Aches and Gains

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 Courage Coaching allowed him to triumph over nerve and muscle pain that made him feel like death was the only option for relief. Then, Becky Curtis, founder of Take Courage Coaching describes this remarkable program that taps our own ability to regain the joy of living without the burden of chronic pain.

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? Can they communicate with them uniquely as depicted in the 1998 American film directed by and starring Robert Redford called The Horse Whisperer? John Servis, champion thoroughbred horse trainer of Smarty Jones, the 2004 winner of both the Kentucky Derby and The Preakness, and equine veterinarian Dr. Art Stitzer give us a privileged view of identifying, and treating pain in these beautiful animals.

The pain from gout can be crushing. On many occasions, not even a bed sheet can touch the exquisitely tender, red, warm, and swollen joint without causing lightning bolts of pain. It’s the most common inflammatory joint disease and affects over 5 million people in the United States alone. It’s also been referred to as “the king of diseases and the disease of kings” because rich foods and alcohol, symbols of the “good life” trigger painful attacks. On today’s show, Paul Feinberg shares what it’s like to have gout for 13 years, and how he’s making strides to beat it, while Dr. Michael Maldonado, rheumatologist and Director of the Immunoscience Clinical Research Group at Bristol-Myers Squibb provides expert recommendations from years of treating patients with this disease.

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and the knee joint has great susceptibility to injury, degeneration from age, and arthritis. In fact, the prevalence of knee pain in the population is about 19%. 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 he has successfully treated and overcome arthritic knee pain. Then, orthopedist and sports medicine specialist Dr. Kevin Stone talks about the most advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques for treating knee problems, including tissue regeneration.

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 on this episode of Aches and Gains, Dr. Deborah Barrett feels just the opposite. In her book, Paintracking: Your Personal Guide to Living Well with Chronic Pain, she has designed a step-by-step process to assess the occurrences of pain, test new approaches in dealing with pain, and determine what helps and what hurts. In our interview, she highlights these strategies and more.

Cancer pain can result from many sources. Tumors can invade into nerves, for example. In colon cancer, the tumor can compress the colon or even spread to other parts of the body like the liver or bone. Pain may be experienced as tight, crampy, or squeezing, and then change when the cancer moves to other parts of the body. 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 the disease, as well as his struggles with persistent pain. Oncologist and colon cancer specialist, Dr. Luis Diaz from Johns Hopkins then offers his special expertise on detection, treatment, and outcomes.

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 with difficult medical situations, like pain. Answers to spiritual questions are not easy because faith is personal. There are, however people who have studied scriptures and dedicated their lives to helping us gain spiritual enlightenment while providing guidance along the journey. Two such individuals, Rabbi Mark Strauss-Cohn of Temple Emanuel in North Carolina, and Father Paul Holland, Rector of the Jesuit Community at Fairfield University help clarify the question, “Is Pain a Curse from God?”

Erythromelalgia (or EM) is rare and can be a devastating condition. It only affects 200-500 people in North America and a few thousand worldwide. It’s a disorder of the nerves and tiny blood vessels of the body. 

EM primarily affects adults, but young children have been reported to have the genetic form of this condition. It typically affects the feet or hands, or both and causes visible redness, as well as sensations of intense heat and burning pain. Some have described this condition as having their “nerves on fire” or feeling like they’re “burning alive”. 

We’ll hear Diana Zak and Kate Conklin share their personal and quite amazing experiences of overcoming EM. Dr. Stephen Waxman, Director of Yale University’s Center of Neuroscience and Regeneration Research then provides an insightful discussion about how the genetic revolution promises to offer unique treatments for this condition.

If you’re like most of us, we sing the praises of good food. We celebrate taste, and watch reality TV shows like Top Chef and Iron Chef America, wishing that we could be the judge of deliciously prepared food. Yet, we fight the battle of the waistline all the time. More and more, we’re finding that what we eat – or don’t eat – can make a huge difference in how we feel. But, can food really act as a pain reliever? Or, can it make us feel even worse? These questions and more are answered by our two guests. Anne Wilson traces her path to a diet that’s helped her reclaim her life, virtually free of arthritic pain. Dr. Harris Mcllwain, author of “Diet for a Pain-Free Life” shares his prescriptions for a lifestyle that can reduce pain, pounds, and stress.

Is there really a unique bond between humans and animals? Most of us have felt the soothing sensations of stroking the fur of our pets, especially dogs and cats. Some of us have even had remarkable personal experiences that convince us that a true healing relationship really exists. 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 conditions, including pain. We’ll hear from Canadian, Jodi Tuckett whose devoted dog, Suzy helped her fight her way back to a productive life after a severe, painful traffic injury. Dr. Dawn Marcus, author of The Power of Wagging Tails then shares some remarkable studies on the value of therapy dogs in helping us feel better.

Have you ever daydreamed and lost track of what was going on around you? The dividing line between a normal waking state and a trance state is not always a definite one. Hypnosis is a mind-body healing approach that’s been used successfully to manage acute and chronic pain, including cancer pain. Its analgesic effects are well known during dental procedures, burn wounds, headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome. Ross Chambers talks to us about how well hypnosis relieved aggravating chest wall and shoulder pain following a pacemaker implantation. Then, Dr. David Patterson, psychologist and hypnotherapist from the University of Washington School of Medicine shows us the benefits of hypnotic analgesia on a variety of painful conditions.

More than 70 million Americans suffer from some sort of sleep disturbance. In fact, almost 70% of those suffering from pain complain of sleep problems. The relationship is reciprocal: pain often disrupts sleep, and poor sleep can worsen pain. We all need healthy sleep to revitalize us, and when pain is the thief robbing us of that treasured sleep, it’s time to seek special medical help. Dr. William Kohler may have just the right medicine. He is the Medical Director of the Florida Sleep Institute in Spring Hill, Florida. With over 44 years of experience, he brings a great deal of insight into this quest for a good night’s sleep. Gwenn Herman is the Executive Director of the Pain Connection, a chronic pain outreach center in Rockville, Maryland. She has a personal understanding of chronic pain. A serious automobile accident instigated a cascade of painful symptoms that have made sleep a nightly struggle. She’s made great strides, however in finding a routine that’s helped her feel rested.American Academy of Sleep Medicine

All of us have experienced the power of music. It can lift our spirits and transform us physically, emotionally, and socially. 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 the form of music. Andy talks candidly about the transformative affects of music on her life. Lisa Gallagher, a board-certified music therapist at the Cleveland Clinic, Arts and Medicine Institute shares some remarkable discoveries about the pain-reducing effects of music. We’ll also feature the healing sounds of instrumental music by Tim Janis, whose music is played in operating rooms, delivery rooms, nursing homes, and palliative care settings across the country.

The risk of having chronic chest pain after breast surgery (mastectomy and lumpectomy) for cancer is high at 20-30%. When a woman is confronted with breast cancer, many questions arise – not the least of which is post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Options such as autogenous breast reconstruction (DIEP or TRAM flaps) or implants made of silicone or saline can help restore a woman’s body image. Janet Ladd, a professional coach shares her experience with mastectomy, breast reconstruction, and pain-free living while Dr. Gedge Rosson, Director of Breast Reconstruction at Johns Hopkins tells us how the latest surgical technique called a DIEP flap can lower the risk of persistent pain and restore natural sensation.

Harold Houdini, the famous escape artist probably had Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Many with extreme joint flexibility can voluntarily dislocate and relocate their joints due to EDS. Unfortunately, 90% of those with EDS suffer from chronic pain for over 6 months, and pain is a cardinal feature of this syndrome. Extremely mobile joints, tissue fragility, and tendon and ligament injury can be caused by this genetic disorder of collagen formation. We’re joined by Maggie Buckley, who shares her experience with joint hypermobility, accompanying pain, and methods of coping with EDS. Ehlers-Danlos expert, Dr. Clair Francomano tells us how best to manage this condition and what treatments may someday be a reality.