Pain Unfiltered

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Melissa Murphy to preview the ASPN annual meeting in Miami. We also discuss our thoughts on the recent Medtronic acquisition of SPR, new ASPN projects, and much more.  Host, Patrick Buchanan, MD: Dr. Buchanan is double board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine. His goal is to help his patients get their life back by managing the...

In this episode, we sit down with esteemed neurosurgeons Dr. Michael Dorsi and Dr. Justine Pearl to explore the evolving intersection of spine surgery and pain management. The group discusses the criteria for patient referrals, the impact of the American Society of Pain & Neuroscience (ASPN), and the future of emerging technologies like spinal cord stimulation and minimally invasive decompressions...

In this episode, we sit down with Noctrix Health CEO Shri Raghunathan and SVP Kris Krustangel to discuss their mission to transform Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) treatment through the innovative Nidra™ therapy. The team shares the origin story behind their "10 Million Nights" goal and explains how their wearable neuromodulation technology offers a long-awaited, drug-free alternative to traditional...

In this episode, our guests, Dr. Jason Pope and Dr. Jonathan Goree, break down and simplify closed loop spinal cord stimulation. They discuss how this therapy has changed their clinical practice. Disclosers: Dr. Pope and Goree are paid consultants for Saluda Medical.  Host, Patrick Buchanan, MD: Dr. Buchanan is double board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine. His g...

In this episode, Dr. Tim Deer discusses how he got into running and what it takes to train for marathons and ultramarathons. Our first two guests, Dan Brounstein and Matt Paxton, discuss their experience with the 100 mile run. Our next three guests, Dr. Dawood Sayed, Dr. Kasra Amirdelfan, and Shanth Thiyagalingam talk about their journey running in the Dallas marathon.  Host, Patrick Buchanan, MD:...

This episode features Dr. Ramo Naidu and Dr. Jason Pope discussing the current state of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and the longstanding challenge of limited visibility into patients' real-world therapy use. The conversation highlights how remote monitoring enables early detection of device issues, reduces patient burden, and improves outcomes. The hosts review compelling clinical evidence, incl...

This episode focuses on why nutrition has been overlooked in healthcare and especially in pain management. It explores the clinical links between nutrition and chronic pain, the high prevalence of diet-related comorbidities, and how personalized guidance differs from generic dietary advice. This episode also highlights how technology and AI enable scalable, clinician-supervised nutrition support,a...

This episode explored how to build wealth using current investment and asset allocation strategies with our guest, Kelly Castleberry. We also examined the outlook for stocks, bonds, cash, and alternative assets such as private equity, private credit, real estate, hedge funds, and infrastructure. We wrapped up the episode by  discussing tax-saving strategies like charitable giving through donor-adv...

This episode discussed the ASPN 60 day PNS guidelines with our guests Dr. Scott Pritzlaff and Dr. Samir Seth. Drs Deer, Pritzlaff and Sheth are paid consultants of SPR.  The SPRINT PNS System is indicated for up to 60 days for: (i) Symptomatic relief of chronic, intractable pain, post-surgical and post-traumatic acute pain; (ii) Symptomatic relief of post-traumatic pain; and (iii) Symptomatic reli...

This episode explored the long and strategic journey to achieving commercial coverage for ReActiv8 therapy, a restorative neurostimulation treatment for mechanical chronic low back pain. Our guests Mainstay Medical CEO, Jason Hannon discussed the origins of the therapy, the challenges of navigating the U.S. payer landscape, and the 15+ year investment in clinical research, culminating in the pivot...

In this episode, Dr. Gabriel Pagani and Dr. David Reece share their journeys into pain medicine and their commitment to caring for veterans, highlighting the unique pain syndromes and psychological complexities often seen in this population. They emphasize the role of minimally invasive spine solutions like Minuteman and Liberty in improving mobility and quality of life, while also underscoring th...

In this episode we preview the 2025 ASPN annual meeting with special guests, Dr. Melissa Murphy and Dr. Kasra Amirdelfan. Host, Patrick Buchanan, MD: Dr. Buchanan is double board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine. His goal is to help his patients get their life back by managing their pain and focus on things they love and enjoy. https://www.californiapaindoctors.c...

In this episode we discussed the connection between physicians and the medtech industry in this ever evolving economy. Our guest, Brad Maruca, talked about his journey in the medical industry to strategy consulting with Deloitte. We discussed several topics including key trends in the interventional spine market, the most exciting technologies/interventions in the spine space, the importance of pa...

In this episode we discussed why interventionalists should be aware of joint hypermobility and connective tissue disorders. Our guest, Dr. Linda Bluestein, talked about her experience as a patient and physician with these pain issues. We discussed how interventionalists can treat this patient population and use the resources to be better equipped for these challenges.  Host, Patrick Buchanan, MD:...

In this episode we discussed the latest updates on the coding and reimbursement for SIJ Fusion. Our guest, Dr. Douglas Beall, talked about his experience with the different approaches of SIJ fusion therapies. We also discussed where the SIJ fusion space may be headed in the future.  Host, Patrick Buchanan, MD: Dr. Buchanan is double board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain...

In this episode we discussed the advances in the lateral approach for sacroiliac joint fusion. Our guests, Dr. Usman Latif talked about his experience in the research and development of Liberty SI. We also discussed the most updated data on lateral SIJ fusion and how Dr. Latif decides which approach to use for his patients.  Full Disclosure: Dr. Latif is a consultant of Spinal Simplicity.  Host, P...

In this episode we discussed the differences between physiological closed loop spinal cord stimulation and traditional stimulation. Our guests, Dr. Jason Pope and Dr. Johnathan Goree talked about the data behind Saluda's closed loop stimulation and how it differs with Medtronic's therapy. They also discussed knowing and controlling the dose of stimulation and what they think the future is for this...

In this episode we discussed the roles advanced practice providers (APPs) play in the interventional pain practice. Our guests, Ashley Comer, Casey Grillo, and Morteza Rabii talked about how to approach minimally invasive procedures in their practice. They also discussed how to partner with industry.  Host, Patrick Buchanan, MD: Dr. Buchanan is double board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehab...

In this episode we discussed the current state of healthcare fraud. Our guest, Ronald Chapman, discussed federal cases involving pain management providers.  He provided the DO's and DONT's for healthcare providers to be compliant within the current healthcare landscape.  Host, Patrick Buchanan, MD: Dr. Buchanan is double board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine. Hi...

In this episode we reflected on the huge success of this past ASPN annual meeting. We talked about the newest section in ASPN: Health and Wellness. Our guest, Matt Dixon, discussed the elite challenges that time starved health care providers face and gave his professional advice on how to face them.  He also talked about how to manage stress, create a winning team culture, and many more pearls to...

In this episode we discussed the importance of closed loop spinal cord stimulation therapy with Dr. Krishnan Chakravarthy and Dr. Nomen Azeem. We reviewed the data behind Medtronic's Inceptiv closed loop therapy as well as current studies that are ongoing. We discussed what makes this closed loop therapy unique and what the future holds.  Host, Patrick Buchanan, MD: Dr. Buchanan is double board ce...

In this episode we discussed the state peripheral nerve stimulation with Dr. Mehul Desai. Dr. Timothy Deer talked about the history of peripheral nerve stimulation and how far its come. We then discussed the current data and rising indications to treat different pain generators.  Host, Patrick Buchanan, MD: Dr. Buchanan is double board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Med...

In this episode we took a deeper dive into 2 of ASPN's stars, Dr. Jordan Tate and Dr. Alexa Moreira. We discussed the current state of women in medicine and talked about the female mentorship program. We also discussed the poster to podium program and some tips to become an attractive fellowship candidate. We had our first APSN member, Dr. Tolga Suvar, ask a few questions to the guests.  Host, Pat...

In this episode we discussed Dr. Tim Deer's "The DO NOTHINGS" post. ASPN Vice President, Dr. Steven Falowsk, talked about his algorithm for low back pain, experience with the Reactiv8 therapy, and how he partners with industry.  Host, Patrick Buchanan, MD: Dr. Buchanan is double board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine. His goal is to help his patients get their li...

In this episode we take a deeper dive into the Boston Scientific acquisition of Relievent Medsytems. Dr. Ray Baker, CMO of Relievent Medsystems, discussed how he developed the Intracept procedure for commercialization. Jim Cassidy, President of Boston Scientific Neuromodulation talked about what he looks for when acquiring a therapy. Ray and Jim both gave great incites into the future of intervent...