It's Not in Your Head

Dr. Dan Bates & Justine Feitelson
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to It's Not in Your Head Podcast, with Dan and Juz. Dr. Dan is a Sports Physician and Justine a Pain Coach and patient. We have come together to find ways to manage complex pain better for both patients and providers. New episodes will come out bi-weekly on all major platforms.

  1. JAN 29

    49 Spinal Cord Stimulation, DRG & Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: A Complete Guide to Neuromodulation

    Neuromodulation represents the most advanced tier of the neuropathic pain treatment algorithm, and this episode is a comprehensive guide to navigating it. Dr. Dan Bates and Justine Feitelson cover the full journey from conservative management to permanent implant, explaining the mechanisms behind: Traditional spinal cord stimulation (SCS)Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulationPeripheral nerve stimulationListeners learn how to manage expectations, understand the trial process, and recognize the multidisciplinary approach required for successful device integration into an overall pain management plan. Resources: www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-49-pain-procedures-neuromodulation www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com www.drdanbates.com.au Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:57 Disclosures and Research/Teaching Background 01:54 Understanding Neuromodulation and Expectations 04:58 Neuromodulation Techniques and Frequencies 06:56 Types of Neuromodulation and Pain Applications 14:27 Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial Process and Evaluation 19:33 Short-Term Risks and Potential Complications 22:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    24 min

  2. JAN 15

    48 Sympathetic Injections: What They Are & How They Treat Complex Chronic Pain

    Sympathetic nerve blocks target the autonomic nervous system to manage pain conditions that don't respond adequately to conventional approaches. This episode covers three key injection types — stellate ganglion blocks, lumbar sympathetic ganglion blocks, and posterior tibial nerve stimulation — and explains when and how each is used. Conditions discussed include CRPS, PTSD, and chronic pelvic pain. Patients and providers gain a clear understanding of mechanisms, realistic outcomes, and the risks and benefits of each sympathetic intervention. Resources: www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-48-pain-procedures-sympathetic-injections www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com www.drdanbates.com.au Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:52 Understanding the Sympathetic Nervous System 02:30 Symptoms and Conditions Sympathetics Treat 04:46 Challenges in Treatment and Research 06:37 Stellate Ganglion Block Explained 10:02 Risks and Considerations 15:08 Lumbar Sympathetic Ganglion Blocks 15:54 Efficacy with CRPS and Justine's experience 16:55 Pelvic Pain and Hypogastric Ganglion Injections 19:55 Risks and Considerations of Pelvic Pain Treatments 20:41 Sympathetic Lumbar Injections and Patient Experiences 23:55 Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Pelvic Pain 26:27 Exploring Splanchnic Ganglion Blocks for Abdominal Pain 29:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    30 min

  3. JAN 1

    47 Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVNA): A Targeted Treatment for Discogenic Back Pain

    Basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA) is an emerging procedural option for a specific and often undertreated cause of chronic back pain: discogenic, or vertebral endplate pain. This episode covers the science behind the procedure, how to identify appropriate candidates, what outcomes patients can realistically expect, and the risks involved. Dr. Bates shares clinical pearls from his own experience mastering BVNA in practice, making this episode especially valuable for clinicians considering adding the procedure and for patients exploring their interventional options. Resources: www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-46-pain-procedures-basivertebral-nerve-ablation www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com www.drdanbates.com.au Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:56 Today's Topic: Basivertebral Nerve Ablation 01:10 Disclosures and Biases 02:39 Understanding Discogenic Pain and Impacts of Kinesiophobia 06:16 Procedure Overview and Differences from SIJ Radiofrequency 08:56 Dan's Personal Journey with BVNA 11:37 Clinical Data and Effectiveness 16:54 Risks and Post-Procedure Care 22:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    23 min

  4. 12/18/2025

    46 Managing Chronic Pain During the Holidays: Practical Patient Strategies

    The holiday season amplifies many of the most challenging aspects of living with chronic pain — disrupted routines, increased stress, difficult family dynamics, and the emotional weight of grief and loneliness. This episode offers a practical, compassionate guide for navigating the season, covering strategies to: Maintain routine and movementManage stress and prevent flare escalationPrepare for travel and family interactionsHandle the emotional complexity unique to the holiday seasonClinicians managing patients through this time of year will also find useful communication tools and frameworks in this episode. Resources: www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-46-strategies-to-navigate-the-holidays www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com www.drdanbates.com.au Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter 01:00 Episode Focus: Managing Pain During the Holidays 02:52 Strategies for Managing Flares 06:28 Maintaining Routine and Self-Care 13:39 Travel Tips for Pain Management 15:57 Using Mobility Aids and Movement Management 18:04 Dan's Vacation Management Strategy 18:28 Maintaining Progress During Holidays 19:56 Movement Snacks and Stability Exercises 21:09 Returning to Exercise After a Break 23:04 Managing Family Stress During Holidays 25:50 Coping with Loneliness and Grief 30:22 Doctors on Holiday: Planning Ahead 34:23 Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes

    36 min

  5. 12/11/2025

    45 Epidural Steroid Injections: What They Treat, How They Work & What to Expect

    Epidural injections are one of the most commonly performed pain procedures — yet many patients don't fully understand how they work or what to expect. This episode demystifies the topic, covering what epidurals treat, the types of injectables used, procedural technique variations (interlaminar, transforaminal, and caudal), potential complications, and recovery expectations. Both patients preparing for their first epidural and providers looking for a clear patient education framework will find this episode a reliable, accessible resource. Resources: www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-45-pain-procedures-epidurals www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com www.drdanbates.com.au Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter 00:45 Overview of Epidurals 01:49 Types of Epidurals 06:38 Injectables Used in Epidurals 11:07 Complications and Risks of Epidurals 14:21 The Sneaky Nugget: Fish Oil and Bleeding 14:54 Complications of Epidural Procedures 18:32 Understanding Nerve Root Compression 21:15 Post-Procedure Pain Management 23:48 Pulsed Radio Frequency for Pain Relief 26:25 Recovery Tips and Final Thoughts

    29 min

  6. 11/27/2025

    44 Sacroiliac Joint Radiofrequency Ablation: Procedure, Outcomes & Who It's Best For

    This episode takes a detailed look at radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a treatment for sacroiliac joint dysfunction — covering the nature of SIJ pain, the diagnostic pathway, and the specifics of how RFA is performed. Dr. Bates walks through the different approaches and techniques, shares clinical insights from his practice, and highlights recent research developments. Patients considering this procedure will leave with a clear picture of what to expect, what the evidence supports, and how to determine if they are a good candidate. Resources: www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-44-pain-procedures-radiofrequency-ablation www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com www.drdanbates.com.au Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:37 Overview of Today's Topic: Radio Frequency Ablation 01:08 Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Pain 02:24 Diagnostic Blocks and Initial Treatments 03:22 Radio Frequency Neurotomy Procedure 09:19 Techniques and Variations in Radio Frequency Ablation 12:14 Cost and Regional Differences in Procedures 13:07 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

    14 min

  7. 11/27/2025

    43 SIJ Prolotherapy for Sacroiliac Joint Pain: What It Is, How It Works & What to Expect

    Prolotherapy is a frequently misunderstood but clinically valuable treatment for sacroiliac joint dysfunction — particularly in patients with ligament laxity or hypermobility. This episode breaks down the mechanism of action, compares glucose and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as injectants, and covers patient selection criteria, the diagnostic process, potential risks, and realistic outcomes. Whether a patient is dealing with SIJ instability, hEDS-related laxity, or chronic pelvic pain, this episode provides a clear, evidence-informed look at when and how prolotherapy is most effective. Resources: www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-43-pain-procedures-sij-prolotherapy www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com www.drdanbates.com.au Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:51 What is Prolotherapy? 01:26 Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Explained 02:29 Prolotherapy Procedure and Techniques 04:01 Types of Sclerosants 05:54 Comparing Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) 08:59 Diagnostic Process and Patient Selection 11:40 Risks and Management of Prolotherapy 14:27 Effectiveness and Duration of Prolotherapy 18:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    19 min

  8. 11/27/2025

    42 Sacroiliac Joint Injections: What Is an SIJ Block & How Does It Confirm the Diagnosis?

    Building on the series on lower back pain causes, this episode focuses on sacroiliac joint diagnostic blocks — how they are performed, how to interpret results, and what treatment options follow a positive block. The hosts cover the debate around single versus double blocks, the role of radiofrequency neurotomy and prolotherapy as next steps, and the economic and logistical considerations patients face when navigating these decisions. Clinicians will gain clarity on using SIJ blocks as a diagnostic tool to confirm dysfunction and guide a more targeted treatment plan. Resources: www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-42-pain-procedures-sacroiliac-joint-sij-blocks www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com www.drdanbates.com.au Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:55 Understanding Lower Back Pain 01:19 Sacroiliac Joint Injections Explained 02:45 Injection Techniques and Controversies 04:05 Diagnostic Blocks and False Positives 06:21 Therapeutic Options and Health Economics 06:37 Patient Pathways and Decision Making 09:39 Injection Protocols and Follow-Up 12:57 SIJ Fusions and Regional Differences 14:44 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

    15 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to It's Not in Your Head Podcast, with Dan and Juz. Dr. Dan is a Sports Physician and Justine a Pain Coach and patient. We have come together to find ways to manage complex pain better for both patients and providers. New episodes will come out bi-weekly on all major platforms.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Dan Bates & Justine Feitelson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 It's Not in Your Head
  • Show Website
    It's Not in Your Head

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