The Real Work with Maggie Sterling 23 - Dr. Brad Fanestil, MD | This Is How You Heal Anxiety and Chronic Pain
Jan 19, 2026
Dr. Brad Fanestil, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine physician who pivoted to mind-body medicine after decades in primary care. He discusses how chronic pain and anxiety can be healed through neuroplasticity rather than just managed. Listeners will learn about the connection between pain and the brain’s protective mechanisms, the importance of somatic exercises, and how to identify neuroplastic symptoms. Dr. Fanestil also emphasizes that understanding these concepts goes beyond intellect and requires practical application.
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Back Pain Improved By Reading A Book
- A patient told Dr. Brad Fanestil their chronic back pain improved after reading a book.
- That moment led him to study neuroscience and change his practice to mind-body medicine.
Unexplained Symptoms Point To The Nervous System
- When tests and specialists fail, the problem is often the nervous system.
- That reframes symptoms as learned brain circuits rather than untreatable body damage.
Tell Doctors You're 'Revved Up' Nervous System
- Tell your doctor you suspect your autonomic nervous system is out of balance.
- Use clinical language so primary care doctors are more receptive to nervous-system explanations.