Aligned With Dr. Nicole Addison

Fear isn't just an emotion—it's a survival system that has shaped human behavior for thousands of years. But what happens when the very system designed to protect us begins limiting our lives? In this episode of  Aligned With Dr. Nicole Addison , we explore the fascinating psychology and neuroscience behind fear avoidance behavior. You'll discover how the brain's alarm system respo...

Most people think pain is a direct signal of damage in the body—but the reality is far more complex and far more empowering. In this episode, we break down why pain can feel so intensely physical, localized, and real, even when it is not a simple reflection of tissue injury. We explore how the brain and nervous system constantly interpret sensory information from the body and combine it with conte...

What if pain isn’t actually coming from your body the way you’ve been taught? In this episode, we break down one of the most important concepts in modern pain science:  pain requires the brain . Your tissues send signals, yes—but those signals are not pain. They are information. Pain is what your brain creates after it evaluates that information through the lens of safety, threat, memory, emotion,...

Most people think walking is simple. It’s not. It’s a full-body coordination masterpiece… and your low back is tired of taking the blame when it goes wrong. In this episode, we break down what’s  actually  happening every time you take a step — from your arch acting like a shock absorber, to your foot literally changing shape mid-stride, to your glutes, lats, and even your big toe working together...

If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or deeply alone — this episode is for you. This isn’t a pep talk. It’s a reminder that you are not broken, not weak, and not failing at life. It’s a gentle, honest conversation for anyone whose nervous system feels stuck in survival mode, whose mind won’t slow down, or who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. In this episode, we talk abo...

If you’ve ever wondered why motivation feels harder than it “should,” why rest never feels like enough, or why your body seems resistant no matter how much effort you put in — this episode is for you. In  You’re Not Lazy, You’re Just Tired of Surviving , we explore what really happens when a nervous system has been in survival mode for too long. This isn’t about willpower or discipline. It’s about...

If you’ve ever said “it’s fine” while slowly lowering yourself onto the floor… this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about the strange, funny, very human ways people adapt when pain becomes part of daily life. From normalizing things that would alarm our past selves, to navigating good days, bad days, and the pressure to “stay positive,” this is a lighter but deeply validating conversa...

You’re stretching. You’re exercising. You’re showing up. So why does it still hurt? In this episode, we unpack one of the most frustrating experiences in healing: doing all the “right” things and still feeling stuck. We explore why pain can persist without damage, how load and capacity actually work, and why trying harder isn’t always the answer. This is a compassionate, grounded conversation for...

Healing isn’t always a quiet, passive process - sometimes it’s active, messy, and full of choices. In this episode, we explore what it really means to step back into life after pain, injury, or burnout. From rebuilding strength to retraining your nervous system, we dive into practical strategies for moving confidently while honoring your body’s limits. Expect motivation, real talk, and empowering...

Pain, stiffness, and fatigue can quietly make people feel like their body is failing them - or that getting older automatically means feeling worse. In this episode, we gently challenge that belief. You’ll learn why pain doesn’t always mean damage, how the nervous system uses discomfort as information, and why symptoms can show up even when you’re doing “the right things” like walking or exercisin...

What if getting older didn’t have to mean getting weaker, stiffer, or less confident in your body? In this episode, Dr. Addison breaks down what high-quality research really shows about mobility and aging - and why strength, balance, and simple daily movement can dramatically improve independence, stability, and quality of life at any age. You’ll learn why mobility loss is not inevitable, how smal...

If your low back keeps “acting up” but scans are clean, treatments don’t last, and the pain keeps coming back - this episode is for you. In  Part 2 of  Why the Low Back Isn’t the Problem , we go deeper into the  functional mechanics of the pelvis, hips, and lumbar spine  - and why the low back is usually just the  messenger , not the root cause. We break down: How the  pelvis actually moves  durin...

Low back pain isn’t random - and it’s rarely just a “back” problem. In this episode, we break down the  mechanics of the pelvis, sacrum, and SI joints  through the lens of  functional anatomy . Instead of chasing symptoms, we zoom out to understand how the pelvis actually transfers load, creates stability, and influences what the low back experiences during everyday movement and training. You’ll l...

Plantar fasciitis isn’t just a foot problem — it’s a whole-body story. In this episode, we break down what’s really going on when that heel pain shows up and why simply rolling your arch isn’t the long-term fix. We’ll explore how the lower chain works together to create healthy pronation and supination: the ankle bones gliding, the tibia rotating, the knees tracking, and even the hip controlling l...

When you think of the pelvic floor, you might picture something static or purely related to stability—but it’s so much more than that. In this episode of  Aligned With Dr. Nicole Addison , we dive into the biomechanics behind one of the most misunderstood areas of the body. You’ll learn how the pelvic floor moves with every breath, every step, and every shift in your hips and spine. We’ll break do...

Life moves fast—and sometimes it feels like we’re just trying to keep up. In this episode of Aligned , we dive into the truth about momentum, why small steps matter more than big leaps, and how to slow down enough to see the progress you’re actually making. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re always one step behind, this conversation will help you reset and remember: you’re c...

Most people think walking is simple — but the way you move can either protect your body or slowly break it down. In this episode, Dr. Nicole Addison explains why your  hips, ankles, and big toe must extend when you walk  — and why your  knees should stay slightly flexed  for optimal movement. You’ll learn how these mechanics improve  ground reaction force transfer , help you  propel your body forw...

You are not in rehearsal. This is it. Your one shot at  this  version of your life. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time… you’ve already lost more than you think. In this episode, I’m giving you the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed — the truth about regret, the science of action, and the simple steps to stop waiting and start living. No more “someday.” No more excuses. Today is the d...

In this episode, we unravel the surprising reasons behind tight ankles and their profound impact on your entire body. Learn how movement—or lack thereof—at your hips, knees, and low back contributes to ankle stiffness and affects your overall mobility. We’ll explore the interconnected chain from your ankles to your ribcage, diving into expert insights on why ankles get tight, how this influences y...

Feeling stuck? Low energy? Like you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to bounce back? This episode is your wake-up call. In today’s solo, Dr. Nicole brings the fire with a raw message to help you shake off the doubt, reclaim your drive, and remember who the hell you are. Whether you’re burned out, unmotivated, or just navigating a rough patch — this episode will remind you that your next chapte...

Ever heard the term  rib flare  and wondered what it actually means—or why it matters? In today’s episode, we’re breaking it down in a way that’s easy to understand but deeply connected to how your body moves and functions. We’ll start with the basics: what rib flare is, what it looks like, and how it shows up during normal breathing. Then, we’ll explore how the shape of your ribcage and the way y...

Welcome to the very first episode of  Aligned , the podcast dedicated to helping you unlock the power inside you through movement, mindset, and aligned living . I’m Dr. Nicole Addison, your host, chiropractor, and wellness advocate, here to guide you on a journey toward a stronger, healthier, and more connected version of yourself. In this episode, I share my personal story and why I created this...