Life Shouldn’t Hurt: Why Your Pain Isn’t “Normal” — From Feet to Neck Pain Solutions

Introduction

If you’ve ever tuned in to Life Shouldn’t Hurt, you know that I believe pain shouldn't be your normal state of being—even if my singing voice at the top of the show might cause a little phantom pain for my co-host, Anita Cassidy!

Understanding the Kinetic Chain: How Foot Mechanics Influence Knee Pain

In this episode, we tackle the aches and pains that literally weigh us down, from our feet all the way up to our heads. We kick things off by looking at the kinetic chain—how your feet might actually be the culprits behind your knee pain.

Anita and I break down Patellofemoral Syndrome, a condition where the kneecap tracks incorrectly. If you or your teenagers get sore knees just from sitting through a movie (what we call the moviegoer’s sign), you need to hear this.

I even share my own painful history of mowing lawns for the county and how—believe it or not—wearing cowboy boots during the Calgary Stampede taught me a valuable lesson about foot biomechanics.

The Epidemic of Neck Pain: From Whiplash to Tech Neck

Then, we shift our focus to an epidemic we’re all facing: neck pain. Whether it’s from an old whiplash injury or just “tech neck” from doom-scrolling in bed, our necks are taking a beating.

I sit down with physical therapist Dr. Scott Dickinson, the inventor of a game-changing device called NecksLevel.

Why Traditional Neck Exercises Fail

Scott explains why traditional neck exercises—like awkwardly strapping bands to your head—often fail because of discomfort and compliance issues.

We explore his invention, which is essentially a “Pilates reformer for your neck,” allowing you to strengthen those critical stabilizing muscles while lying down, completely eliminating the stress of gravity.

We discuss why rotation is the secret weapon for neck health and how to finally get lasting relief from that stiffness that makes shoulder-checking in your car a nightmare.

Your Environment Matters: Small Tweaks, Big Impact

My biggest takeaway for you? Your environment matters. Whether it's the shoes on your feet or the pillow under your head, small tweaks make a massive difference.

And please, for the sake of your neck and your wallet, leave that smartphone in the closet at night!

Final Thoughts

I hope this episode empowers you to take control of your recovery. If you find value in our conversations, please follow and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Remember, life shouldn't hurt!

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This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.