What’s really happening behind the scenes with your health insurance? On this week’s episode of Bending Over Backwards, host James Adkins exposes the shocking tactics used by UnitedHealthcare to deny medically necessary care. From AI tools with error rates as high as 90% to clawback payments that leave doctors and patients in the lurch, we’re diving deep into the troubling intersection of technology and humanity in healthcare.

Discover why spine care patients are suing, how delays in authorizations lead to life-altering complications, and why many feel stuck in a broken system that favors profits over people. Packed with eye-opening personal stories and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the frustrating world of insurance claims. Tune in now and find out how to fight for your health—and your rights!

Contact Dr. James Adkins:
Website: Arizona Pain Treatment Centers
Website: Endoscopic Spine Treatment in Phoenix - Escape Spine Surgery
Phone Number: 602-265-8800
Instagram: @drjamesadkins
Instagram: @azptc
Instagram: @escapespinesurgery
YouTube: @Dr.JamesAdkins

What if every rejection brought you closer to your biggest breakthrough? On this episode of Bending Over Backwards, Dr. James Adkins sits down with Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Famer Nick Lowry to uncover the lessons behind his legendary career and life of service. From being cut by eight NFL teams to becoming a three-time Pro Bowler, Nick shares his strategies for building mental toughness, embracing persistence, and staying focused under pressure—even when 80,000 fans (and millions on TV) are watching.

But this conversation goes beyond football. Listeners will learn how to transform personal challenges into opportunities for growth, use their unique talents to create lasting impact, and approach leadership with empathy and purpose. Whether you’re looking for inspiration to overcome obstacles or practical advice for making a difference, this episode delivers. Tune in for a game plan that will leave you ready to tackle your own life’s biggest goals.

Contact Dr. James Adkins:
Website: Arizona Pain Treatment Centers
Website: Endoscopic Spine Treatment in Phoenix - Escape Spine Surgery
Phone Number: 602-265-8800
Instagram: @drjamesadkins
Instagram: @azptc
Instagram: @escapespinesurgery
YouTube: @Dr.JamesAdkins

What happens when a seemingly small decision transforms into a life-altering health battle? In this powerful episode of Bending Over Backwards, Dr. James Adkins welcomes his wife, Emanuelle Adkins, for a raw and intimate conversation. Emanuelle shares her journey of navigating years of unexplained illness, uncovering the truth about breast implant illness, and reclaiming her health through courage and faith. From the pivotal moment of discovery to the life-changing decision of explant surgery, Emanuelle’s story is a testament to resilience and the importance of listening to your body.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Emanuelle brings her unique perspective as a Swiss-born, French-raised woman, sharing the cultural values that shaped her parenting philosophy, the sacred importance of family meals, and her timeless approach to fashion and beauty. With humor, honesty, and wisdom, Emanuelle offers insights into living with intention, embracing simplicity, and finding grace in life’s challenges. Tune in for a deeply personal and inspiring episode that will leave you reflecting on health, family, and the power of self-discovery.

Contact Dr. James Adkins:
Website: Arizona Pain Treatment Centers
Website: Endoscopic Spine Treatment in Phoenix - Escape Spine Surgery
Phone Number: 602-265-8800
Instagram: @drjamesadkins
Instagram: @azptc
Instagram: @escapespinesurgery
YouTube: @Dr.JamesAdkins

What drives someone to turn a fifth-grade fascination with smoker’s lungs into a pioneering career in pain management? In this jam-packed episode of Bending Over Backwards with James Adkins, Dr. Azmi Nasser joins his partner and longtime friend, Dr. James Adkins, to reflect on his journey, from med school surprises to the latest advancements in spine care.

Hear about the evolution of ultra-minimally invasive procedures, the fine line between corticosteroid benefits and risks, and why work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword—it’s survival. Along the way, Dr. Nasser shares hilarious and heartfelt moments, like an OR anesthesiologist face-planting mid-surgery and a broken rib that led to a life-saving cancer diagnosis. With candid insights on family, cultural influences, and the importance of humility in medicine, this episode is a masterclass in breaking barriers, finding balance, and staying human through it all.



Contact Dr. James Adkins:
Website: Arizona Pain Treatment Centers
Website: Endoscopic Spine Treatment in Phoenix - Escape Spine Surgery
Phone Number: 602-265-8800
Instagram: @drjamesadkins
Instagram: @azptc
Instagram: @escapespinesurgery
YouTube: @Dr.JamesAdkins

What happens when a spine doctor becomes the patient? In this candid and captivating episode of Bending Over Backwards with Dr. James Adkins, we take you on a two-decade journey through the highs and lows of battling a herniated disc, chronic pain, and the lessons learned along the way. Dr. Adkins shares his personal story of overcoming debilitating nerve pain, navigating outdated treatments, and discovering cutting-edge solutions like PRP therapy and bone marrow injections.

But the real game-changer? Learning to take charge of his own recovery outside the doctor's office. From core-strengthening breakthroughs to busting myths about inflammation and gut health, this episode is packed with insights that will transform the way you think about healing. Whether you’re a patient, a healthcare professional, or just curious about the future of medicine, this episode will inspire you to stand taller, live healthier, and embrace new challenges.

Tune in to discover how you can break through barriers, push past pain, and take your health into your own hands! 

Contact Dr. James Adkins:
Website: Arizona Pain Treatment Centers
Website: Endoscopic Spine Treatment in Phoenix - Escape Spine Surgery
Phone Number: 602-265-8800
Instagram: @drjamesadkins
Instagram: @azptc
Instagram: @escapespinesurgery
YouTube: @Dr.JamesAdkins

Get ready for a heart-pounding adventure as Bending Over Backwards with Dr. James Adkins welcomes extreme sports icon and entrepreneur Clayton Lindley! From freestyle scooter stunts on mega ramps to skydiving, base jumping, and scaling cliffs, Clayton has lived a life most only dream (or fear) of.

In this episode, Clayton reveals his journey from a small-town Texas kid to a globe-trotting athlete, the mental focus it takes to defy gravity, and how he balances the chaos of extreme sports with the calm of golf, yoga, and a thriving media company.

Want to know what it’s like to hit a six-story ramp, fly through the air, or climb to new heights—literally and figuratively? Click play and join the adrenaline rush!

Contact Dr. James Adkins:
Website: Arizona Pain Treatment Centers
Website: Endoscopic Spine Treatment in Phoenix - Escape Spine Surgery
Phone Number: 602-265-8800
Instagram: @drjamesadkins
Instagram: @azptc
Instagram: @escapespinesurgery
YouTube: @Dr.JamesAdkins

When a viral scandal could have ended her career, Melissa Rein Lively turned it into a defining moment. In this riveting episode, the PR visionary takes us inside her journey of redemption, resilience, and reinvention. With unflinching honesty, Melissa reveals how she navigated the fallout of public scrutiny, rebuilt her reputation, and used her expertise to turn the media narrative in her favor. Her story isn’t just about survival—it’s a masterclass in thriving through adversity.

Melissa dives deep into the strategies behind her success, from leveraging storytelling to reclaim her personal brand to using social media as a powerful tool for connection and impact. She shares actionable insights on mastering PR in a digital-first world, handling crises with confidence, and finding clarity through mindfulness and wellness practices. Whether you’re building a brand, managing a reputation, or simply looking for a blueprint to transform challenges into opportunities, this episode is packed with tools, inspiration, and game-changing advice.



Contact Dr. James Adkins:
Website: Arizona Pain Treatment Centers
Website: Endoscopic Spine Treatment in Phoenix - Escape Spine Surgery
Phone Number: 602-265-8800
Instagram: @drjamesadkins
Instagram: @azptc
Instagram: @escapespinesurgery
YouTube: @Dr.JamesAdkins

Is spine care stuck in the past, or are we rewriting the rules? In this engaging episode, Dr. Rafath Baig, Dr. Azmi Nasser, and Dr. Adkins unpack the latest breakthroughs in endoscopic spine surgery, explore the transformative power of regenerative medicine, and tackle the big question: How do we provide care that’s truly different? From minimizing invasiveness to empowering patient recovery, this conversation highlights how modern spine care is evolving to meet today’s challenges. Tune in for a fresh perspective on health, healing, and the future of back pain solutions!



Contact Dr. James Adkins:
Website: Arizona Pain Treatment Centers
Website: Endoscopic Spine Treatment in Phoenix - Escape Spine Surgery
Phone Number: 602-265-8800
Instagram: @drjamesadkins
Instagram: @azptc
Instagram: @escapespinesurgery
YouTube: @Dr.JamesAdkins

In this debut episode, host James Adkins sits down with Dr. Nasser, an interventional spine specialist with a fascinating personal story. From surviving a dive roll over a car to battling debilitating nerve pain, Dr. Nasser shares how his own injuries shaped his approach to diagnosing and treating spine conditions.

Discover the truth about nerve pain, why it’s often misdiagnosed, and how innovative treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are revolutionizing recovery. With candid insights, real-life patient stories, and practical advice, James and Dr. Nasser explore the delicate balance between science, compassion, and the art of healing. Whether you’re dealing with pain or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes in spine medicine, this episode is a must-listen!



Contact Dr. James Adkins:
Website: Arizona Pain Treatment Centers
Website: Endoscopic Spine Treatment in Phoenix - Escape Spine Surgery
Phone Number: 602-265-8800
Instagram: @drjamesadkins
Instagram: @azptc
Instagram: @escapespinesurgery
YouTube: @Dr.JamesAdkins