978 he began talking about patient empowerment and the choice to live fully and die in peace. A retired surgeon, he speaks, writes, and runs support groups in his effort to empower patients. His best selling books have included Love, Medicine & Miracles, and The Art of Healing. For more information, visit http://www.berniesiegelmd.com.

Part of healing chronic pain is deciding to move forward and then choosing the tools that will help redirect your brain's response to pain. This can include mindfulness, visualization, re-engaging with family and friends, play, and more.

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom discusses how nurturing the part of your brain that enjoys life is a learned skill. That is why it is so critical what you choose to program it with. If your default state of mind is that of being agitated and upset, that is what will evolve. As you trigger the same response in those close to you, then there is no end to this universal ping pong game. Conversely, if you choose gratitude and joy, the same phenomenon will lift you upward. There is a lot to be angry about and also much to enjoy. How will you choose to move forward? For more information, visit: http://www.backincontrol.com/moving-forward-with-your-pain