In this episode, Dr. Brian Joves shares a personal journey of confronting cancer and how it reshaped his perspective on nutrition. Despite the fact that most physicians receive only a few hours of formal training in nutrition, diet remains one of the most powerful—and underutilized—tools in medicine.We’ll discuss:Why nutrition education is lacking in medical training.The dangers of the Standard American Diet (SAD) and its role in chronic disease and pain.The science behind ketogenic diets, the Warburg effect, and what emerging research says about cancer and metabolism.How nutrition quality directly impacts chronic spinal pain and recovery.Practical, evidence-based ways patients can improve wellness and resilience—whether managing cancer, chronic pain, or simply aiming for better health.Key Takeaways:Nutrition is foundational—not optional—for long-term health, recovery, and resilience.Cancer and chronic pain share a common thread: both are influenced by inflammation, metabolic health, and lifestyle choices.Medical interventions—whether injections, medications, or surgery—are more effective when paired with better nutrition, movement, rest, and mindset.Patients don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Small, consistent changes—reducing processed foods, improving diet quality, and focusing on whole foods—can be transformative.Want to dive deeper into the link between nutrition and pain? Check out my prior episodes here:Nutrition and Chronic Pain (https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/eo3TZcNloWb?utm_source=chatgpt.com)Nutrition, Inflammation, and Pain Medicine (https://open.spotify.com/episode/18CCOiYVIN2yN4wOO2Xuwi?si=DQM3SJgwS5-Nj0Er_4P5Hg&utm_source=chatgpt.com)

In this episode, I take a step back from the usual discussions on interventional pain medicine to share something deeply personal. Recently, I was diagnosed with oral cancer—an unexpected and humbling moment that has given me a new lens through which to look at health, wellness, and the work we do every day in medicine.

This experience has reminded me of two important truths:

1. Health is never guaranteed. It requires intentional, daily choices.

2. True wellness goes beyond treating disease. It’s about prevention, proactive care, and balance—physical, emotional, and even spiritual.

We’ll explore how evidence-based medicine and wellness intersect, and why these conversations need to expand beyond procedures and medications. That means screening for silent diseases, prioritizing exercise and nutrition, managing stress, and building sustainable habits that allow us to live fully—not just avoid pain.

As a physician, as a patient, and as someone who has lived both sides of the exam room, I want to use this chapter of my life to expand the dialogue. My hope is that this conversation will not only resonate with those struggling with chronic pain, but also with anyone who needs the reminder that wellness is an ongoing journey—one that requires attention before the crisis, not just after it.

Takeaway: Wellness isn’t an abstract idea. It’s something we can integrate into pain medicine, into our personal lives, and into the daily decisions that shape our future health.

In this episode of the Spine & Nerve Podcast, Dr. Brian Joves and Dr. Jason Kung dive into the evolving world of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). As the field of pain medicine continues to progress, new studies are offering more insights into advanced therapies for challenging conditions like peripheral neuralgia and chronic pain. This discussion focused on the COMFORT study, which evaluates the efficacy of the Nalu PNS System, and discuss recent data presented at the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA) meeting concerning the SPRINT PNS System. Key Topics Covered: COMFORT Study Insights: The doctors analyze the one-year data from the COMFORT trial, a randomized controlled study assessing the Nalu PNS System combined with conventional treatments versus conventional treatments alone for chronic neuropathic pain. They highlight significant findings, including an 87% responder rate with an average pain reduction of 69% among responders at 12 months. SPRINT PNS System Data: Discussion extends to new data from the SPRINT PNS System, particularly the RESET Clinical Trial, which compares 60-day percutaneous PNS to standard interventional management for chronic low back pain. The trial's primary endpoint results indicate that PNS provided clinically meaningful and statistically superior reductions in pain, as well as improvements in function and quality of life. Clinical Implications and Future Directions: Dr. Joves and Dr. Kung explore the broader implications of these studies for clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment plans and the potential for PNS therapies to offer durable pain relief. They also discuss the evolving landscape of pain management and the need for ongoing research to refine and validate these therapeutic approaches. Resources and Links: https://nalumed.com/clinical-trials/comfort-trial/ https://www.sprtherapeutics.com/2024/11/21/new-sprint-pns-data-for-low-back-shoulder-knee-and-headache-at-23rd-annual-asra-pain-medicine-meeting/ Follow us on LinkedIn: ⁠Jason Kung, MD and Brian Joves, MD⁠ Subscribe to the Spine & Nerve Podcast everywhere podcasts are available Keep striving to provide the best care for your patients and stay informed on the evolving practices in pain management! This podcast is for information and educational purposes only, it is not meant to be medical or career advice. If anything discussed may pertain to you, please seek council with your healthcare provider. The views expressed are those of the individuals expressing them, they may not represent the views of Spine & Nerve.