Paul Christo MD

Chronic pain can be hard to predict. Why is it that we feel fine one minute and in agony the next? Most of all, we feel powerless – resigned to “just living with the pain.” Our guest Dr. Deborah Barrett feels just the opposite. In her book, Paintracking: Your Personal Guide to Living Well with […]

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and the knee joint has great susceptibility to injury, degeneration from age, and arthritis. In adults, the most common causes of knee pain are due to overuse and trauma. On today’s show, we’ll first hear from Joe Montana, one of football’s biggest names. He’ll share how […]

Today, we step away from human pain and examine animal pain. The similarities may astound you.  We’ll get an in-depth look at thoroughbred racehorses. Targeting injury and pain and then treating them quickly and effectively are critical.  But, how is this done? Do trainers have a remarkable gift for understanding horses?  John Servis, champion thoroughbred […]

Being in chronic pain is dreadful but being in pain and feeling alone is unbearable.  In many cases, pain can take over our lives, and engulf us in a cloud of hopelessness. Is it possible to restore vitality and optimism?  Both of our guests believe that there is a way.  Jim Brown shares how Take […]

Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone isn’t able to keep up with the removal of old bone.  Bones then become weak, brittle, and painful — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses like bending over or coughing can cause what is known as a “fragility fracture.”  Our guest is Dr. Keith […]

Biofeedback sounds mysterious and technical, but it’s been in use since the mid-to-late 1960’s. Today, we’ll examine Biofeedback with the help of two of our guests. Retired anesthesiologist Dr. Blossom Sanger shares how this therapy has given her much better control of her pain and her life. Jim Cahill, Biofeedback Therapist from the Scripps Center […]

Nerve stimulation with small doses of electricity has been used for pain relief since Egyptian and Roman times. In this show, we’ll learn about exciting advances in neurostimulation for controlling pain. Andy Magruder shares his compelling story of how a pain pacemaker transformed his life following three spinal surgeries.  And then, Dr. Giancarlo Barolat, neurosurgeon […]

Almost 70% of those suffering from pain complain of sleep problems and the relationship is reciprocal: pain often disrupts sleep, and poor sleep can worsen pain. Dr. William Kohler, Medical Director of the Florida Sleep Institute, may have just the right medicine.  Gwenn Herman is the Executive Director of Pain Connection, a chronic pain outreach center.  A serious automobile accident caused [&#82...

Music has been used since the ancient times to influence health and help us deal with pain and distress. In fact, music can reduce pain during surgery and have a positive effect on chronic pain or terminal illness. For 30 years, Andrea (Andy) Cooper has battled chronic spinal pain.  She’s found an ally, though in […]

Most of us have felt the soothing sensations of stroking the fur of our pets, especially dogs and cats.  But, is there any actual evidence of this connection between our four-legged friends and us?  Actually, published studies show that animal assisted therapy optimizes healing, and therapy dogs provide benefits across a broad range of medical […]

Cancer pain can result from many sources. In colon cancer, the tumor can compress the colon or even spread to other parts of the body like the liver or bone. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy may all contribute to discomfort, even after the cancer is eliminated.  Colon cancer survivor Edel Blumberg shares his triumphs over […]

When pain overwhelms us, we feel compelled to ask, “Why did this happen to me?”  “Did I do something wrong?”  “Is this experience a curse from God?”  Religion is an important aspect of life for many people and often not discussed in the health care setting. Yet, people often rely on their faith when faced […]

Being a Caregiver is certainly is a life-changing experience and it can be a life-affirming experience. Uncontrolled pain at the end of life can push all other priorities aside. We’re fortunate to have as our guest, Lisa Niemi Swayze. She and her husband, actor Patrick Swayze were married for 34 years until his death from […]

Being a Caregiver is certainly is a life-changing experience and it can be a life-affirming experience. Uncontrolled pain at the end of life can push all other priorities aside. We’re fortunate to have as our guest, Lisa Niemi Swayze. She and her husband, actor Patrick Swayze were married for 34 years until his death from […]

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common disabilities in the Western world. In fact, it affects about 80% of Americans at some point during their lives. The costs are massive, and estimated somewhere between $100-200 billion annually. Discogenic pain, or pain that comes from the intervertebral discs accounts for most of the […]

The word “yoga” causes most of us to imagine twisting our bodies into human pretzels, but yoga is one of the Top 10 most popular alternative medicine therapies for health. Along with massage and Pilates, consumers rate Yoga equivalent to prescription medications for easing low back pain. Our guests today will share the beneficial effects […]

The word “yoga” causes most of us to imagine twisting our bodies into human pretzels, but yoga is one of the Top 10 most popular alternative medicine therapies for health. Along with massage and Pilates, consumers rate Yoga equivalent to prescription medications for easing low back pain. Our guests today will share the beneficial effects […]