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What happens when a passionate marathon runner is suddenly sidelined by a herniated disc? Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Loretta, a dedicated mother and ultra marathoner, whose life took a drastic turn due to a severe back injury. Discover how Loretta navigated the tumultuous path from intense physical activity to being immobilized by pain, and the emotional toll of such a sudden shift in her life. From the thrill of completing ultra marathons to the frustration of daily struggles, Loretta's story is a testament to human resilience and the will to overcome.

Loretta opens up about her relentless search for relief, detailing her experiences with urgent care treatments, chiropractic adjustments, and physical therapy. She shares the highs and lows of trying to find an effective solution, including the pivotal moment when an MRI revealed the severity of her condition. Her journey underscores the importance of self-advocacy and persistence in a healthcare system that can often be challenging to navigate. You'll hear about the relentless pain, the complex decisions around potential treatments, and the critical support systems that helped her along the way.

The road to recovery post-surgery is fraught with both triumphs and setbacks, and Loretta doesn't shy away from sharing the raw reality of her experience. She discusses the significance of patience, managing expectations, and the slow, determined return to physical activities. Loretta's narrative highlights the power of community and the joy found in connecting with others who share similar struggles. Her inspiring story is a powerful reminder that with perseverance, support, and a positive mindset, it's possible to reclaim one's life even after serious injury. Don't miss this heartfelt episode that celebrates the strength and tenacity required to overcome severe back pain and find hope on the path to recovery.

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S02#11 What if battling excruciating pain far from home could spark a story of incredible resilience and hope? Meet Adithi Udupa, a postdoctoral researcher from India now in Sweden, who faced the daunting challenge of a herniated disc while pursuing groundbreaking work in quantum computing. From emergency room visits to maintaining a positive outlook, Adithi's journey embodies the spirit of determination and perseverance.

In our conversation, Adithi openly shares the hurdles she faced in both her personal and professional life. As one of the few women in the male-dominated field of quantum computing, she reveals the significance of representation and the barriers she overcame from her academic days in Bangalore to her current research endeavors. Our discussion also takes a heartfelt turn as Aditi recounts her experiences with various treatments for her back issues, including physiotherapy and Ayurveda, along with the significant challenges posed by symptoms like foot drop and severe leg weakness.

Adithi's story of recovery is a testament to the power of community and resilience. She opens up about the emotional complexities of accepting help, the importance of strength training, and the role of consistent self-care in her journey. Her positive mental attitude, buoyed by encouraging recovery stories from our podcast, serves as a beacon of hope for anyone navigating similar health struggles. Tune in for an episode filled with personal inspiration, professional passion, and an unyielding message of hope.

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Ever wondered how a seasoned yoga teacher overcame chronic back pain without surgery, and developed a groundbreaking technique in the process? In this episode, Yogi Aaron shares his incredible journey from debilitating back pain to becoming a pain-free yoga specialist. We discuss how his active youth and initial stiffness led him to yoga, and how he ultimately founded Blue Osa Yoga Retreat and Spa in Costa Rica. Learn about Ayama, Aaron's innovative yoga method focused on muscle activation for improved balance and strength, and how it has transformed the lives of many suffering from chronic pain.

Join us as we take a spiritual and physical journey to the Himalayan mountains with Aaron, where a near-fatal accident profoundly influenced his approach to yoga. Hear about the life-changing moment involving a falling boulder near Gangotri and how Aaron's yoga practice helped him manage this crisis. We'll explore the importance of embracing discomfort and the adaptability required in yoga, especially when physical demonstrations are impossible. Aaron's trips to India are more than just a travel story—they're a testament to the healing power of yoga and spiritual connection.

Discover the critical role of muscle activation in overcoming chronic pain and dispelling common misconceptions about muscle function. Aaron explains how his book "Stop Stretching" and the development of Applied Yoga Anatomy and Muscle Activation (AYAMA) came from his personal experiences with pain and recovery. Through inspiring stories and practical advice, this episode offers invaluable insights for anyone seeking to live a pain-free life through yoga. Tune in and uncover the secret to proper muscle contraction, stability, and a healthier, stronger body.

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Robert Carmichael thought his back pain was just a pulled muscle until it left him immobile during a beach trip in 2020. His journey from confusion to diagnosis sheds light on the complexities of living with spondylolisthesis, a condition where a vertebra slips out of place. Through chiropractic care and orthopedic consultations, Robert initially found relief, only to face a more severe return of pain that required a neurosurgeon's expertise. This episode of Bed Back Beyond takes you through Robert's emotional and physical challenges, from the difficult decision to undergo surgery to the preparation and psychological hurdles involved.

Robert's story doesn't end at the operating table. Post-surgery recovery brought its own set of obstacles, from managing intense pain to the critical importance of early movement. Yet, he emphasizes that consistent movement and a strong support system were key to his recovery. His candid recounting of the initial hospital stay and return home, complete with practical tips like using a four-foot grabber and a toilet seat riser, offers invaluable advice for anyone facing similar challenges.

This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the importance of family support in overcoming adversity. Robert reflects on the crucial role his wife, son, and mother played in his two-month healing journey, offering hope and encouragement to others in similar situations. Listeners are invited to share their own recovery stories on BedBackBeyond.com, fostering a community of support and resilience. Tune in to hear Robert's heartfelt story and gain insights that could guide you or a loved one through the complexities of spinal fusion recovery.

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Transform your understanding of chronic pain management with our special guest, Julie Donnelly, a seasoned massage therapist and pain relief expert with 35 years of experience. Listen as Julie shares her remarkable journey from standard massage therapy on a cruise ship to pioneering her unique muscular therapy practice. Discover the innovative approach she developed by studying one muscle a day, leading to significant breakthroughs in treating chronic pain and injuries like headaches and sciatica. Be inspired by her dedication and commitment to resolving pain, highlighted through the compelling story of helping a man with severe sciatica regain his mobility.

Explore Julie's adventurous chapter in St. Thomas, where she lived on a sailboat and honed her skills under the mentorship of a retired osteopath. Learn how these experiences were instrumental in developing her holistic approach dubbed Juulstro Muscular Therapy, which focuses on treating pain and teaching self-care techniques. Julie recounts an extraordinary remote consultation via Zoom, helping a man in Australia alleviate severe sciatic pain, enabling him to visit his dying mother. Gain insights into the muscles involved in sciatica, particularly the psoas and iliacus muscles, and how Julie's techniques bring relief across the globe.

Delve into the relationship between pelvis rotation and sciatic pain, understanding how misalignment and muscle knots contribute to discomfort. Julie offers practical self-treatment methods to address the root causes of pain, emphasizing the importance of routine muscle health. Learn about her journey in creating books and online training programs designed to help people alleviate pain through self-treatment. Julie's dedication to promoting a pain-free life for all is evident, and we encourage listeners to share their own recovery stories. Join us for this enlightening conversation and discover the potential for positive recovery through Julie’s invaluable insights.
https://www.flexibleathlete.com/

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Facing chronic pain or a severe injury can feel like navigating an endless maze of frustration and despair. Today's episode of Bed Back and Beyond brings a beacon of hope and actionable advice from Dr. Alan Weisser, a clinical psychologist and author of "New Possibilities: Unraveling the Mystery and Mastering Chronic Pain." After a neck injury at 12 changed his life forever, Dr. Weisser transitioned from a career as a trial lawyer to become a psychologist, dedicating his life to understanding and mastering chronic pain. His personal journey and profound insights offer a unique perspective on not just coping but thriving despite the challenges.

We unpack the emotional and psychological toll that accompanies significant injuries. Dr. Weiser sheds light on his own experiences with judo injuries and the subsequent struggle with neck and disc issues. He talks about the initial shock, the emotional rollercoaster, and the long path to recovery. We explore how personal histories and individual coping mechanisms shape responses to trauma, and discuss the guilt or shame that often surfaces when asking for help. Dr. Weiser emphasizes the vital role of self-awareness and community support in the healing journey, offering listeners a deep understanding of the emotional landscapes tied to physical injuries.

Dr. Weiser also discusses the often-overlooked psychological aspects of recovering from herniated disc surgery. He stresses the importance of communicating effectively with healthcare providers and shares techniques to mitigate the fear of re-injury, which can lead to physical deconditioning. The episode wraps up with an inspiring conversation on the importance of community and self-love in chronic pain management. The concept of creating an online support network akin to Alcoholics Anonymous is introduced, providing a structured and technological approach to help people manage their conditions more effectively. Don’t miss this episode packed with hope, encouragement, and practical strategies for anyone on the tumultuous journey of recovery.

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What if a simple sneeze turned your life upside down? Join us as we dive into the remarkable story of Sydney Lewis, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and co-owner of Lions Crest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Sydney's journey from a sudden, agonizing blackout to the ER, diagnosed with two herniated discs, is a testament to her resilience and the power of support systems. Listen as she recounts how this injury momentarily derailed her active lifestyle and teaching roles, and how she fought her way back with the help of her team and her husband's unwavering support.

Discover Sydney's recovery path, which includes non-surgical treatments and therapies that she swears by. From chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy exercises to acupuncture and maintaining an active lifestyle, we highlight the methods that have helped her manage pain and stay on track. Sydney's story is not just about the physical struggle but also about the mental resilience required to overcome such a debilitating injury. Her insights into staying informed and active offer invaluable lessons for anyone facing similar challenges.

Sydney’s dedication to her students and her role in local martial arts competitions in Charlotte, Raleigh, and South Carolina brings another layer to her inspiring journey. Balancing the roles of competitor, coach, and business owner, she prioritizes her students' development over personal glory. Get a glimpse into the academy’s offerings and how Sydney maintains a positive outlook on recovery. This episode is packed with hope, practical advice, and encouragement for anyone overcoming serious neck or back injuries without surgery. Tune in and be inspired by Sydney Lewis's resilient spirit and expert guidance.

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Imagine waking up one day to discover the most fundamental abilities you've taken for granted—walking, talking, smiling—have vanished. That's the reality Dan MacQueen faced after enduring not one, but two brain injuries. He joins us to recount his remarkable journey from a once active lifestyle in to relearning the simplest of tasks in the concrete jungle of London. Alongside the tale of my own challenges, we weave a narrative that will have you rethinking what it means to be resilient.

As we navigate through Dan's experiences and mine, you'll find a treasure trove of hard-earned wisdom on the necessity of cultivating a solution-oriented mindset. With a dose of humor, we discuss the unlikely lessons learned from the hustling streets of South London and the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that have shaped our approach to life's hurdles. The conversation illuminates the evolution from dependency to autonomy, proving that with determination, even monotonous milestones can be monumental victories.

Each chapter of our dialogue serves to underscore the transformative power of storytelling and its ability to motivate and inspire. We extend an invitation to our listeners to join this vibrant exchange by sharing their own victories over adversity. This episode isn't just an audio experience—it's a call to celebrate every step forward and a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
https://www.macqueendan.com/

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Have a positive story of recovery to tell? Head over to https://bedbackbeyond.com/share-your-story/ to apply.