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National Spine Health Foundation

Join orthopedic spine surgeon and National Spine Health Foundation (NSHF) Board Chairman Dr. Thomas Schuler as he sits down with the country’s leading back and neck specialists — neurosurgeons, orthopedic experts, and more — to tackle the questions patients are asking and deliver the answers that can change lives.

Episodios

  1. 20 ago

    The Future of Spine Surgery: Robotics, Recovery & Restoring Lives

    What does the future of spine surgery look like—and how are advances in technology helping patients get their lives back? In this episode of Back to the Expert, Spine Health Foundation Board Chairman and orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Thomas Schuler sits down with Dr. Alexander R. Vaccaro, a leading orthopedic spine surgeon, to discuss the evolution of spine surgery and what today’s innovations mean for patients. Dr. Vaccaro reflects on decades of advances in spine care, from earlier surgical techniques to modern robotics, image guidance, and instrumentation. He shares why new technology is making complex procedures more precise and discusses remarkable patient recoveries he has witnessed throughout his career—including patients with devastating spinal cord injuries who regained function. The conversation also addresses a common fear among patients: Should spine surgery be avoided? Dr. Vaccaro explains why surgery isn't right for everyone, but when it is truly indicated, the right procedure can have a profound impact on a patient's pain, function, and quality of life. In this episode, you'll learn: - How spine surgery has evolved over the past several decades - How robotics and image guidance are changing spine procedures - What advances in technology can mean for patients and surgeons - How some patients recover from severe spinal cord injuries - Why determining who is a good candidate for surgery matters Why modern spine treatment can offer hope for getting back to the life you love Back to the Expert brings you conversations with leading back and neck specialists who tackle the questions patients are asking and provide trusted information to help you better understand your spine health and treatment options. Learn more about the Back to the Expert Podcast and find additional spine health resources at SpineHealth.org. *Subscribe to the Back to the Expert podcast today and watch a video version of this episode on YouTube. ❤️ Like the show? Leave a review on iTunes to help more people find it!  Learn more about us on our website.

  2. 22 jul

    Do You Really Need Spine Surgery? Expert Advice on Diagnosis & Treatment

    Does neck or back pain always mean you need spine surgery? The answer may surprise you. In this episode of Back to the Expert, host Dr. Thomas Schuler sits down with internationally recognized spine surgeon Dr. Todd Albert to discuss one of the biggest misconceptions in spine care—that surgery is the only solution. Dr. Albert explains why getting an accurate diagnosis is the most important first step and why most patients can successfully recover with non-surgical treatments. The conversation also explores the latest advances in spine surgery, including cervical disc replacement, motion preservation, and how these procedures compare with spinal fusion. Dr. Albert shares a remarkable patient story demonstrating how the right diagnosis and timely treatment helped restore function and quality of life. Whether you're experiencing chronic neck or back pain, considering surgery, or simply want to better understand your treatment options, this episode offers practical, expert guidance to help you make informed decisions about your spine health. 🔹 Learn more about spine health: https://spinehealth.org 🔹 Subscribe for more expert conversations on spine care, pain management, and healthy aging. *Subscribe to the Back to the Expert podcast today and watch a video version of this episode on YouTube. ❤️ Like the show? Leave a review on iTunes to help more people find it!  Learn more about us on our website.

  3. 28 abr

    How Regenerative Medicine is Changing Pain Treatment

    In this episode of Back to the Expert, Dr. Tom Schuler sits down with Dr. Niteesh Bharara, a physiatrist specializing in non-operative musculoskeletal care.  Dr. Bharara breaks down what physiatry actually is — and why it might be the first stop you should make before ever considering surgery. From exercise modifications and mobility work to cutting-edge interventional treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy, Dr. Bharara explains how the body can be guided to heal itself.  He walks us through a real patient case — a 25-year-old with sacroiliac joint pain — and shares how stem cell therapy delivered life-changing results without going under the knife. Dr. Bharara even treated Dr. Schuler himself, offering a first-hand look at how these regenerative techniques work in practice. 🎙️ Whether you're dealing with chronic pain or just want to explore your options before surgery, this episode is a must-watch. 👍 Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Back to the Expert! Don't miss:  Episode 1: Advanced Spinal Treatments: Preserving Motion & Restoring Life https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-to-the-expert/id1887854756?i=1000757280472 Episode 2: Chronic Back Pain: Causes, Myths, and Breakthrough Treatments https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-to-the-expert/id1887854756?i=1000760654549 *Subscribe to the Back to the Expert podcast today and watch a video version of this episode on YouTube. ❤️ Like the show? Leave a review on iTunes to help more people find it!  Learn more about us on our website.

  4. 10 abr

    Chronic Back Pain: Causes, Myths, and Breakthrough Treatments

    What actually causes back pain—and when does it require treatment? In this episode of Back to the Expert, spine surgeon Dr. Collin Haines breaks down the real reasons behind back pain, how to strengthen your spine, and the latest advancements in spine care. Here, you'll get practical, no-nonsense guidance on building a healthier back through daily habits, functional core work, and smart movement.  We also break down what chronic back pain can signal, how disc injuries present, and why modern spine treatments focus more than ever on preserving motion.  Learn about: • Good overall health as the foundation for spine health  • A simple 10-minute daily maintenance routine for longevity  • Functional core stability using planks, side planks, bridges, and bird dogs  • Using yoga and Pilates to translate strength into real-life movement  • Acute muscle strain versus chronic pain that suggests structural causes  • How disc injuries feel versus disc herniation with sciatica symptoms  • Treatment advances including less invasive fusion, regenerative medicine, and disc replacement  • A real patient story using fusion plus disc replacement to protect nearby levels  • When fusion is the better choice due to instability, scoliosis, or arthritis  Dr. Haines also shares how just 10 minutes a day of targeted exercises can help prevent injury and support long-term spine health. Whether you're dealing with back pain now—or want to avoid it in the future—this episode gives you clear, actionable guidance grounded in real medical expertise. WATCH Episode 1 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xszpxn4nVLo About the Series: Back to the Expert is a podcast by the National Spine Health Foundation, bringing leading spine specialists directly to you—so you can make informed decisions and live your best life. 🔗 Learn more: Visit: https://spinehealth.org *Subscribe to the Back to the Expert podcast today and watch a video version of this episode on YouTube. ❤️ Like the show? Leave a review on iTunes to help more people find it!  Learn more about us on our website.

  5. 25 mar

    Advanced Spinal Treatments: Preserving Motion & Restoring Life

    What if spine surgery didn't have to mean the end of an active lifestyle? In this episode, National Spine Health Foundation Board Chairman Dr. Thomas Schuler sits down with Dr. Ehsan Jazini to explore the cutting edge of spinal care — and why preserving motion is just as important as relieving pain. Dr. Jazini breaks down the latest in regenerative treatments, including how the body's own healing resources — like blood plasma and bone marrow — can be harnessed to repair damaged discs naturally. He also walks listeners through arthroplasty and artificial disc technology, offering patients real alternatives to traditional fusion surgery. The episode features the remarkable story of Jamie Anders, a CrossFit coach who was able to return to high-intensity training thanks to these advanced approaches — a testament to what modern spinal care can achieve. Whether you're in your 40s or 50s and starting to feel the strain, or simply want to stay ahead of spinal health, Dr. Jazini's core message is clear: early treatment is the key to staying active and maintaining your quality of life. Tune in to learn how today's spinal innovations are helping patients move better, live fuller, and get back to what they love. *Subscribe to the Back to the Expert podcast today and watch a video version of this episode on YouTube. ❤️ Like the show? Leave a review on iTunes to help more people find it!  Learn more about us on our website.

  • 5 episodios

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Join orthopedic spine surgeon and National Spine Health Foundation (NSHF) Board Chairman Dr. Thomas Schuler as he sits down with the country’s leading back and neck specialists — neurosurgeons, orthopedic experts, and more — to tackle the questions patients are asking and deliver the answers that can change lives.

Información

  • Creador
    National Spine Health Foundation
  • Años de actividad
    2026
  • Episodios
    5
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Back to the Expert
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