Aches and Gains

Are you afraid of developing pain as you get older? Many are afraid and with good reason. Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the world’s population, and pain is the most common reason they seek medical care. Persistent pain ranges from 25% to 50% of older adults and this rises with age. Fortunately, chronic pain is not an inevitable part of aging. Treatment can be more complicated, but the barriers to proper pain control are lifting. Today’s show features a story of success from Manny Bellmore, an active 76 year old, retired mathematician who tells us how he’s overcome severe spine pain. We’ll then be joined by Dr. Perry Fine, Professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine, and President of the American Academy of Pain Medicine who’ll talk about what’s unique about treating pain in older adults.

Musculoskeletal pain affects the bones, joints, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the body. Often, overuse, repetitive strain, or trauma results in tenderness, muscle spasms, and even weakness. Musculoskeletal pain is among the most common reasons for seeing a doctor and affects about 30% of adults. Treating this type of pain can be tough, but our first guest, Pete Egoscue has developed a unique method of providing an exercise therapy program that focuses on posture realignment. Pete has been an anatomical physiologist since 1978, and been a consultant to some of the biggest names in sports, including Jack Nicklaus. We’ll learn about his techniques and then hear from Rod Susman, a professional tennis player and longtime client of The Egoscue Method.

Imagine how you would feel if you experienced pain while chewing, swallowing, speaking, or even yawing? Or, consider living with such limited jaw movement that you couldn't insert a spoon or fork into your mouth. Many suffering form temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) endure these symptoms every day. According to the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, about 75% of the U.S. population experiences symptoms of TMJ during their lifetimes. Marion Blackburn, a freelance and creative writer describes how a simple dental visit resulted in a life changing cycle of pain. Yet, she didn't let the pain consume her life, and we'll find out how. Dr. Christian Stohler, Dean of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry then joins us as a leading expert on TMJ disorder.

Arthritis causes joint inflammation and pain. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common disabling diseases in developed countries. Over the age of 60, about 10% of men and 18% of women have symptoms. Despite appropriate treatment, many people continue to experience pain that interferes with both their physical function, and psychological well being. Lois Pike, an author and public speaker describes how she’s moved beyond the burden of OA while Dr. Marc Hochberg, Head of the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Maryland provides cutting edge information on treatments.

A primary cause of dwarfism is a medical condition called Achondroplasia, a type of skeletal dysplasia. More than 300 forms of skeletal dysplasia exist that lead to changes in proper cartilage and bone growth. Joint pain, nerve compression, and early degenerative spine changes often cause pain in Little People, which is under appreciated and poorly managed. We'll find out how Dee Miller, a Little Person has moved past serious spinal pain and spinal surgeries to live her life fully. Then, Dr. William Mackenzie, chair of the medical advisory board for Little People of America, orthopedist, & co-director of the skeletal dysplasia program at the Nemours Hospital for Children shares his insights into the best treatments for pain in this unique group.

Have you thought about using Feverfew, Cat's Claw, or Ginger to ease your pain? The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 4 billion people or 80% of the world population use herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care. Dr. Chad Wilde, a pain specialist and herbalist will give us his recommendations on effective botanicals for easing pain, and Bernadine Ashley will share firsthand some of the benefits she's experienced from herbal medicine.

There are several facial pain syndromes, but Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) may be the worst. Sudden, stabbing, electrical sensations radiating from the ear down the face are typical leading some to call this syndrome the “suicide disease” because the pain can be so excruciating. We’ll get a firsthand account of living with and overcoming TN from Pat Silver-Lasky. An author, film & TV writer, Pat is also a member of the Hollywood film dynasty founded by Jesse L. Lasky who produced the first feature film in Hollywood and co-founded Paramount Studios. Then, Dr. Kenneth Casey, neurosurgeon and chairman of the Facial Pain Association talks about the most helpful medical and surgical treatments for this disabling pain syndrome.

Abdominal Pain can be grueling, causing cramps, spasms, and intense squeezing sensations. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be a common cause of abdominal pain and represents one of the digestive diseases that affect 90 million Americans. Lisa Thorpe shares her experience with IBS and how she’s benefited from both traditional and integrative treatments. Dr. Gerald Mullin, an integrative gastroenterologist then sheds light on common therapies and reveals innovative methods of treatment related to nutrition, stress reduction, and harnessing the mild/body connection.

It’s estimated that over 12 million Americans have cancer. Sadly, severe and chronic pain occurs in over 30% of patients undergoing therapy, and in almost 70% of patients with advanced disease. Nancy Amato, who is actively battling pancreatic cancer shares an intimate portrait of her experience while Dr. Oscar De Leon of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute highlights specific pain therapies that are most successful in alleviating cancer pain.

Note: This show aired on October 15th and 22nd. Shoulder pain is common and affects up to 66% of the population at some point in life. Conditions like impingement, tendinitis, and rotator cuff tears are the most common. Orthopedist and shoulder expert, Dr. Ed McFarland discusses what we need to know about the causes and treatments of shoulder pain. Former Baltimore Orioles baseball pitcher, Tippy Martinez shares how he overcame traumatic injuries and gripping shoulder pain to perform in the 1983 World Series.

Opioids can be invaluable for treating pain, but prescription painkillers can lead to abuse and addiction. In fact, up to 7% of patients prescribed opioids to treat chronic pain may develop the disease of addiction. Christopher Kennedy Lawford, author of two, New York Times bestselling books on addiction, Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime, and nephew of President John F. Kennedy describes his prior struggles with opioid and alcohol addiction and the importance of recovery. An expert on the pain and addiction interface, Dr. Steve Passik then outlines the real problem of prescription painkiller abuse, who’s at risk, and how we can use opioids safely.

Fibromyalgia affects up to 4% of the population, and leads to widespread body pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and even memory problems. Women are 9 times more frequency affected than men. Actress AJ Langer, best known for her television roles on My So Called Life, Seinfeld, and Coach talks about her struggles and ultimate success with fibromyalgia following her diagnosis as a teenager. Fibromyalgia expert, Dr. Daniel Clauw from the University of Michigan then talks about diagnosis, helpful treatments, and new therapies on the horizon.

There is a 20% lifetime risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster), and it’s fairly common in older adults. Although the symptoms associated with shingles can be distressing, the pain that persists after the rash resolves, known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) can be awful. The risk of developing PHN increases as we age, and is often reported as burning, throbbing, and shooting pain. Traveling, shopping, cooking, and even dressing may all come to a halt. Hacky Clark, a successful estate attorney explains firsthand how PHN has affected his life, and PHN expert, Dr. Michael Oxman from the University of California, San Diego describes risks, pain-relieving treatments, and the importance of the shingles vaccine (Zostavax).

Marijuana is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. It’s one of the oldest documented medicines in history, and there are many therapeutic uses: it manages pain, including the pain of childbirth, relieves spasticity (from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury), reduces nausea, stimulates appetite, and can control glaucoma. On the other hand, marijuana is also the most commonly used illegal substance in the United States, and can have some harmful effects. We talk to Montel Williams, best known as host of The Montel Williams Show about his use of marijuana for treating MS pain and spasms. Dr. Ryan Vandrey, Johns Hopkins researcher talks about the risks of marijuana use and new drugs in development for treating marijuana abuse.

Between 70-80% of the world’s population will experience low back pain (LBP) at some time in their lives. In fact, LBP is second only to the common cold as the most frequent reason for visiting a doctor. Nikki Stone, 1998 Olympic Gold Medalist severely damaged two discs in her low back from repeated jumps that vaulted her in the air 30-50 feet about the ground. Nikki will tell us how she fought back against the odds to overcome this painful back injury just two years before becoming America’s first Olympic champion in inverted aerial skiing. Harvard pain specialist and back pain expert, Dr. Jim Rathmell then gives us his expert recommendations on effective ways to treat this condition.