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.

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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.

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Learn more about us on our website.

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.