# 212. Dr. Brad Goodman: The Truth About Chronic Back Pain & How to Avoid Surgery

An episode of [Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1773578243), 29 Oct 2026, 59 min.

Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/03add746-5496-41d9-bcc9-511a526491e9/Extend_-_Brad_Goodman.mp3?dest-id=4758622

What if the solution to your chronic back pain isn't another prescription, another injection, or even major spine surgery—but identifying exactly where your pain is coming from? Back pain is one of the most common reasons people lose mobility, stop exercising, and experience a decline in their quality of life. Yet many patients spend years cycling through physical therapy, pain medications, and specialist appointments without ever getting a clear answer about what's actually causing their pain. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Brad Goodman, a specialist in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and minimally invasive spinal interventions at OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports, to explore why chronic back pain can be so difficult to diagnose and the emerging treatments offering new possibilities for relief. Dr. Goodman has dedicated his career to identifying the underlying sources of pain and developing targeted, minimally invasive approaches that may help patients avoid major surgery. Together, we break down the anatomy of the spine, why traditional treatments sometimes fail, and how new technologies are changing the way we approach chronic pain. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why chronic lower back pain can develop years before symptoms appear • How herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, and spinal stenosis cause different types of back pain • Why identifying the actual source of pain is critical before choosing a treatment • How MRIs and other imaging techniques help doctors investigate spinal inflammation and structural problems • Why walking, movement, and physical therapy are essential for maintaining mobility and preventing further decline • The minimally invasive alternatives to back surgery, including epidural injections, nerve ablation, and spinal stabilization procedures • How emerging technologies like ReActiv8 muscle stimulation and SPRINT peripheral nerve stimulation are being used to treat certain types of chronic pain • What the research currently suggests about PRP, stem cell injections, and regenerative treatments for spinal discs • Why chronic pain, muscle loss, inactivity, and frailty are closely connected to healthy aging • How to find the right spine specialist and explore your treatment options before considering major surgery We also discuss the limitations of pain medications, the importance of spinal stability, and why some patients continue experiencing pain even after multiple procedures. One of the most important ideas Dr. Goodman shares is that relieving pain isn't just about feeling better—it's about restoring your ability to move. When chronic pain prevents you from exercising, maintaining muscle, and staying active, it can affect nearly every aspect of your long-term health. The goal isn't simply to manage pain. It's to identify its source, restore function, and help you maintain the mobility and independence that make a longer, healthier life possible. Because when it comes to longevity, movement is medicine—and protecting your ability to move is one of the most important investments you can make in your future. Learn more about Dr. Shah: • Website: drshah.com • Clinic: next-health • Instagram: @darshanshahmd and @extend_podcast Learn more about Dr. Brad Goodman: • Website: orthoalabama.com/doctors/bradly-s-goodman-md • Clinic: orthoalabama.com • YouTube: youtube.com/@doctalklive • Facebook: facebook.com/doctalklivedrgoodman Thank You To Our Sponsor! IM8 - Try IM8 with a 30 day money back guarantee! Use code DRSHAH at checkout for 10% off your first order at im8health.com/drshah

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