Mastering the Psychology and Physiology of Chronic Pain

In this episode of 'It's Not In Your Head Podcast,' Justine Feitelson and Dr. Dan Bates tackle effective strategies to manage mood and stress for chronic pain sufferers. They explore the impact and fundamentals of diaphragmatic breathing techniques, and share ways to integrate mindfulness and movement more effectively into daily life in different situations. This episode aims to equip patients with simple, actionable strategies that impact pain and the common co-existing challenges of anxiety and depression, so they can develop more agency and decrease helplessness.

00:00 Introduction

01:51 Understanding Sensitization and Pain Management

05:05 Exploring Allostatic Load and Stress

10:32 Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief

20:42 Movement and Stress Management

24:37 Overcoming Injury Setbacks

25:38 The Importance of Adaptability with Movement

27:15 Breathing Techniques for Better Health

33:08 Mindfulness and Breathing Integration

38:38 Acceptance and Goal Setting

43:14 Final Thoughts and Resources

Resources

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-39-mood-stress-management

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Managing Dysautonomia & Chronic Pain: Practical Strategies for Patients & Clinicians

Join Dr. Dan Bates and Justine Feitelson in this episode of 'It's Not In Your Head,' where they delve into dysautonomia and its impacts on chronic pain patients. They discuss various symptoms, such as orthostatic intolerance, gastrointestinal issues, and urinary problems, and provide actionable conservative management strategies for both patients and clinicians. From dietary adjustments and hydration tips to specialized exercises and medications, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you identify, manage and mitigate the effects of various forms of dysautonomia.

00:00 Introduction 

01:24 Understanding Dysautonomia

04:17 Recognizing Symptoms in Patients

05:16 Types and Presentations of Dysautonomia

08:52 Orthostatic Intolerance

10:28 Gastrointestinal Issues

11:54 Urinary and Secretomotor Symptoms

14:27 Pupillomotor Symptoms

15:10 Sexual Dysfunction and Historical Perspectives

18:17 Management Strategies for Dysautonomia

22:21 Managing Orthostatic Intolerance and Tachycardia

22:55 Second and Third Line Therapies for POTS

24:01 Gastrointestinal Issues and Diet Management

26:23 Engaging with Gastroenterologists and Specialists

34:19 Sympathetic Overdrive and Anxiety Management

40:25 Movement Strategies for Dysautonomia

43:22 Final Thoughts and Patient Empowerment

Resources

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-38-dysautonomia

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Join co-hosts Dr. Dan Bates and Justine Feitelson on 'It's Not In Your Head' as they tackle the complex world of sensory sensitization. In this episode, they delve into the science behind sensory sensitization, its connection to nociplastic pain, and how they lead to increasing pain and other issues. From light and sound, to touch, temperature, and more, learn about the various conservative management strategies you can implement to alleviate and cope with more intrusive symptoms through methods like desensitization, graded exposure, and useful gadgets that can make all the difference. Whether you're dealing with fibromyalgia, migraines, or other conditions related to sensory amplifications, this episode is packed with real-life experiences, case studies, and practical advice and techniques to help improve your quality of life. Don't miss Justine and Dan's key insights for both patients and healthcare providers alike.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:45 Understanding Sensory Sensitization

02:41 Nociplastic Pain and Sensory Amplification

06:37 Managing Sensory Sensitization

09:57 Touch Sensitivity and Management

15:48 Light Sensitivity Solutions

20:03 Vestibular Sensitivity and Balance Issues

24:04 Sound Sensitivity Strategies

26:49 Exploring the Audio Cardio App for Tinnitus

27:23 Techniques for Managing Annoying Sounds

29:53 Temperature Sensitivity and Regulation

36:24 Managing Smell Sensitivity

38:09 Addressing Taste Sensitivity and Food Intolerances

44:41 Recap and Final Thoughts

Resources

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-37-sensory-sensitization-conservative-management-strategies

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

In this episode of It's Not in Your Head, Dan Bates and Justine Feitelson discuss the intricacies of chronic fatigue syndrome and treating excessive fatigue. Learn about the illness behavior network and conservative management strategies for aspects of fatigue including sleep, pain, cognitive issues and mood, with a deeper dive in the role of nutrition and how to make convenient, sustainable changes with such limited capacity. This comprehensive episode offers actionable tips and strategies for improving energy for those struggling with this debilitating condition.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:45 Discussing Fatigue: Excessive vs. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

03:52 Understanding the Illness Behavior Network

06:43 Exploring Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

10:38 Management Strategies for Fatigue

10:53 Sleep Management Techniques

18:01 Pain Management Approaches

19:23 Neurocognitive Strategies and Pacing

22:51 Graded Exposure and Controversies

26:55 Understanding Autonomic Dysfunction

28:27 Chemical Sensitivities and Management

30:04 Addressing Mood and Psychological Components

32:05 Nutritional Strategies for Chronic Fatigue

44:57 Special Topics: Digestive and Appetite Challenges

49:12 Hydration and Electrolyte Management

52:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-36-Fighting Fatigue-Conservative-Management-and-Nutrition

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Understanding Central Sensitization: Effective Pain Management Strategies

Join Dr. Dan and Justine, a pain coach, on this episode of 'It's Not In Your Head' podcast as they delve into the complexities of managing various aspects of chronic pain, particularly central sensitization, its causes, and various treatment strategies. You'll gain practical advice on how to identify symptoms and consequences, as well as address the neuroinflammation itself and what is driving it. They also get into how to most effectively choose the right care team for the types of pain you have, as well as how to select the most optimal footwear for various situations. Whether you're a patient or provider, this episode offers valuable insights into improving the quality of life for those looking to better manage chronic pain.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:46 Q&A: Treating Central Sensitization

01:12 Understanding Central Sensitization Inventory

01:42 Neuroinflammation and Its Drivers

07:17 Consequences of Neuroinflammation

09:13 Managing Orthostatic Intolerance and POTS

12:57 Questions to Ask When Building Your Care Team

15:36 Understanding Central Sensitization and Pain Response

16:18 Strategies for Managing Sensitization

16:55 Medications and Treatments for Neuroinflammation

17:42 Long COVID and Central Sensitization

18:21 The Role of Conservative Therapies

18:47 Addressing Anxiety, Depression, and Deconditioning

19:42 Where's the Sensitization Threshold

22:15 Footwear and Pain Management

23:48 Orthotics and Biomechanics

29:33 Concluding Thoughts and Advice

Resources

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-35-AUA-3

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Understanding and Managing SI Joint Dysfunction

Justine and Dan delve deep into the complexities of pelvic dysfunction, focusing specifically on sacroiliac joint (SIJ) instability. This episode covers everything from symptoms, affected populations, and conservative management techniques involving movement and exercises, to more advanced procedural treatments. Tune in to learn about the importance of proper diagnosis, the different causes, get insights into useful tools like SIJ belts, and hear recommendations for both clinicians and patients on developing effective pain management strategies for this type of chronic pelvic pain.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:17 Hosts' Personal Updates

00:59 Episode Overview: Pelvic Dysfunction and SIJ Instability

02:02 Understanding Lower Back Pain

05:05 Patient Experience and Pain Presentation

07:53 Diagnosing Sacroiliac Joint Pain

13:00 Management and Treatment Strategies

15:02 The Role of Stability and Movement

19:26 The Importance of Bracing

20:29 The Role of Belts in Pain Management

21:11 Understanding Back Braces and Pain Reduction

21:48 Challenges and Considerations with Belts

23:43 Recommended Products for Pain Relief

24:25 Using Belts and Shorts for Better Sleep

25:15 Causes of Hip Pain and Misdiagnosis

26:30 Treating Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

28:17 Advanced Treatments and Injections

28:52 Managing Osteoarthritis and Joint Instability

31:03 Fusion Surgery and Implications

37:47 Innovative Techniques for Muscle Stimulation

39:11 Summary and Final Thoughts

Resources

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-34-sacroiliac-joint-sij-dysfunction

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Understanding Pain through Political Lenses: Left, Right, and Center Approaches

In this insightful episode of 'It's Not In Your Head' podcast, Dan and Justine discuss the concept of managing chronic pain through political analogies—left wing, right wing, and centrist approaches. They delve into their experiences and observations, identifying different pain patterns and the treatment methodologies that work best for them. The conversation touches on the influence of media on public perception of pain treatments, specifically spinal cord stimulation, and the challenges of conveying accurate medical information in the modern day environment of misinformation we all live in. They provide a comprehensive breakdown of how each 'political orientation' correlates with pain treatment philosophies, helping both patients and providers better match the best approaches for various pain presentations.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:17 Casual Banter and Personal Updates

01:21 Controversy in Spinal Cord Stimulation

03:07 Exploring Cognitive Functional Therapy

03:22 Media Manipulation and Politics

04:31 Applying Political Ideologies to Pain Management

07:01 Left-Wing Approach to Pain

08:49 Right-Wing Approach to Pain

09:42 Centrist Approach to Pain

12:26 The Role of Imaging in Pain Management

13:10 Skill-Based Approach to Patient Care

13:47 Managing Patient Anxiety with Scans

14:21 Tailoring Treatment to Individual Patients

18:03 Understanding Pain Patterns

22:37 Biases in Medical Treatment

25:51 The Importance of Matching Patient and Doctor

28:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-33-Left-Right-and-Centrist-Pain-Right-Treatment-Wrong-Patient

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Navigating Difficult Conversations in Chronic Pain Care 

In this episode of 'It's Not In Your Head,' Dan and Justine discuss the intricacies of managing chronic pain, highlighting the importance of having difficult conversations between patients, caregivers, and medical providers. The episode delves into strategies for effective medical decision-making, including how to prepare for worst-case scenarios, manage communication challenges, and maintain control and clarity in complex medical situations. Listen for practical tips and innovative approaches to getting what you need done, so you can foster better relationships with providers and improve care outcomes.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:49 Today's Topic: Difficult Medical Conversations

01:29 Personal Experiences and Strategies

04:28 Doctor's Perspective on Communication

10:26 Risk Management and Decision Making

12:12 Real-Life Example: Navigating Family Health Decisions

20:53 Navigating Difficult Conversations

21:59 Decision-Making Structures in Healthcare

23:54 The Role of Medical Power of Attorney

24:36 Weighing Risks and Benefits of Treatments

29:32 Communicating with Healthcare Providers

33:28 The Power of Appreciation in Healthcare

42:35 Managing Patient Overwhelm and Expectations

43:17 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Resources

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-32-having-difficult-conversations

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com

www.drdanbates.com.au

Prioritize and Execute: Managing Overwhelm in Chronic Pain

In this episode of 'It's Not In Your Head' podcast, Dan and Justine discuss strategies to manage feelings of overwhelm often experienced by chronic pain patients. Using their structured pyramid of owning your care, they explain how to prioritize, execute and delegate tasks so you can take control of both medical decisions and daily aspects of managing pain to more effectively deal with complexity and decrease helplessness. Key topics include working through self assessment and monitoring, basic lifestyle habits, mind/body pieces, mainstream diagnostics and treatment, alternative options, and precision medicine. By recognizing their own needs and working closely with their medical teams, patients can improve self-efficacy and overall treatment outcomes. Tune in for practical advice, personal anecdotes, and actionable steps to better manage your chronic pain journey.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:17 Emergency Podcast: Addressing Overwhelm

01:10 Understanding Overwhelm in Patients

03:43 Strategies to Manage Overwhelm

11:24 Personal Stories and Experiences

16:31 Framework for Pain Management

26:40 Recognizing and Managing Catastrophizing

29:15 Self-Assessment and Monitoring Tools

35:25 Mainstream Diagnostics and Treatments

38:05 Exploring Alternative Options

46:22 Precision Medicine and Personalized Care

48:41 Ownership and Self-Efficacy in Pain Management

50:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-31-dealing-with-being-overwhelmed

In this episode of 'It's Not In Your Head', Dan and Justine delve into the complex relationship between hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and central sensitization, focusing on hEDS as an example of a metabolic driver. Dan shares personal insights from his practice and elaborates on the common patterns and markers identified in patients with hEDS, how it should be diagnosed and treated, and associated challenges. Justine adds her perspective, particularly on the connection between CRPS and hypermobility, and lifestyle interventions. They explore the underlying mechanisms, preventive strategies and management techniques, emphasizing the importance of protein intake, avoiding certain drugs, and considering genetic predispositions. With expert advice and a touch of humor, this episode provides a comprehensive look at managing the very complicated disorder that is hEDS.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:00 Diving into Central Sensitization and hEDS

02:25 Understanding EDS Types

03:39 Dan's Journey with Hypermobile EDS Patients

04:50 Identifying Patterns in Complex Patients

05:25 Exploring the Underlying Disease Process

08:39 Mechanisms Behind Hypermobile EDS

09:52 The Role of Protein Metabolism in EDS

11:13 MMPs and Their Impact

18:42 Inflammatory Responses and Immune System Involvement

26:22 Genetic Predispositions and External Triggers

31:13 Understanding Protein Requirements

32:38 Strategies for Increasing Protein Intake

36:20 Choosing the Right Protein Sources

40:47 Long COVID and Hypermobility

46:17 Preventing Disease Progression

54:42 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Resources:

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-30-making-sense-of-heds