Join Executive Producer and Host Shravani Durbhakula, MD, MPH, MBA, and Co-Host Mustafa Broachwala, DO, for a pivotal episode of the Pain Matters Podcast where we address the recent BMJ publication, “Common interventional procedures for chronic non-cancer spine pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials,” and the associated guideline. Steven Cohen, MD, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Lynn R. Kohan, MD, University of VA Medical School, Zachary McCormick, MD, University of Utah, Nathaniel M. Schuster, MD, University of California, San Diego, Daniel Larach, MD, MS, MA, Vanderbilt University, Hance Clarke, MD, FRCPC, PhD, University of Toronto and President of the Canadian Pain Society, Hemant Kalia, MD, MPH, FIPP, Invision Health, and present diverse perspectives on the publication’s claims and the systematic review and meta-analysis methods behind it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The podcast underlines the necessity for comprehensive, unbiased systematic reviews and meta-analyses to inform clinical guidelines effectively.
• Experts caution against the misinterpretation of studies and the potential consequences for policy and access to interventional pain procedures.
• Advocates call for unified efforts in the pain medicine community to pursue legislative and regulatory reforms that align with current evidence and patient needs.
• The conversation underscores the pivotal role of personalized patient care and clinically validated techniques in improving outcomes and preserving practice legitimacy.
• The podcast highlights the risk of reducing access to viable interventional pain treatments if skewed interpretations of data shape healthcare policies.

Tune in to discover how these leading experts address the controversies, advocate for robust clinical evidence, and highlight the urgent need for unified advocacy in shaping practical, patient-centered guidelines.

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss our next episode.

Reference:

Wang X, Martin G, Sadeghirad B, Chang Y, Florez I D, Couban R J et al. Common interventional procedures for chronic non-cancer spine pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised trials BMJ 2025; 388 :e079971 doi:10.1136/bmj-2024-079971

Dr. Mark Wallace of UCSD joins hosts Shravani Durbhakula, MD, MPH, MBA and Mustafa Broachwala, DO and pick up where they left off on their discussion regarding the nuanced world of medical cannabis, understanding medical applications, appropriate dosing strategies, and advice for prescribing providers. Furthermore, they discuss the challenges of clinical trials, regulatory hurdles, and the implications for treating pain. Dr. Wallace offers insight into the complexities of cannabis research, dosage guidelines, and the controversial discourse surrounding its legalization. This enlightening discussion offers a deep dive into an oft misunderstood and stigmatized area of pain medicine.

Join us for an enlightening episode of the Pain Matters Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of medical cannabis and its implications for pain management.

Hosts Shravani Durbhakula, MD, MPH, MBA, and Mustafa Broachwala, DO, are joined by Mark Steven Wallace, MD, a Pain Management Specialist and Professor of Anesthesiology at UC San Diego Health, who brings more than two decades of experience in cannabis research.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Biologics of Cannabis: Dr. Wallace dives deep into the pathophysiologic mechanism at play regarding endocannabinoid receptors and the mechanism of actions of cannabis in the body, especially as it relates to pain.
• Medical Cannabis vs. Opioids: Dr. Wallace shares his observations on the lack of tolerance development in patients using medical marijuana compared to traditional opioids.
• Regulatory and Dosage Challenges: Insights into the complexities of prescribing and dosing medical marijuana, and how these factors impact patient care.
• Therapeutic Potential: Discussion on the conditions that respond well to medical cannabis based on current research and clinical experience.
• Patient Stories and Outcomes: Real-world examples of how medical cannabis has impacted patients' lives, particularly in managing chronic pain.
• Future of Cannabis in Medicine: Dr. Wallace's thoughts on the evolving landscape of medical cannabis research and its future potential in healthcare going forward.

This episode is a must-listen for healthcare providers interested in understanding the nuanced role of cannabis in pain management and those looking to integrate evidence-based cannabinoid therapies into their practice.

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2 of this nuanced discussion and to find out what’s next for medical cannabis in pain medicine.