In this episode, Dr. David Schechter, a pioneer in the practice of Mind Body Medicine, interviews Dr. David Hanscom about the ideas in his new book, Do You Really Need Spine Surgery. Together, they examine the circumstances that often lead patients to undergo unnecessary spine surgery. Dr. Hanscom discusses how the book evolved and provides a detailed explanation of the spine surgery grid tool which can help patients and their care team make more informed surgical decisions. Dr. Schechter shares his thoughts on the spine surgery decision from a mind body systems perspective.

Dr. David Schechter graduated with a degree from Princeton University and studied medicine at New York University. After a residency in Family Medicine, he received a Certificate of Additional Qualifications in Sports Medicine.  Dr. Schechter has been treating chronic pain and other functional disorders with a psycho-education approach for over 25 years in private practice.  He has a credential in Integrative Pain Management. 

In addition, Dr. Schechter is the author of Think Away Your Pain, The MindBody Workbook, The MindBody Audio Program, The MindBody Patient Panel DVD, and the MindBody Workbook for Teens. The last is an educational tool for adolescents to help prevent these disorders later on. You can find additional information at: www.mindbodymedicine.com; www.schechtermd.com;  @pain_md_la (twitter); facebook.com/ThinkAwayYourPain

Download a transccript of this podcast.