It's Not in Your Head

Neuromodulation represents the most advanced tier of the neuropathic pain treatment algorithm, and this episode is a comprehensive guide to navigating it. Dr. Dan Bates and Justine Feitelson cover the full journey from conservative management to permanent implant, explaining the mechanisms behind:

• Traditional spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
• Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation
• Peripheral nerve stimulation

Listeners learn how to manage expectations, understand the trial process, and recognize the multidisciplinary approach required for successful device integration into an overall pain management plan.

Resources:

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-49-pain-procedures-neuromodulation

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:57 Disclosures and Research/Teaching Background

01:54 Understanding Neuromodulation and Expectations

04:58 Neuromodulation Techniques and Frequencies

06:56 Types of Neuromodulation and Pain Applications

14:27 Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial Process and Evaluation

19:33 Short-Term Risks and Potential Complications

22:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sympathetic nerve blocks target the autonomic nervous system to manage pain conditions that don't respond adequately to conventional approaches. This episode covers three key injection types — stellate ganglion blocks, lumbar sympathetic ganglion blocks, and posterior tibial nerve stimulation — and explains when and how each is used. Conditions discussed include CRPS, PTSD, and chronic pelvic pain. Patients and providers gain a clear understanding of mechanisms, realistic outcomes, and the risks and benefits of each sympathetic intervention.

Resources:

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-48-pain-procedures-sympathetic-injections

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:52 Understanding the Sympathetic Nervous System

02:30 Symptoms and Conditions Sympathetics Treat

04:46 Challenges in Treatment and Research

06:37 Stellate Ganglion Block Explained

10:02 Risks and Considerations

15:08 Lumbar Sympathetic Ganglion Blocks

15:54 Efficacy with CRPS and Justine's experience

16:55 Pelvic Pain and Hypogastric Ganglion Injections

19:55 Risks and Considerations of Pelvic Pain Treatments

20:41 Sympathetic Lumbar Injections and Patient Experiences

23:55 Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Pelvic Pain

26:27 Exploring Splanchnic Ganglion Blocks for Abdominal Pain

29:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA) is an emerging procedural option for a specific and often undertreated cause of chronic back pain: discogenic, or vertebral endplate pain. This episode covers the science behind the procedure, how to identify appropriate candidates, what outcomes patients can realistically expect, and the risks involved. Dr. Bates shares clinical pearls from his own experience mastering BVNA in practice, making this episode especially valuable for clinicians considering adding the procedure and for patients exploring their interventional options.

Resources:

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-46-pain-procedures-basivertebral-nerve-ablation

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:56 Today's Topic: Basivertebral Nerve Ablation

01:10 Disclosures and Biases

02:39 Understanding Discogenic Pain and Impacts of Kinesiophobia

06:16 Procedure Overview and Differences from SIJ Radiofrequency

08:56 Dan's Personal Journey with BVNA

11:37 Clinical Data and Effectiveness

16:54 Risks and Post-Procedure Care

22:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The holiday season amplifies many of the most challenging aspects of living with chronic pain — disrupted routines, increased stress, difficult family dynamics, and the emotional weight of grief and loneliness. This episode offers a practical, compassionate guide for navigating the season, covering strategies to:

• Maintain routine and movement
• Manage stress and prevent flare escalation
• Prepare for travel and family interactions
• Handle the emotional complexity unique to the holiday season

Clinicians managing patients through this time of year will also find useful communication tools and frameworks in this episode.

Resources:

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-46-strategies-to-navigate-the-holidays

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter

01:00 Episode Focus: Managing Pain During the Holidays

02:52 Strategies for Managing Flares

06:28 Maintaining Routine and Self-Care

13:39 Travel Tips for Pain Management

15:57 Using Mobility Aids and Movement Management

18:04 Dan's Vacation Management Strategy

18:28 Maintaining Progress During Holidays

19:56 Movement Snacks and Stability Exercises

21:09 Returning to Exercise After a Break

23:04 Managing Family Stress During Holidays

25:50 Coping with Loneliness and Grief

30:22 Doctors on Holiday: Planning Ahead

34:23 Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes

Epidural injections are one of the most commonly performed pain procedures — yet many patients don't fully understand how they work or what to expect. This episode demystifies the topic, covering what epidurals treat, the types of injectables used, procedural technique variations (interlaminar, transforaminal, and caudal), potential complications, and recovery expectations. Both patients preparing for their first epidural and providers looking for a clear patient education framework will find this episode a reliable, accessible resource.

Resources:

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-45-pain-procedures-epidurals

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter

00:45 Overview of Epidurals

01:49 Types of Epidurals

06:38 Injectables Used in Epidurals

11:07 Complications and Risks of Epidurals

14:21 The Sneaky Nugget: Fish Oil and Bleeding

14:54 Complications of Epidural Procedures

18:32 Understanding Nerve Root Compression

21:15 Post-Procedure Pain Management

23:48 Pulsed Radio Frequency for Pain Relief

26:25 Recovery Tips and Final Thoughts

This episode takes a detailed look at radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a treatment for sacroiliac joint dysfunction — covering the nature of SIJ pain, the diagnostic pathway, and the specifics of how RFA is performed. Dr. Bates walks through the different approaches and techniques, shares clinical insights from his practice, and highlights recent research developments. Patients considering this procedure will leave with a clear picture of what to expect, what the evidence supports, and how to determine if they are a good candidate.

Resources:

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-44-pain-procedures-radiofrequency-ablation

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:37 Overview of Today's Topic: Radio Frequency Ablation

01:08 Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Pain

02:24 Diagnostic Blocks and Initial Treatments

03:22 Radio Frequency Neurotomy Procedure

09:19 Techniques and Variations in Radio Frequency Ablation

12:14 Cost and Regional Differences in Procedures

13:07 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Prolotherapy is a frequently misunderstood but clinically valuable treatment for sacroiliac joint dysfunction — particularly in patients with ligament laxity or hypermobility. This episode breaks down the mechanism of action, compares glucose and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as injectants, and covers patient selection criteria, the diagnostic process, potential risks, and realistic outcomes. Whether a patient is dealing with SIJ instability, hEDS-related laxity, or chronic pelvic pain, this episode provides a clear, evidence-informed look at when and how prolotherapy is most effective.

Resources:

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-43-pain-procedures-sij-prolotherapy

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:51 What is Prolotherapy?

01:26 Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Explained

02:29 Prolotherapy Procedure and Techniques

04:01 Types of Sclerosants

05:54 Comparing Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

08:59 Diagnostic Process and Patient Selection

11:40 Risks and Management of Prolotherapy

14:27 Effectiveness and Duration of Prolotherapy

18:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Building on the series on lower back pain causes, this episode focuses on sacroiliac joint diagnostic blocks — how they are performed, how to interpret results, and what treatment options follow a positive block. The hosts cover the debate around single versus double blocks, the role of radiofrequency neurotomy and prolotherapy as next steps, and the economic and logistical considerations patients face when navigating these decisions. Clinicians will gain clarity on using SIJ blocks as a diagnostic tool to confirm dysfunction and guide a more targeted treatment plan.

Resources:

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-42-pain-procedures-sacroiliac-joint-sij-blocks

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:55 Understanding Lower Back Pain

01:19 Sacroiliac Joint Injections Explained

02:45 Injection Techniques and Controversies

04:05 Diagnostic Blocks and False Positives

06:21 Therapeutic Options and Health Economics

06:37 Patient Pathways and Decision Making

09:39 Injection Protocols and Follow-Up

12:57 SIJ Fusions and Regional Differences

14:44 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Radiofrequency neurotomy is a minimally invasive but highly effective option for patients with confirmed facet joint pain. This episode covers the diagnostic criteria for selecting appropriate candidates, the procedural technique itself, risk considerations, and what to expect in terms of outcomes and follow-up care. Alternative approaches for specific patient populations are also discussed. Patients and providers will leave with a realistic, evidence-grounded understanding of what radiofrequency ablation can and cannot achieve for facet-mediated pain.

Resources:

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-41-pain-procedures-radiofrequency-neurotomy

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:29 Understanding Facet Joints and Medial Branch Blocks

02:10 Radiofrequency Neurotomy Explained

03:29 Techniques and Variations in Radiofrequency Procedures

06:47 Managing Post-Procedure Pain and Risks

08:31 Special Considerations and Patient Follow-Up

14:01 Advanced Techniques and Future Topics

16:13 Conclusion and Farewell

This episode marks the transition from conservative management to interventional pain procedures, beginning with medial branch blocks — a key diagnostic tool for identifying facet joint pain as a driver of lower back pain. Dr. Dan Bates walks through the procedural technique, how it is used to pinpoint specific pain generators, and how results inform the next steps in treatment, including radiofrequency ablation. Patients will better understand what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, while providers gain a clear framework for moving from a non-specific diagnosis to targeted intervention.

Resources:

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-40-pain-procedures-medial-branch-blocks

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:37 Shifting Focus: From Conservative Management to Interventions

01:24 Understanding Diagnostic Blocks for Lower Back Pain

04:14 Medial Branch Block: Procedure and Purpose

09:09 Evaluating Pain Relief and Next Steps

13:14 Addressing Sensitization and Excluding Causes

14:47 Conclusion and References