It's the Pain Talking

Dr Emma Davies is a Consultant-credentialed Pharmacist specialising in pain management, analgesic optimisation, and safe prescribing. Working across primary and community care, she focuses on improving outcomes for people living with pain through advanced clinical practice, strategic service redesign, and national policy and guideline development. Her work combines hands-on patient care with leadership across clinical practice, education, and system-wide transformation.

In this conversation we discuss: 

• Chronic pain management and the limitations of medication-based approaches
• Harm reduction in the UK
• Self-management strategies for people living with chronic pain

You can contact Nilbon on: 
Instagram: @nilbonplatform
LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi
Website: nilbon.com
Email: [email protected] 

Dr Barbara Phipps is a GP with over 25 years experience. She has a particular interest in lifestyle medicine and chronic pain. In 2020 Barbara started an NHS group programme in Edinburgh for people experiencing long term pain which she continues to run. She also works at the University of Edinburgh teaching in both undergraduate medicine and the postgraduate MSc in the Clinical Management of Pain. 

You can contact Nilbon on: 
Instagram: @nilbonplatform
LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi
Website: nilbon.com
Email: [email protected] 

Professor Antoni Chan is a Consultant Rheumatologist and Physician at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. He is also a Professor of Rheumatology and Translational Medicine.

He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in London and a member of the British Society of Immunology. Professor Chan is a principal investigator for clinical research studies, which he hopes will lead to newer and more effective treatments for his patients.

In this episode we discuss: 

• Inflammation’s role in chronic pain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis 
• Different approaches to reducing inflammation
• The impact of emotions and psychological stress on inflammation
• Guidance for those newly diagnosed with inflammatory conditions and chronic pain

You can contact Nilbon on: 
Instagram: @nilbonplatform
LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi
Website: nilbon.com
Email: [email protected] 

Nazanin Derakhshan is a Professor of Experimental Psychology, Head of the Centre for Resilience and Post-traumatic Growth, and Head of the award winning Centre for Building Resilience in Breast Cancer (BRiC) at the National Centre for Integrative Oncology (NCIO), UK.
 
As part of her career, Naz spent 18 years in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Birkbeck University of London, UK, where she was promoted to Full Professor in 2012. She was voted a key transformational figure in 'Birkbeck Inspires, 200th anniversary', in 2022, for transforming the lives of thousands of people through the research she conducts at BRiC.
 
Naz has conducted extensive research into the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying anxiety and depressive vulnerability, as well as developing neurocognitive interventions to reduce vulnerability and promote resilience. She has over 18,000 citations and has published over 100 research articles in top internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals. She has acted as editor of pioneering academic journals in her field.
 
Naz has held prestigious fellowships such as The Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship. She was elected a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science in 2016. Naz has won multiple awards for outstanding lecturer and supervisor (as voted by students) and in research. She has given over 100 talks including invited talks, keynotes, at prestigious institutions including the Royal Society, the British Academy, the Wellcome Trust, Breast Cancer Now, and the NIMH. Naz is passionate about public engagement and outreach and takes an active role in the dissemination of science in practice. Her work features widely on social media, podcasts and radio interviews.
 

To find out more about BRiC, visit briccentre.co.uk and Panning for Gold which features BRiC's Collective Voice (https://bcresiliencecentre.blogspot.com).

You can contact Nilbon on: 
Instagram: @nilbon.platform
LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi
Website: nilbon.com
Email: [email protected]

You can contact Nilbon on: 
Instagram: @nilbonplatform
LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi
Website: nilbon.com
Email: [email protected] 

Inder started his career in the fast-paced world of fine dining, working alongside top chefs like Heston Blumenthal and Brett Graham at The Ledbury. But in his early twenties, life took an unexpected turn when he developed chronic fatigue syndrome. The next six years were spent on a challenging journey to reclaim his health. That experience completely reshaped his path and led him to retrain as a nutritional therapist, eventually going on to study neuroscience at King’s College London. Today, Inder runs a busy clinic where he’s dedicated to helping people with chronic illnesses and was a part of the research team at the Gupta Program, a neuroplasticity program designed for chronic conditions.

Ways to connect with Inder: 
website: https://theneuropath.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_neuropath/?hl=en

You can contact Nilbon on: 
Instagram: @nilbonplatform
LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi
Website: nilbon.com
Email: [email protected] 

Helen Roome (BSc (OT) Hons / PG. Dip. Int. Pain Mgmt. / MA (VP) Theology / Prac. Dip. Labour Law.) is a registered Occupational Therapist supporting adults living with persistent pain and/or fatigue. Her expertise in pain management builds on more than 25 years of broad clinical experience in both adult physical and psychiatric rehabilitation; as well as her completion of post-graduate studies in interdisciplinary pain management. She also holds qualifications in labour law and practical theology.

Whilst she partners with anyone living with a persistent pain condition, Helen has a special interest in Fibromyalgia and co-facilitates a Fibromyalgia support group with someone who lives with the condition.

She is actively engaged in promoting best pain-care practice and patient-advocacy through her roles as Chairperson of the OT Pain Management Group (OTPMG) of South Africa and committee member of the SA Society for Sleep and Health (SASSH).

Helen enjoys sharing transformative ideas and frequently presents to the public and other practitioners on pain and fatigue topics.

She lives with her husband and their children in beautiful KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In her free time you will find her deep in a book, out in the garden, on a hiking trail or behind an easel.

Visit www.helenroome.co.za or find Helen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

You can purchase Helen's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Your-Pain-Playbook-Effective-Strategies/dp/0639773265/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EK57TYD7P1CW&keywords=your+pain+playbook&qid=1705343584&sprefix=your+pain+playbook+%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1

In this interview, we discuss: 

Fibromyalgia,
Chronic pain in the workplace,
Absenteeism and presenteeism,
Work as therapy,
Tips/advice based on PEO model (person, environment and occupation),
Work resilience and life beyond work.


Citations mentioned in the episode: 

• Gulseren D, Sayin FK, Turner N, Kelloway EK. Chronic pain and pain disability: The next frontier for healthy and effective organizations. Organizational Dynamics. 2022 Aug 17:100926.  
• Waongenngarm P, Areerak K, Janwantanakul P. The effects of breaks on low back pain, discomfort, and work productivity in office workers: A systematic review of randomized and non-randomized controlled trials. Applied ergonomics. 2018 Apr 1;68:230-9.   
• Elfeddali I, Jacobs E, Van Der Feltz-Cornelis CM. Harmful and benign work stress and work resilience: A Delphi-study in employees and experts. The European Journal of Psychiatry. 2022 Oct 1;36(4):230-7.

You can contact Nilbon on: 
Instagram: @nilbonplatform
LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi
Website: nilbon.com
Email: [email protected] 

This episode includes discussions about PTSD and trauma, which might be sensitive or triggering for some. We believe in the importance of these topics and their impact on mental health awareness. However, we also recognise the importance of self-care. If at any point you find the content too distressing, please feel free to pause, skip, or stop listening. Take care of yourself and seek support if needed.

Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel

MB BChir MA Hons (Cantab) FBANT DipIM DipCHM PGCert IFMCP DipION RYT300

Personalised & Integrative Medicine Doctor, Scientist and Educator

Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel is an award-winning Oxbridge-trained integrative medicine doctor, scientist and educator with over a decade’s experience in integrative healthcare. Dr Fuller-Shavel is the Co-Chair of BSIO (British Society for Integrative Oncology) and a Fellow of both the College of Medicine and the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT). Alongside her scientific and medical training, Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel holds multiple qualifications in nutrition, integrative medicine, functional medicine (IFMCP), health coaching (FMCA), herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, yoga, mindfulness and other therapeutic approaches.

Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel is the founder and Director of Synthesis Clinic, an innovative
multidisciplinary practice in Hampshire, specialising in women’s health and integrative cancer care. In 2022 Dr Fuller-Shavel won a prestigious Innovation Leader of the Year award for her inspirational vision for healthcare and practice leadership. Alongside her clinical work, Dr Fuller-Shavel delivers educational programmes for medical and nutrition professionals (including her Systems Approach to Cancer Programme), as well as participating in research in integrative medicine and precision health and contributing to editorial boards and guideline development panels nationally and internationally. Finally, Dr Fuller-Shavel is the Co-Founder and Director of Oncio CIC, an innovative non-profit aimed at providing high quality app-based resources for people with cancer and healthcare professionals and supporting best clinical practice and research in integrative oncology.

Find out more about Dr Fuller-Shavel’s work at:
https://www.drninafullershavel.com/
https://www.oncio.org/
https://www.synthesisclinic.co.uk/

In this interview, we discuss: 

• The meaning of trauma
• PTSD in cancer diagnosis and treatment
• The importance of trauma-informed treatment options
• The importance of mentorship for trauma-informed treatment options
• The Polyvagal theory in the context of cancer
• Strategies that can help in working with cancer patients
• Co-regulation
• The importance of research in the cancer PTSD field
• Formal cancer survivorship programmes
• Post-traumatic growth

You can contact Nilbon on: 
Instagram: @nilbonplatform
LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi
Website: nilbon.com
Email: [email protected] 

Disclaimer: In this episode, we discuss trauma and trauma-related topics. Please prioritise self-care and stop watching listening if this is a sensitive topic for you. This conversation should not be viewed as providing any diagnosis or treatment advice for trauma or other medical conditions. If you need professional support, please reach out to the official healthcare/mental health providers of your country. 

Ellie Grace is a London-based yoga teacher trainer and educator with over a decade's experience in teaching and lecturing on yoga.  

She offers 8 week-long mentorships for yoga teachers in trauma-informed yoga as a tool for social change as well as university-credited courses for first and second year medical students at Queen Mary University London on the neurophysiological benefits of yoga.  

Previously, Ellie developed and taught a course for undergraduates at Loyola Marymount University, California on mind-body studies through yoga and has lectured on LMU's Science & Theology course.  

Ellie holds an MA in Yoga Studies from LMU, California where her research specialism focussed on the effects of grief and trauma on the mind and body and the ways yoga, meditation and writing can bring about healing.  

She has worked with war veterans overcoming PTSD (UCLA), health clinics (Venice Family Clinic), private clients, yoga teachers, community groups, NHS doctors, medical students (Queen Mary University),  undergraduates (LMU)  and socially-minded organisations seeking to create a sustainable, human-centred culture inspired by yoga ethics (The New York Times & The School for Social Entrepreneurs).

She is also a contributing meditation teacher on Insight Timer.  

You can reach out to Ellie on:
 Instagram: @elliegraceyoga 
Website: https://ellie-grace.com

In this interview, we discuss: 

• Ellie's personal journey to discovering yoga, 
• Creating safety in the body, 
• Trauma and PTSD, 
• Trauma-informed yoga and how it differs from a general yoga class.

You can contact Nilbon on: 
Instagram: @nilbonyoga
LinkedIn: Nilbon Yoga - Dr. Niloofar Borghei Razavi
Website: nilbon.co.uk
Email: [email protected]

You can contact Nilbon on: 
Instagram: @nilbonplatform
LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi
Website: nilbon.com
Email: [email protected] 

Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel

MB BChir MA Hons (Cantab) FBANT DipIM DipCHM PGCert IFMCP DipION RYT300

Personalised & Integrative Medicine Doctor, Scientist and Educator

Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel is an award-winning Oxbridge-trained integrative medicine doctor, scientist and educator with over a decade’s experience in integrative healthcare. Dr Fuller-Shavel is the Co-Chair of BSIO (British Society for Integrative Oncology) and a Fellow of both the College of Medicine and the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT). Alongside her scientific and medical training, Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel holds multiple qualifications in nutrition, integrative medicine, functional medicine (IFMCP), health coaching (FMCA), herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, yoga, mindfulness and other therapeutic approaches.

Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel is the founder and Director of Synthesis Clinic, an innovative
multidisciplinary practice in Hampshire, specialising in women’s health and integrative cancer care. In 2022 Dr Fuller-Shavel won a prestigious Innovation Leader of the Year award for her inspirational vision for healthcare and practice leadership. Alongside her clinical work, Dr Fuller-Shavel delivers educational programmes for medical and nutrition professionals (including her Systems Approach to Cancer Programme), as well as participating in research in integrative medicine and precision health and contributing to editorial boards and guideline development panels nationally and internationally. Finally, Dr Fuller-Shavel is the Co-Founder and Director of Oncio CIC, an innovative non-profit aimed at providing high quality app-based resources for people with cancer and healthcare professionals and supporting best clinical practice and research in integrative oncology.

Find out more about Dr Fuller-Shavel’s work at:
https://www.drninafullershavel.com/
https://www.oncio.org/
https://www.synthesisclinic.co.uk/

In this interview, we discuss: 

• The definition and aim of integrative oncology
• Access to integrative oncology services in the UK 
• The importance of accessing acurate information from qualified specialists
• The importance of dynamic personalisation in cancer treatment
• The importance of developing survivorship programmes for cancer patients
• Patient engagement
• Cancer pain and the role of complimentary therapies in cancer pain management
• Yoga and yoga therapy
• Oncio app and its feature for supporting cancer patients and healthcare professionals 

In this episode, Dr. Fuller-Shavel refers to the ASCO's guideline for management of cancer pain. You can access this guideline via this link: https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.22.01357

You can contact Nilbon on: 
Instagram: @nilbonplatform
LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi
Website: nilbon.com
Email: [email protected] 

Dr. Heather Martarella is an expert on helping clients reclaim their lives and find relief from chronic pain and insomnia/sleep issues. Dr. Martarella became passionate about specializing in chronic pain after experiencing her own physical injury in 2012, which left her with chronic pain for years. 

In this conversation, we talked about:

•  Sleep and insomnia 
• Conditioning and brain associations
• The impact of social media and our phone on our sleep patterns
• Sensitisation or priming of the nervous system
• The importance of pain education
• Movement and body scan
• Grief

You can contact Nilbon on: 
Instagram: @nilbonplatform
LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi
Website: nilbon.com
Email: [email protected]