All Episodes

November 27, 2024 52 mins
DISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.  


 >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.       


Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. 


Welcome back to "Ditch the Lab Coat," the podcast where we dive into complex healthcare topics with a scientific and skeptical lens. In this episode, our host Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with Dr. Akash Goel, an esteemed anesthesiologist and pain specialist, to explore the intricate world of chronic pain management.

We'll delve into the prevalence of chronic conditions like stenosis, myofascial pain dysfunction, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction, particularly in older adults and women. Dr. Goel sheds light on the challenges of pain assessment and the often-overlooked patient experience of feeling disbelieved by family and caregivers.

We'll discuss the limitations of traditional pain scales and the innovative tools reshaping pain treatment, such as quantitative sensory testing and real-time data from wearables. Dr. Goel's pioneering research, including a clinical trial with MDMA and ketamine for chronic pain management, will provide a glimpse into the future of pain therapy.

Join us for an engaging conversation that highlights the evolving interface of AI, psychedelics, and psychotherapy in tackling chronic pain. Dr. Bonta and Dr. Goel also touch upon the broader challenges within the healthcare system and the exciting potential of new research and technological advancements. Stay tuned for insights that could change how we understand and treat chronic pain.

06:40 - Doctors frequently encounter medically unexplained symptoms.

08:57 - Chronic pain is diverse, commonly affecting older women.

11:45 - Many patients feel disbelieved when reporting chronic pain.

16:45 - Pain-related disability and interference assessed using specific scales.

17:42 - Leveraging data to predict and manage chronic pain effectively.

23:45 - Psychedelic compounds shown to aid in chronic pain psychotherapy.

26:17 - Understanding chronic pain requires grouping patients into subcategories.

28:48 - Chronic pain alters the brain and spinal cord's response mechanisms.

33:58 - Emphasis on the need for quality placebo-controlled clinical trials to refine approaches.

37:49 - Research into safe MDMA dosing and administration frequency.

38:41 - 120mg of MDMA produces effects similar to 60mg of Ritalin.

43:03 - Psychotherapy improves connection, access, and creates lasting therapeutic impacts.

49:12 - Chronic pain’s complexities inspire exploration of new treatments.

50:16 - Psychedelics enhance psychotherapy, with Dr. Goel’s research showing optimism.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

I Do, Part 2

I Do, Part 2

From Executive Producers Jennie Garth, Jana Kramer, Amy Robach, and T.J. Holmes. Did you think you met the love of your life and marry him, only to realize it was actually “thank you, next?" Did this jerk cheat on you and leave you feeling alone and hopeless? Don’t make the same mistake twice... Get it right THIS time! Is it time to find true love…again?! If you loved the Golden Bachelor, SILVER just might be your color. Older and wiser, 50 and Fabulous, and ready for a little sex in the city. Everyone has baggage, but you’re not bringing it on this trip. Second Times The Charm. I Do, Part Two. An iHeartRadio podcast...where finding love is the main objective.

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

The Bobby Bones Show

The Bobby Bones Show

Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.