Fix Your Sciatica Podcast

Dr. Ashley discusses the essential aspects of managing life after recovering from sciatica pain. The discussion covers the likelihood of pain recurrence, the importance of ergonomics, movement responsibility, stress management, nutrition, and safe return to exercise. Dr. Ashley emphasizes that understanding and adapting behaviors can significantly lower the chances of pain returning, and encourage...

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley delves into the significance of strength training in alleviating sciatica pain. She discusses the various components of strength, the reasons behind muscle weakness, and how to identify which muscles need strengthening. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proper exercise execution and the appropriate dosage of strength training. Dr. Ashley also clarifies...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley discusses the role of stretching in managing sciatica pain. The conversation covers what stretching is, how it works, and the common mistakes people make when stretching. Dr. Ashley breaks down the most common stretches for sciatica, including the piriformis stretch, hamstring stretch, and spinal rotations, while emphasizing the importance of evaluating their effectiven...

Dr. Ashley discusses the directional preference model of pain management, particularly in relation to sciatica. He explains the McKenzie Method, its historical context, and how it can be applied to relieve pain. The discussion includes theories behind directional preference, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's own body movements and symptoms. Dr. Ashley provides practical steps f...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley discusses the complexities of sciatica pain and recovery, emphasizing the importance of understanding the symptoms and tracking progress. He explains how to define improvement in recovery, the significance of pain intensity, and the need for a systematic approach to monitor symptoms. The conversation highlights that recovery is not linear and encourages listeners to kee...

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Dr. Arun Kalava, MD dive into the complexities of piriformis syndrome, discussing its significance, symptoms, and the importance of accurate diagnosis. They explore various treatment options, including injections and physical therapy, while emphasizing the need for patient advocacy and understanding of their own conditions. The discussion highlights the role of...

This is part 1 of a 6 week series talking about all things sciatica. Dr. Ashley goes over the anatomy and differential diagnosis of the sciatic nerve. Once you can determine the cause of pain, the treatment process can be fairly simple. But the key is focusing on what is called the “clinical presentation” or how your symptoms behave. Article about endometriosis and sciatica- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.n...

Learn how to normalize toe function, improve foot support, and reduce sciatica pain. This episode dives into the benefits of proper toe spacing, its impact on gait, hip extension, and lower back stress. Discover how this simple product can be a valuable tool in your sciatica management strategy. YogaToes Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3Y04vhQ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Pr...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley discusses effective strategies for managing sciatic pain while driving. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual causes of sciatica and how to adjust car seating positions to alleviate discomfort. Dr. Ashley also shares pre and post-driving exercises to prepare the body for longer periods of sitting, highlighting the need for personalized approaches...

Dr. Ashley discusses the often-overlooked danger zone of sciatica recovery, emphasizing the importance of not just alleviating pain but also preventing relapses. Hey outlines key factors contributing to the danger zone, such as tissue healing time and inappropriate ramp-up phases. Dr. Ashley provides effective strategies for safely returning to activities, including the rule of 15%, establishing a...

Dr. Ashley delves into the importance of core strength in relation to sciatica pain. The discussion begins with defining core strength and its significance in recovery. Dr. Ashley explains various aspects of core strength, including stability, active contraction, and motor control. The conversation also covers how to test core strength, the research surrounding core exercises, and practical strate...

Dr. Ashley explores the intricate relationship between overstimulation, stress, and pain. He discusses how overstimulation can amplify pain and stress responses, leading to a vicious cycle. Dr. Ashley emphasizes the importance of understanding stress, its role in our lives, and how it can be both beneficial and detrimental. He provides practical strategies for managing stress, including breathing...

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Andy Schoonover discuss the complexities of healthcare financing, particularly focusing on the limitations of traditional insurance models and the innovative solutions offered by Crowd Health. They explore the hidden costs associated with healthcare, the benefits of a direct pay model, and how Crowd Health operates as a peer-to-peer funding platform that empowe...

This episode explores the world of back braces, discussing their types, effectiveness, and proper usage. Back braces can provide a sense of support and relief, research shows mixed results regarding their effectiveness, particularly post-surgery. Dr. Ashley provides practical recommendations for using back braces, including limiting their use and focusing on proper movement mechanics to avoid comp...

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Charlyn Huss, MA, NCPT discuss the benefits of Pilates, particularly in relation to pain management and rehabilitation. Charlyn shares her personal journey to becoming a Pilates master teacher, her insights on scoliosis and pain perception, and the importance of alignment in movement. They also introduce CoreSpring, a new Pilates apparatus designed to enhance t...

What is Dr. Ashley's favorite back cushion for sitting? This Cushion Lab extra firm lumbar support is something that his wife has been using for years. Ashley discusses the rule of 90 degrees and shares specific tactics to help maintain an optimal sitting position throughout the day. Amazon affiliate link for support cushion: https://amzn.to/4gBuZfZ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com...

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Dr. Vrzal delve into the complexities of headache management, exploring various types of headaches, their underlying causes, and the importance of lifestyle and nutrition in managing pain. Dr. Vrzal shares his insights on the seven patterns of headaches, emphasizing the significance of pain journaling to identify triggers and patterns. The discussion also highl...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley discusses the benefits of foam rolling for sciatica pain relief, emphasizing its advantages over traditional stretching. he explains how foam rolling improves blood flow, flexibility, and muscle function while addressing specific pain sources. The episode provides practical foam rolling techniques and encourages listeners to analyze their movement patterns for better re...

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley interviews Dr. Arun Kalava, MD about the use of stellate ganglion blocks in managing pain and other medical conditions. They discuss these various conditions that can be treated with this intervention, the role of the nervous system in pain perception, and the procedure itself. Dr. Kalava explains the importance of patient selection and the potential side effects o...

This episode jumps into the intricate relationship between sleep and pain, particularly focusing on how pain can disrupt sleep and vice versa. Dr. Ashley shares practical strategies to improve sleep quality, especially when dealing with sciatica. Key topics include understanding the stages of pain, the importance of sleep hygiene, and finding the right sleep position and environment to maximize re...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley and Rick Olderman delve into the complexities of chronic pain and the importance of a tailored approach to treatment. They discuss the evaluation process in physical therapy, emphasizing the need for effective communication between patients and providers to maximize recovery potential. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding the underlying causes o...

Dr. Ashley and Katie Feeley delve into the world of Strongman, discussing the mechanics of various lifts, the importance of functional strength, and strategies for injury management and recovery. They explore the unique demands of Strongman events, emphasizing the need for control and consistent tension during lifts. The conversation also covers programming for strength training and the mental asp...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley addresses the complex relationship between weight loss and sciatica pain. Many patients believe that losing weight will alleviate their pain, but this episode explores the nuances of body weight, body composition, and the importance of movement. Ashley emphasizes that while losing weight can have health benefits, it may not directly correlate with pain relief. The discu...

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Ashley interviews Dr. Leah Johnson, a clinical pharmacist specializing in cannabis therapy. They discuss the evolving role of cannabis in pain management, particularly chronic pain, and the importance of understanding the science behind cannabis, including the endocannabinoid system. Dr. Johnson shares her journey into cannabis therapy, the significance of pa...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley interviews Morgan Davis, an American record holder in rowing, discussing her journey into the sport, training techniques, injury prevention, and the importance of proper form and efficiency in rowing. They explore the mechanics of rowing, the muscles involved, and the significance of warm-ups and cool-downs. Morgan shares her insights on returning to rowing after injury...