Pain is your body's check engine light—but most healthcare approaches simply cover it up with medication or quick fixes. This fascinating episode unpacks the critical difference between treating symptoms versus addressing real problems through the compelling case study of a 77-year-old golfer.
Dr. Jake and Jenni Berman, PA-C dive into why our healthcare system focuses on symptom management rather than true healing. "One patient cured is a customer lost" isn't just a catchy phrase; it explains why pharmaceutical companies and many healthcare providers prefer treatments that manage conditions rather than resolving them. When watching medication commercials, have you noticed how they quietly mention "improvements after 12-18 months of use" in the fine print? These approaches create medication dependencies without fixing underlying issues.
The heart of this episode follows a high-level 77-year-old golfer whose impressive swing mechanics were being undermined by persistent back pain. Despite receiving physical therapy that included dry needling (which felt great temporarily), his condition never truly improved because the treatment targeted symptoms rather than the root cause. Dr. Berman explains how pelvic instability and muscle imbalances in the hips—not the back itself—were likely causing the problem.
Most people with chronic back pain attribute their issues to what shows up on MRIs—herniated discs, bulging discs, or degeneration—when these are typically results, not causes. The true solution lies in activating and strengthening the right muscles in the hips, pelvis, and glutes to create stability that protects the back. Whether you're dealing with back pain yourself or simply interested in better understanding how your body works, this episode provides invaluable insights into breaking the cycle of symptom management and finding real, lasting solutions to pain and dysfunction.
Subscribe to The Berman Method podcast for more episodes that challenge conventional wisdom and provide practical approaches to health and wellness. Visit bermanpt.com to learn about how their physical therapy and wellness services can help you address problems, not just symptoms.
