Dr. David Hanscom — Anger and Forgiveness — Episode 84

In Today’s Episode Our guest today, 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 nonprofit 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.   Our conversation today centered around anger, anxiety, perfectionism, forgiveness and how these things connect to chronic pain.     Outline of This Great Episode [2:04] So many people are struggling with chronic pain syndromes or mystery illnesses. [4:08] Anger leads to pain. [5:22] How can you know if you’ve truly forgiven someone? [8:41] Deborah introduces Dr. Hanscom. [10:59] Dr. Hanscom’s journey to becoming a forgiveness expert began when he started having panic attacks. [14:23] Dr. Hanscom realized that he had developed a victim mindset. [15:24] Suppressing emotions causes brain damage. [17:49] How should you handle anger? [20:30] Talk therapy alone will not solve anger. [22:46] Forgiveness is a necessary selfish act. [27:20] Being present is key to healing chronic pain. [29:02] Perfectionism is deadly. [34:11] Forgiveness is letting go. [36:44] You need to become aware of your thoughts and their effects on your nervous system. [38:29] Dr. Hanscom walks us through how you might deal with anger over a spouse being late. [43:44] Thank you to everyone who left us a review last week! 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! [45:09] Why is it so hard for people to forgive? [48:38] Make sure you aren’t using meditation to suppress emotions. [51:12] This isn’t about getting rid of anger, it’s about handling anger in a healthy way. [52:19] There is real anger and there is perceived anger, and they both have to be let go. [56:59] Practicing awareness and compassion makes the world much more interesting. [1:00:16] Homeopathy can treat people who have a very hard time letting go of the past. [1:03:50] The Hoffman Process was life changing for Dr. Hanscom. [1:05:33] Medications and surgery treat symptoms. [1:06:52] Is it harder to forgive yourself or others? [1:09:04] Forgiveness is a process. [1:11:37] Can you have closure and forgive a person who has died? [1:12:56] Dr. Hanscom leaves us with three practical tips to begin to let go, and end chronic pain. [1:15:58] Dr. Hanscom shares a patient success story.     Mentioned In This Episode Forgive for Good: A Prescription for Health and Happiness, by Frederic Luskin Back in Control: A Spine Surgeon’s Roadmap Out of Chronic Pain, by David Hanscom The Way to Love: The Last Meditations of Anthony de Mello, by Anthony de Mello Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, by David Burns The Hoffman Process   Connect with Today’s Guest BackInControl.com