Dr. David Hanscom MD — Back In Control: A Surgeon’s Roadmap Out of Chronic Pain — Episode 71

In Today’s Episode Chronic pain is a horrible thing. After suffering from debilitating migraines for more than forty years, I can sympathize with people that say they have considered suicide because of their chronic pain. Chronic pain is the reason why many people become dependent on drugs, and why opioid addiction is such a problem in our country, even for kids and teenagers. If you suffer from any kind of pain, I can’t wait for you to meet today’s guest, Dr. David Hanscom. Dr. Hanscom is a board certified orthopedic surgeon, specializing in complex spine problems in all areas of the spine. He has expertise in adult and pediatric spinal deformities, such as scoliosis and kyphosis. A significant part of his practice is devoted to performing surgery on patients who have had multiple prior spine surgeries. He works for Swedish Neuroscience Specialists in Seattle, Washington, and he is the founder of the Puget Sound Spine Society, a non-profit educational group which provides a regional forum for physicians to share ideas regarding optimum spine care. He is the author of a book titled, Back in Control: A Surgeon’s Roadmap Out of Chronic Pain, which I highly recommend that you read, because he explains in full detail why his method works, and what you need to do to get out of chronic pain or chronic anxiety.  This book will be, and has been, a miracle for many.   Outline of This Great Episode [1:56] Welcome to our old friends and new friends alike! The Vidal Speaks Podcast is where you can learn about all kinds of ways to get well, why a plant-powered diet is the only diet that will reverse disease in the long run, the true causes of chronic disease, and the myths surrounding treatments. Most importantly, you will learn to take charge, and heal yourself and those you love. I hope that this show will grow into a movement of people who take charge of their health! Please tune in every Wednesday and share this podcast with your friends. [12:10] Dr. Hanscom performed state-of-the-art back surgeries for years, but was confused that they weren’t working very well. [14:48] While Dr. Hanscom was looking for something better to help his patients, he developed chronic pain himself. [17:14] When you feel anxiety you are really feeling a chemical surge. [20:56] By sharing his personal experience with his patients, Dr. Hanscom has helped hundreds become pain and anxiety free. [21:42] The human body is designed for survival. [24:16] People often don’t see that their anger is really anxiety. [24:42] Things started to change when Dr. Hanscom started writing things down, but it took him a little longer to really understand what was going on. [26:41] How does the nervous system work? [29:21] The role of anxiety is to protect us. [30:42] Anger feels powerful, anxiety feels vulnerable. [33:16] Forgiveness can give you your life back. [34:48] How can you know if you have truly forgiven? [39:18] Healing happens in phases. [42:14] Over 300 research papers support Dr. Hanscom’s approach to reprogramming the brain. [45:28] Be sure to check out VidalSpeaks.com, where you can find my story, my favorite products, and much more! Please support this show by using the Amazon Banner on my site for all your Amazon purchases, which will pay a small commission to me with no extra cost to you. It really helps. Please also consider donating directly to keep our show going, leaving us a review, or sharing our show with a friend. All of this supports our mission. Thank you! [46:43] Thoughts are real, but they may not represent reality. [49:09] Writing is “mechanical meditation.” [50:06] Dr. Hanscom even practices mindfulness while performing surgery. [51:10] The past is not fixable, and acceptance of that fact is key to healing. [56:22] The goal should be to connect to the very second that you’re in. [57:20] Dr. Hanscom’s method is a four-step process. [59:13] Talking about your pain is usually not constructive. [1:00:36] Dr. Hanscom is putting on a conference this July with Dr. Bernie Siegel.    Connect with Today's Guest BackInControl.com   Resources Mentioned Back in Control: A Surgeon’s Roadmap Out of Chronic Pain, by Dr. David Hanscom  “The Cry of Chronic Pain,” by Dr. David Hanscom “A Surgeon’s Perspective on the Hoffman Process,” by Dr. David Hanscom “Physician Suicide: My Journey,” by Dr. David Hanscom “Aching Back? Why Surgery Is Not Indicated for Lower Back Pain,” by Dr. David Hanscom  Forgive for Good, by Frederic Luskin  Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, by David Burns The Way to Love, by Anthony de Mello