Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD 75. Dr. Grant Elliott: Still in Pain After the MRI, Meds, and PT? This Is How You Actually Fix Your Back
Jul 3, 2025
Dr. Grant Elliott, a physical therapist and founder of RehabFix, is on a mission to demystify back pain. He discusses how common diagnoses like sciatica can mislead patients and why MRIs might exacerbate pain. With insights into the brain-body connection, he advocates for movement as the best medicine. Elliott shares daily habits and mindset shifts that can significantly aid recovery while cautioning against the overuse of pain medications. He even touches on the surprising fact that many disc herniations heal spontaneously, empowering listeners with knowledge for a pain-free life.
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Dr. Elliott's Back Pain Story
- Grant Elliott's own back pain from competitive mountain bike racing led him to seek chiropractic care which did not help.
- Later, discovering a different rehab-focused chiropractic approach inspired him to become a chiropractor specializing in conservative treatment.
Recognize Flexor Intolerant Pain
- Most people with back pain have flexor intolerant back pain worsened by sitting and bending.
- Avoid long sitting periods and seek movement-based rehab to regain fitness and reduce pain.
Back Pain Causes Unexpected Symptoms
- Some patients with minor back injury developed testicular pain and erectile dysfunction unrelated to direct back pain.
- Treating the back effectively restored their sexual function, showing back issues can cause unexpected symptoms.