• Burnout and Sciata Pain
    Dec 22 2025

    Dr. Van Praag is an anesthesiologist and coach to burnt out physician moms.

    In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Mak and Dr. Cindy Van Praag delve into the complexities of burnout, particularly among physician moms. They explore the chronic nature of burnout, its physical manifestations, and the importance of self-care and mindfulness. The discussion emphasizes the need for setting boundaries, prioritizing health, and utilizing data-driven insights to manage stress. Dr. Van Praag shares her experiences as a physician coach, helping others navigate the challenges of balancing work and family life while maintaining well-being.

    You can reach out to Dr. Van Pragg here: https://inspiredmommds.com/


    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
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Gut Brain Axis and Sciatica
    Dec 15 2025

    In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Mak and Dr. Jen Clemons explore the intricate relationship between the gut and brain, emphasizing the gut-brain axis and its impact on pain and overall health. They discuss the importance of the microbiome, neurotransmitters, and inflammation in chronic pain conditions. Dr. Clemons shares insights on dietary principles and supplements that can support gut health, highlighting the need for individualized care and the significance of understanding one's body. The discussion also touches on the role of naturopathy and acupuncture in promoting holistic health.

    Link for Dr. Clemons: https://www.drjenclemons.com/


    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
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Acupuncture for Sciatica Pain V3
    Dec 8 2025

    Today Dr. Ashley interviews Dr. Deborah Ma, PhD, L.Ac, acupuncturist and owner of Puzzlesf.com a acupuncture clinic out in in the Mission District of San Francisco. We talk about how Chinese Meridians, reorienting the chi flow, and how a new technique called "cheek acupuncture" can be beneficial for those experiencing pain. We discuss the importance of understanding where the pain is coming from and that most of the time, the pain we feel is not the same location as the cause.

    Acupuncture is a great tool in recovery. You can reach Dr. Ma at her website puzzlesf.com


    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
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Sciatica pain and the feet
    Dec 1 2025

    In this episode, Dr. Ashley explores the intricate relationship between foot health and sciatica, emphasizing how issues in the feet can lead to altered mechanics of the body. This episode covers foot anatomy, walking mechanics, and the importance of foot arches in maintaining proper posture. Dr. Ashley provides actionable steps for listeners to improve their foot health and alleviate pain, highlighting the interconnectedness of the body and the role of physical therapy in managing pain.


    Flat foot podcast:

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/functional-rehab/id1726101419?i=1000651880861

    Cure for flat feet youtube video: https://youtu.be/g4UQe4meD6Y

    Decreased Subtalar Pronation in Sciatica Patients (Compensation Mechanism):

    Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40272494/

    Foot Overpronation Linked to Low Back Pain:

    Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8312604/

    Orthotics Not Supported for Primary Prevention of Low Back Pain:

    Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19359999/

    Website: ifixyoursciatica.com

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDSyjTFrrE45LNbmXNad2dQ/featured

    Booking Link: https://msgsndr.com/widget/appointment/ifixyoursciatica/strategy-call

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/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
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Season Preview!
    Nov 24 2025

    Dr. Ashley introduces the new season of the podcast, focusing on the underlying causes of chronic pain. The season will explore biomechanics, gut health, neuroplasticity, and the endocannabinoid system, featuring expert guests.


    Interested in an episode that we haven't coverd yet? Email us at info@ifixyoursciatica.com.


    Happy Thanksgiving!



    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
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • Inflammation and Sciatica Pain
    Sep 16 2025

    In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the often misunderstood role of inflammation in the healing process, particularly in relation to sciatica pain. He explains the three main phases of tissue healing—acute inflammatory, proliferation, and maturation—and emphasizes that inflammation is a necessary part of recovery. The discussion also covers the causes of sciatica pain, the differences between acute injuries and chronic conditions, and the importance of managing inflammation through movement, nutrition, and sleep.

    Disc Healing/Resorption:

    • Title: The Spontaneous Regression of a Herniated Lumbar Disc: A Review of the Literature and a Case Report
    • Journal: Pain Physician
    • Link: https://www.painphysicianjournal.com/current/2017/March/Vol20-S1/PPJ_20-S1_S139.pdf

    McKenzie Method and Directional Preference for Disc Pain:

    • Title: Directional preference in the management of low back pain: a systematic review
    • Journal: Spine
    • Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17694119

    Medical Imaging Not Correlating with Pain:

    • Title: Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations
    • Journal: American Journal of Neuroradiology
    • Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25433605

    Ice and Modern Healing Principles:

    • Title: Revisiting the PRICE and RICE acronyms for soft tissue injury management: a systematic review
    • Journal: Sports Medicine
    • Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29243037

    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
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Best supplements for Sciatica Pain
    Aug 25 2025

    In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the role of supplements in managing sciatica and nerve pain. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the causes of sciatica and highlights the most researched supplements, including alpha lipoic acid, B vitamins, and palmitolethylamide. The conversation also covers supplements with mixed evidence, such as turmeric and MSM, and provides guidelines for safely using supplements. Dr. Mak concludes by stressing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regimen.


    Referenced Research Articles

    1. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

    • Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375279477_Systematic_Review_and_Meta-Analysis_Medicine_R_Effectiveness_of_alpha-lipoic_acid_in_patients_with_neuropathic_pain_associated_with_type_I_and_type_II_diabetes_mellitus_A_systematic_review_and_meta-an
    • Review Article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9774895/

    2. B Vitamins (especially B12)

    • Systematic Review: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/8/2221
    • Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33619867/

    3. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

    • Review of Clinical Applications: https://www.dovepress.com/palmitoylethanolamide-in-the-treatment-of-pain-and-its-clinical-applic-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-DDDT
    • Meta-Analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39798151/

    4. Other Supplements

    • Turmeric (Curcumin): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8125634/
    • MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7458879_Efficacy_of_methylsulfonylmethane_MSM_in_osteoarthritis_pain_of_the_knee_A_pilot_clinical_trial
    • Arnica: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC539394/


    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
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Anxiety and Sciatica pain
    Aug 11 2025

    In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Dr. Tracy Foose, MD explore the intricate relationship between anxiety and pain, discussing how they influence each other and create a feedback loop. They delve into the role of psychiatrists in managing chronic pain, the science behind pain perception, and the psychological impact of conditions like sciatica. The discussion also covers behavioral responses to pain, the influence of social media, and various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and medication options. Dr. Foose shares insights on finding the right psychiatrist and highlights the importance of understanding the body's response to anxiety and pain.

    You can see more of Dr. Foose's work here: https://www.drfoose.com/

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

    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
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins