In episode #004 of Neuromyofascial Science Today, host Patrick Wagner sits down with Dr. G. Blair Lamb to explore the evolutionary roots of chronic pain. Dr. Lamb breaks down how 500 million years of evolution have shaped the way our spine and limbs are connected, influencing the complexity of diagnosing and treating neuromuscular diseases today. This episode also reveals surprising links, such as the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 NBA championship and the role of a cutting-edge eye test (OCT) in diagnosing neurological diseases.
Key Highlights:
1. Evolution and Chronic Pain: Dr. Lamb shares how early sea creatures’ evolution into land animals brought neurological and vascular systems from the spine into the limbs. This connection makes diagnosing chronic pain more complex because the root cause often lies in the spine, not just the site of the pain.
2. The Truth Behind Tendinitis: Many cases of tendinitis, like tennis elbow, are often misdiagnosed because the spinal connection is ignored. Dr. Lamb explains how addressing neuro-myofascial spinal origins, rather than just the painful area, leads to better outcomes.
3. A New Frontier with OCT Testing: Originally developed for glaucoma, OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is now revealing critical signs of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s. This test, which measures the thickness of the retina, is emerging as a game changer for early diagnosis of complex conditions.
Notable Insights:
Ancient Biology, Modern Pain: Understanding how our limbs evolved from the spine is key to addressing chronic pain conditions like tendinitis and migraines.
The Raptors Connection: Dr. Lamb discusses how knowledge of neuromyofascial science could have prevented Kevin Durant’s Achilles injury in the 2019 NBA Finals, potentially changing the course of the series.
OCT and Neurological Disease: The ability of OCT to detect retinal thinning offers exciting new possibilities for diagnosing diseases that were once difficult to catch in their early stages.
Conclusion:
This episode blends evolutionary biology with cutting-edge medical advancements to offer new perspectives on treating chronic pain. By addressing the spinal origins of pain and using advanced diagnostics like OCT, neuromyofascial science is reshaping the future of pain management. Tune in to understand how these insights can lead to more effective diagnoses and treatments for chronic pain sufferers.
Listen now on your favorite platform:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LbS9DeESCEwjMVtUmoRz6
YouTube: https://youtu.be/li5iNBcvvrY
Website: https://nmfscience.com/the-evolutionary-roots-of-chronic-pain/
For more insights, visit nmfscience.com and stay tuned for future episodes of Neuromyofascial Science Today!