#185 Conquering Back Pain: From Injury to Recovery and Beyond
Release Date: 07/24/2025
Hart2Heart with Dr. Mike Hart
In this solo episode, Dr. Mike discusses the common issue of nocturia, where individuals frequently wake up at night to urinate, which disrupts sleep. The episode covers the root causes including sleep apnea, enlarged prostate, and overactive bladder, and dives into the roles of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). It provides a comprehensive guide on addressing nocturia through behavioral modifications such as fluid restriction and sleep hygiene, supplements like pumpkin seed extract and beta-sitosterol, and pharmaceuticals including Desmopressin and...
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In this solo episode, Dr. Mike delves into the complex relationship between dopamine, romantic relationships, and the Coolidge Effect. The discussion highlights why men often feel the need for a new partner due to a desensitization of dopamine and how our overstimulated lifestyles contribute to this issue. The host explores the impact of modern habits on dopamine levels, the importance of boredom for resetting dopamine sensitivity, and the role of anticipation in maintaining desire. Practical solutions like dopamine resets, engaging in effort-based activities, and ensuring personal growth and...
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In this episode, Dr. Mike Hart delves into the origins and contemporary relevance of the 10,000 steps rule. He discusses the latest research outcomes from a massive meta-analysis comparing daily step counts from 2,000 to 12,000 steps and their associated health benefits. Listeners will learn about the significant reductions in mortality, cardiovascular disease, cancer mortality, dementia, depression, and type 2 diabetes risk achieved by increasing daily steps. The episode also provides insights into the importance of breaking up sedentary periods, the physiological differences between various...
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In this solo episode, the host discusses the effects of metformin, berberine, and dihydroberberine on exercise adaptation and longevity. While metformin is known for its longevity benefits and is popular in the biohacking community, it has been shown to significantly reduce exercise adaptations and VO2 max gains. Berberine, a supplement with similar effects to metformin, is easier to obtain but still has some negative effects on exercise and significant GI side effects. The episode introduces dihydroberberine (DHB), a compound with fewer GI issues and less impact on exercise adaptation, making...
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In this episode of the Heart to Heart podcast, Dr. Mike Hart chats with Tony Ricci, an athletic performance and mental health coach for athletes. Tony shares his fascinating journey from studying exercise physiology to working with elite athletes like MMA fighter Chris Weidman. They discuss the critical impact of mental resilience on athletic performance, practical strategies for mental and physical training, and bridging the gap between nutrition, conditioning, and mental skills training. Additionally, the conversation touches on the role of technology like HRV and sleep tracking in athlete...
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In this episode of the Heart to Heart Podcast, Dr. Mike Hart sits down with Greg Mushen, a former tech professional turned health advocate, to discuss his incredible journey of transforming his body and lifestyle. Greg shares insights from his background growing up in a medical family and how early exposure to health experiments sparked his long-lasting interest in nutrition and fitness. He details his significant body transformation starting at age 47, the role of tracking macros and engaging in strength training, and the importance of key habits like walking 17,000 steps a day. The...
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In this episode of the Heart to Heart podcast, Dr. Mike Hart interviews Dr. Corey Peacock, an exercise physiologist and department chair at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Peacock discusses his diverse background, from establishing the Fight Science Laboratory to working with elite MMA fighters at Kill Cliff Fight Club. The conversation covers advanced training methods, including zone-based cardio, strength and conditioning exercises, and recovery protocols. Listeners gain insights into the importance of athletic balance, the role of power versus strength in MMA, and the efficacy of various...
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In this solo podcast episode, Dr. Mike Hart delves into the intricacies of insulin resistance, a prevalent yet misunderstood condition. The episode covers the fundamental role of insulin, what happens during insulin resistance, and its linkage to various diseases like diabetes and heart disease. It includes a detailed discussion on how to measure insulin resistance using markers like triglyceride to HDL ratio, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and hemoglobin A1c. Dr. Hart also explains the significance of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and how they contribute to aging and diabetes....
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In this episode, host Dr. Mike Hart welcomes neuroscientist and author Dr. Ben Rein to discuss his new book, 'Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection.' Dr. Rein shares his journey in neuroscience, his research on autism and MDMA, and his pivot towards science communication. They delve into the devastating effects of loneliness, comparing its impact on mortality to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and explore why human connections are critical for our brain health. Dr. Rein also discusses the benefits of having pets, the intricate balance of social interactions across...
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In this episode of the Heart to Heart podcast, Dr. Mike Hart chats with Dr. Jose Antonio about the evolution and impact of sports nutrition research, particularly focusing on creatine and protein consumption. Dr. Antonio shares his journey from studying muscle physiology to pioneering research in sports nutrition, highlighting the initial skepticism in the scientific community and the eventual acceptance of supplements like creatine. They also delve into the benefits of various supplements for athletic performance, the ongoing debates in the medical field regarding supplementation, and...
info_outlineIn this episode, Dr. Mike Hart delves into his personal journey with back pain, detailing the causes, treatments, and exercises that have helped him overcome chronic pain and regain mobility. Starting from a wrestling injury in 2021 exacerbated by running with improper shoes and deadlifting, the host shares how he learned to manage pain through chiropractic visits, medications, physiotherapy, and ultimately an epidural steroid injection. This episode highlights the importance of holistic body strengthening, focusing on specific exercises like hip thrusts, Nordic curls, and back extensions, and utilizing tools like the chirp wheel to improve thoracic mobility. Dr. Hart emphasizes the value of getting proper imaging and professional advice for managing serious pain and concludes with tips on maintaining full-body mobility and strength to prevent future injuries.
Dr. Stuart McGill’s McGill Big 3
Show Notes:
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(00:00) – Welcome back to the Hart2Heart Podcast with Dr. Mike Hart
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(01:00) – Initial back pain incident in 2021
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(03:30) – Worsening condition in 2023
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(06:00) – Alternative treatments and medications
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(08:00) – Physiotherapy and imaging results
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(10:30) – Breakthrough with epidural steroid injection
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(14:30) – Strengthening exercises for recovery
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(25:00) – Thoracic spine issues and solutions
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(30:00) – Holistic approach to mobility and strength
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(34:00) – Lessons learned and guidance on long-term recovery
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Dr. Mike Hart is a Cannabis Physician and Lifestyle Strategist. In April 2014, Dr. Hart became the first physician in London, Ontario to open a cannabis clinic. While Dr. Hart continues to treat patients at his clinic, his primary focus has shifted to correcting the medical cannabis educational gap that exists in the medical community.
Connect on social with Dr. Mike Hart:
Social Links:
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Instagram: @drmikehart
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Twitter: @drmikehart
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Facebook: @drmikehart