Episode #50: Understanding Pain in Chiropractic and Low-Level Laser Therapy Benefits

About the Guest(s): Dr. Kristin Hieshetter is a distinguished functional medicine doctor and chiropractor. With extensive expertise in managing pain through natural therapies, she has established herself as a leading voice in the field of integrative health. Dr. Hieshetter is known for her holistic approach, incorporating chiropractic care, low-level laser therapy, and functional health practices to alleviate chronic pain and improve overall well-being. Her dedication to providing scientifically backed solutions is evident in her thorough use of citations and consistent education outreach, whether through podcasts or other channels. Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of Functional Health Radio, Dr. Kristin Hieshetter tackles the pervasive issue of chronic pain, a condition that affects 80% of people at some point in their lives. Through the lens of functional medicine and chiropractic care, Dr. Heishetter delves into the complexities of pain and offers actionable advice on how to alleviate it naturally. Her expertise in low-level laser therapy and its impact on pain is a key highlight, alongside a detailed explanation of the pain pathways in the human body. Dr. Hieshetter shares vital knowledge on how pain lasting longer than three months can alter genetic expression and nervous system pathways, making it essential to address pain promptly. She emphasizes non-pharmacological strategies to manage pain, stressing the importance of chiropractic adjustments, movement therapies, and low-level laser applications. By discussing breakthrough findings in neuroscience over the last 15 years, Dr. Hieshetter outlines how these methods can effectively rewire the brain's perception of pain and promote healing, thus offering valuable insights to listeners seeking sustainable pain management solutions. Key Takeaways: Chronic pain affects up to 80% of individuals and, if left unaddressed, can alter genetic expression and nervous system functions. Low-level laser therapy can significantly reduce pain by modulating inflammatory responses and enhancing cellular energy production. Chiropractic care is effective in decrementing pain perception by influencing brain pathways responsible for processing pain signals. Natural, non-pharmacological strategies for pain management are encouraged as safer, first-line options compared to traditional medications. Understanding the biochemistry of pain and the role of mitochondria can lead to more effective treatment and prevention strategies. Notable Quotes: "Pain lasting longer than three months literally changes your genetic expression and it even changes pathways in your nervous system." "Movement travels to your brain at a speed of about 120 meters per second. So what's really exciting is that you can literally beat the pain to your brain." "When you shine a low level laser through the open mouth at the midbrain, you can reduce pain quickly." "In eight to 10 weeks, we significantly rewire the human nervous system so that that neuronal pooling gets smaller and your pain goes down." "You've got an 85% chance of being pain free at three months if you start seeing your chiropractor." Resources: Book: "The Brain and Pain" by Richard Ambron International Chiropractic Pediatric Association Functional Health Mastery Group Dr. John Edwards International Chiropractic Pediatric Association Listeners are encouraged to delve into the full episode for a comprehensive understanding of how natural pain management techniques can transform one's approach to chronic pain. Stay tuned to Functional Health Radio for more enlightening discussions on improving health and enhancing well-being through functional medicine and integrative care strategies.