Back in Control with David Hanscom, MD

A New Healing Narrative

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom continues his discussion with Sachit Egan, an avid outdoorsman, runner, and weightlifter.  He talks about the physiological and psychological aspects of his pain and emphasizes what he learned about the body's ability to heal and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. He also discusses the process he used for overcoming pain, including the role of persistence in healing, and the significance of challenging one's beliefs about pain management. Download the transcript [https://backincontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Transcript-Interview-2-w-Sachit-Egan.pdf] Sachit Egan is an avid outdoorsman, runner, and weightlifter. In his early twenties, Sachit was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis and bulging discs that caused him severe low back and sciatic pain. A half-dozen doctors recommended that Sachit get immediate multi-level spinal fusion surgery, but a visit with Dr. Hanscom convinced Sachit to reconsider the surgical route. Today, Sachit resides in Seattle, WA where he and his partner enjoy backpacking, rock climbing, and cliff jumping in the beautiful Pacific Northwest outdoors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Getting Back in Control of Healing

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Sachit Egan, an avid outdoorsman, runner, and weightlifter. He discusses his back pain and the various treatments he had undergone. He had been experiencing back pain for many years, with the pain becoming more severe in 2013. He had seen multiple doctors, including surgeons, who all recommended immediate spinal fusion. However, Sachit decided to wait and read David's book, Back in Control, which led him to seek David's help. After seeing David, Sachit made the decision to forgo spine surgery and take control of his own healing. Download the transcript [https://backincontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Transcript-Interview-1-w-Sachit-Egan-v2.pdf] Sachit Egan is an avid outdoorsman, runner, and weightlifter. In his early twenties, Sachit was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis and bulging discs that caused him severe low back and sciatic pain. A half-dozen doctors recommended that Sachit get immediate multi-level spinal fusion surgery, but a visit with Dr. Hanscom convinced Sachit to reconsider the surgical route. Today, Sachit resides in Seattle, WA where he and his partner enjoy backpacking, rock climbing, and cliff jumping in the beautiful Pacific Northwest outdoors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The Three R’s of Healing from Chronic Pain

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom continues his discussion with Lisa Goodpaster, Rachel Garfield, a therapist specializing in chronic pain and trauma.  She discusses the principles of healing, which she calls The Equina Reset method. The method involves reflection, repetition, and release, which are based on the training principles of horseback riding. She highlights the significance of perseverance and having something to live for, which helped her overcome pain and achieve her goals. Rachel Sydney Garfield is both a therapist specializing in pain and trauma as well as a competitive horseback rider with an amazing story of her own. She had a miraculous recovery in the aftermath of her back breaking horse fall in which she broke three vertebrae. She went on to compete as a jumper 18 months later, wrote a book called “Stay the Course” which will hopefully be published soon about the pain management technique she discovered during her recovery process. Her technique is based on the training principles of horseback riding she titled “ The Equina Reset” Rachel has a rich full life and  continues to ride, compete and live largely pain free” Follow her at Rachel Sydney equestrian on Instagram and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Learning to Ride Out of Chronic Pain

Rachel Garfield, a therapist specializing in chronic pain and trauma, shares her journey through intense pain, and the healing principles she learned that helped her recover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Harnessing the Power of Mind-Body Healing for a Healthier Life

In her follow-up interview with Dr. David Hanscom, Brenda Stockdale explores the profound impact of reducing chronic stress on healing and managing illnesses like cancer and autoimmune disorders. She shares insights from pioneers like Dr. Lawrence LeShan, whose approach encouraged terminally ill patients to live authentically and passionately, often resulting in unexpected recoveries. She highlights the importance of behavioral medicine techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, guided imagery, and self-awareness, in promoting safety physiology and allowing the body to heal. She underscores universal principles of healing—connecting with oneself, letting go of stress, and finding purpose and meaning in life.   Download the transcript [https://backincontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Transcript-Interview-2-w-Brenda-Stockdale.docx]. As the Director of Behavioral Medicine at regional and nationally recognized cancer centers, Dr. Stockdale synthesizes relevant research into clinical practice through the design and implementation of evidence-based biobehavioral programming. As a result of this rigor, her work is nationally recognized and endorsed by leading specialists in multiple disciplines. For two-decades her programs have been implemented in major cancer centers and other healthcare organizations. In addition to her private practice, Stockdale is a consultant for corporate and health care organizations and developed a health psychology program for primary care settings specializing in preventive medicine, autoimmunity and stress-related conditions. She is the author of “You Can Beat the Odds: Surprising Factors Behind Chronic Illness and Cancer.”  For more information, visit: https://www.brendastockdale.com [https://www.brendastockdale.com] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]