Fix Your Sciatica Podcast

Dr. Ashley Mak, PT, DPT, CSCS
Fix Your Sciatica Podcast

How to manage your sciatica and low back pain without the use of medication or surgery.

  1. 17H AGO

    Navigating the Sciatica Danger Zone

    Dr. Ashley discusses the often-overlooked danger zone of sciatica recovery, emphasizing the importance of not just alleviating pain but also preventing relapses. Hey outlines key factors contributing to the danger zone, such as tissue healing time and inappropriate ramp-up phases. Dr. Ashley provides effective strategies for safely returning to activities, including the rule of 15%, establishing a warmup routine, and listening to one's body during recovery. You can see more at ifixyoursciatica.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    9 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Core Strength for Sciatica Pain

    Dr. Ashley delves into the importance of core strength in relation to sciatica pain. The discussion begins with defining core strength and its significance in recovery. Dr. Ashley explains various aspects of core strength, including stability, active contraction, and motor control. The conversation also covers how to test core strength, the research surrounding core exercises, and practical strategies for incorporating core strengthening routines into daily life.  SLR helpful for non specific low back pain- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9340836/ Another SLR - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10117466/ General guidelines talk about safety and efficacy for sciatica pain- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/ Check out our favorite products! (affiliate page): https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/favorite_products Did you know that our YouTube channel has a growing number of videos including this podcast? Give us a follow here- https://youtube.com/@fixyoursciatica?si=1svrz6M7RsnFaswN Are you looking for a more affordable way to manage your pain? Check out the patient advocate program here: ptpatientadvocate.com Here’s the self cheat sheet for symptom management: https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/self-treatment-cheat-sheet-8707 Book a free strategy call: https://msgsndr.com/widget/appointment/ifixyoursciatica/strategy-call Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    18 min

  3. MAR 5

    Sciatica pain and stress

    Dr. Ashley explores the intricate relationship between overstimulation, stress, and pain. He discusses how overstimulation can amplify pain and stress responses, leading to a vicious cycle. Dr. Ashley emphasizes the importance of understanding stress, its role in our lives, and how it can be both beneficial and detrimental. He provides practical strategies for managing stress, including breathing techniques, physical activity, and journaling. He introduces innovative tools like the Apollo Neuro wearable to aid in recovery and relaxation, highlighting the significance of tapping into the parasympathetic nervous system for healing. Pain and stress article https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10057496/ Apollo Neuro Amazon Affiliate Link https://amzn.to/3QG8cFB Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    11 min

  4. MAR 3

    Navigating Healthcare Costs with CrowdHealth

    In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Andy Schoonover discuss the complexities of healthcare financing, particularly focusing on the limitations of traditional insurance models and the innovative solutions offered by Crowd Health. They explore the hidden costs associated with healthcare, the benefits of a direct pay model, and how Crowd Health operates as a peer-to-peer funding platform that empowers individuals to manage their medical expenses without the constraints of conventional insurance. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community support in healthcare and the need for more accessible and affordable medical care. You can find out more at https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/ Chapters 00:00 Navigating Healthcare Costs 05:56 The Limitations of Traditional Insurance 10:58 Understanding Hidden Costs in Healthcare 14:22 Exploring the Direct Pay Model 20:09 The Impact of Direct Care on Patient Outcomes 22:59 CrowdHealth: A New Approach to Healthcare Funding 26:05 Understanding the CrowdHealth Model 29:58 Finding Providers in the CrowdHealth Community 35:47 Integrating CrowdHealth with Traditional Insurance Check out our favorite products! (affiliate page): https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/favorite_products Did you know that our YouTube channel has a growing number of videos including this podcast? Give us a follow here- https://youtube.com/@fixyoursciatica?si=1svrz6M7RsnFaswN Are you looking for a more affordable way to manage your pain? Check out the patient advocate program here: ptpatientadvocate.com Here’s the self cheat sheet for symptom management: https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/self-treatment-cheat-sheet-8707 Book a free strategy call: https://msgsndr.com/widget/appointment/ifixyoursciatica/strategy-call Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    41 min

  5. FEB 26

    Mini Episode- Back Braces for Sciatica

    This episode explores the world of back braces, discussing their types, effectiveness, and proper usage. Back braces can provide a sense of support and relief, research shows mixed results regarding their effectiveness, particularly post-surgery. Dr. Ashley provides practical recommendations for using back braces, including limiting their use and focusing on proper movement mechanics to avoid compensatory patterns that could lead to further issues. Amazon Affiliate Link for recommended back brace: https://amzn.to/41vEnh2 Post surgical back braces https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31676949/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8820027/ Against back braces: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33789322/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6783285/ For back braces: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11591956/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6315306/ Hip Hinge Video https://youtube.com/shorts/J9hoEhl_Eyw Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    11 min

  6. FEB 24

    Pilates for sciatica pain

    In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Charlyn Huss, MA, NCPT discuss the benefits of Pilates, particularly in relation to pain management and rehabilitation. Charlyn shares her personal journey to becoming a Pilates master teacher, her insights on scoliosis and pain perception, and the importance of alignment in movement. They also introduce CoreSpring, a new Pilates apparatus designed to enhance the practice and make it accessible to everyone. You can find out more information at corespring.com and use the code “IFIXSCIATICA” for 25% off your purchase! Check out our favorite products! (affiliate page): https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/favorite_products Did you know that our YouTube channel has a growing number of videos including this podcast? Give us a follow here- https://youtube.com/@fixyoursciatica?si=1svrz6M7RsnFaswN Are you looking for a more affordable way to manage your pain? Check out the patient advocate program here: ptpatientadvocate.com Here’s the self cheat sheet for symptom management: https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/self-treatment-cheat-sheet-8707 Book a free strategy call: https://msgsndr.com/widget/appointment/ifixyoursciatica/strategy-call Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    55 min

  7. FEB 12

    Mini Episode- Lumbar support for sciatica

    What is Dr. Ashley's favorite back cushion for sitting? This Cushion Lab extra firm lumbar support is something that his wife has been using for years. Ashley discusses the rule of 90 degrees and shares specific tactics to help maintain an optimal sitting position throughout the day. Amazon affiliate link for support cushion: https://amzn.to/4gBuZfZ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    4 min

  8. FEB 10

    The Seven Patterns of Headaches Explained

    In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Dr. Vrzal delve into the complexities of headache management, exploring various types of headaches, their underlying causes, and the importance of lifestyle and nutrition in managing pain. Dr. Vrzal shares his insights on the seven patterns of headaches, emphasizing the significance of pain journaling to identify triggers and patterns. The discussion also highlights the need for effective communication with healthcare providers and the importance of listening to one's body to make informed health decisions. Here’s our affiliate link to his book, Headache Advatage: https://amzn.to/4hsMyQV You can find his clinic here: https://www.drvrzal.com/ Chapters 00:00 Understanding Headaches: An Introduction 02:54 Dr. Vrzal's Journey to Headache Management 05:23 The Medical Continuum and Headache Patterns 08:04 The Importance of Pain Journaling 10:51 Identifying Headache Patterns 13:39 Headache Management and Medical Emergencies 16:18 Chronic Illness and Lifestyle Factors 22:45 The Impact of Sugar on Hormonal Balance 24:12 Understanding Stress Capacity and Resilience 25:52 Maximizing Communication with Healthcare Providers 28:36 Identifying Symptoms and Patterns in Pain 29:44 The Connection Between Headaches and Organ Dysfunction 32:22 The Importance of Pain Journals 35:37 Learning from Treatment Outcomes 38:11 Listening to Your Body for Better Health Did you know that our YouTube channel has a growing number of videos including this podcast? Give us a follow here- https://youtube.com/@fixyoursciatica?si=1svrz6M7RsnFaswN Are you looking for a more affordable way to manage your pain? Check out the patient advocate program here: ptpatientadvocate.com Here’s the self cheat sheet for symptom management: https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/self-treatment-cheat-sheet-8707 Book a free strategy call: https://msgsndr.com/widget/appointment/ifixyoursciatica/strategy-call Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    45 min
See All (170)

4.8
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

How to manage your sciatica and low back pain without the use of medication or surgery.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Ashley Mak, PT, DPT, CSCS
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    170
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Fix Your Sciatica Podcast

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada