The Spinal Truth
- Episodes
- 118
- Released
- weekly
- Latest episode
- Nov 9, 2026
About the podcast
Join Dr. Caleb Slater as he answers your questions and discusses plantar fasciitis, Crohn's disease, dizziness, sleep apnea, carpal tunnel, bladder problems, and many more! Dr. Caleb Slater, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, OCS, COMT, Cert. MDT, TPI introduces an innovative approach to patient care. With a fresh perspective on the human body, he achieves remarkable outcomes across a spectrum of symptoms, from pain and nausea to dizziness and headaches. If you've found conventional treatments lacking and merely addressing symptoms, Dr. Caleb Slater offers a new path to healing, with 15 years of dedication to optimal patient care and certifications in Orthopedics, Maitland, and McKenzie techniques. Please schedule your appointment today to experience his transformative approach firsthand.
Episodes 118
7 Scary Things on Your MRI (And Why You Shouldn't Panic)
You just got your MRI results, and now you're seeing terms like degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, and bone spurs. It sounds serious. But does it actually explain your pain? The truth …
Show notes
You just got your MRI results, and now you're seeing terms like degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, and bone spurs. It sounds serious. But does it actually explain your pain?
The truth is, many of these MRI findings are also found in people who have no pain or symptoms whatsoever.
In Episode 118 of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down 7 common spinal MRI findings, what they mean, why they're so common as we age, and why an abnormal MRI doesn't automatically mean you need injections or surgery.
In this episode, we cover:
Degenerative Disc Disease
Spinal Stenosis
Disc Herniations
Spondylosis
Bone Spurs (Osteophytes)
Foraminal and Central Canal Stenosis
Disc Bulges
We also discuss spondylolisthesis, why imaging findings don't always match your symptoms, and why understanding how your spine moves can be an important part of determining the right treatment.
Dr. Slater explains his approach to evaluating patients: looking at symptoms, movement, and response to treatment rather than relying on MRI findings alone.
FREE GUIDE: 7 SCARY THINGS ON YOUR MRI
What They Mean and Why You Can Still Get Better.
Get the free guide here: https://guide.thespinaltruth.com/scary
You can also comment SCARY on our social media posts to receive the guide.
Explore our treatment programs or schedule a consultation with Dr. Slater:
An MRI finding alone doesn't establish the cause of pain. Some findings do require prompt medical attention, particularly when accompanied by progressive weakness, walking difficulties, or new bowel or bladder dysfunction. Sudden bladder or bowel changes or saddle numbness require emergency assessment.
#MRIResults #SpinalStenosis #HerniatedDisc #BackPain #TheSpinalTruth
7 Reasons Physical Therapy Failed You (From a Physical Therapist)
You've been going to physical therapy for weeks or months, but your pain keeps coming back. You're doing the exercises, attending appointments, and spending your time and money. So why aren't you getting …
Show notes
You've been going to physical therapy for weeks or months, but your pain keeps coming back. You're doing the exercises, attending appointments, and spending your time and money. So why aren't you getting better?
Physical therapy is supposed to help you recover. But what happens when the treatment itself isn't addressing the problem?
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater, a physical therapist with 18 years of experience and multiple advanced orthopedic certifications, breaks down 7 reasons physical therapy may not be working for you.
Drawing from his professional experience and his own history of chronic pain, Dr. Slater explains the limitations he sees in traditional physical therapy and what he believes needs to change.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why temporary symptom relief isn't the same as lasting improvement.
Why doing more exercises doesn't necessarily mean better treatment.
Why your physical therapist's specialization matters.
How the thoracic spine can be overlooked during neck treatment.
Why the location of your pain doesn't always reveal its source.
Why mobility needs to be accompanied by progressive strengthening.
Why choosing the right physical therapist can make a difference.
We also discuss common PT treatments, including massage, dry needling, traction, TENS, stretching, and generic exercise programs.
The goal isn't to convince you that physical therapy doesn't work. It's to help you recognize when your treatment isn't progressing and understand what effective rehabilitation should look like.
📘 FREE GUIDE: 7 Reasons Physical Therapy Failed You
Discover the common limitations of traditional PT and what to look for in a more targeted approach to treatment.
👉 Get your FREE guide: https://guide.thespinaltruth.com/failedpt
You can also comment FAILED PT on our social media posts to receive the guide.
Ready for a different approach?
Explore Dr. Slater's treatment programs or schedule a consultation:
Subscribe to The Spinal Truth Show for direct conversations about chronic pain, spinal health, rehabilitation, and what it takes to make meaningful progress.
#PhysicalTherapy #ChronicPain #BackPain #NeckPain #TheSpinalTruth
8 Signs Your Arm Pain Is Actually Coming From Your Neck
You've been told you have carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, rotator cuff problems, or a shoulder injury. But what if the pain you're feeling in your arm is actually coming from your neck? In this episode of The …
Show notes
You've been told you have carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, rotator cuff problems, or a shoulder injury. But what if the pain you're feeling in your arm is actually coming from your neck?
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater explains why arm symptoms can sometimes originate in the cervical spine, even when you have no neck pain.
We break down 8 signs that your neck may be contributing to your arm symptoms, including:
Pain or symptoms on both sides
Symptoms that occur at rest
Pain that comes and goes
Symptoms that switch sides
Pain involving more than one joint
Numbness and tingling
Symptoms that haven't responded to typical treatments
A history of neck problems
We also discuss why MRI findings don't always explain your pain, how to distinguish local arm problems from possible nerve-related symptoms, and why testing, treating, and retesting movement can provide useful information.
If you've tried physical therapy, injections, medications, or other treatments without lasting improvement, it may be time to reassess what's driving your symptoms.
FREE GUIDE: Could Your Arm Pain Be Coming From Your Neck?
Comment ARM on our social media posts to receive our free guide, including information about symptoms to watch for and a neck movement screening demonstration.
Explore The Complete Neck Recovery Program or schedule a consultation with Dr. Caleb Slater:
https://thespinaltruth.com/neckcourse
Arm pain, numbness, and tingling can have several causes, including problems in the neck and conditions affecting nerves or tissues in the arm itself. These signs are clues, not a diagnosis. Persistent or worsening symptoms, particularly progressive weakness, deserve medical evaluation.
#ArmPain #NeckPain #CarpalTunnel #TheSpinalTruth
She Was Diagnosed With POTS. Then Everything Changed.
For two years, Hannah struggled with debilitating dizziness, headaches, weakness, anxiety, breathing difficulties, and symptoms that made everyday life nearly impossible. After giving birth to her second child …
Show notes
For two years, Hannah struggled with debilitating dizziness, headaches, weakness, anxiety, breathing difficulties, and symptoms that made everyday life nearly impossible.
After giving birth to her second child, this former college athlete and physical therapist found herself searching for answers. She underwent numerous medical evaluations, received several possible diagnoses, and was eventually diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).
At her first consultation with Dr. Caleb Slater, she couldn't even sit upright for 30 minutes without needing to lie down.
Three and a half months later, her life looked dramatically different.
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Hannah and her husband share their experience navigating the medical system, the treatments they tried, and how a different approach focused on spinal movement and rehabilitation became part of her recovery.
We discuss:
The unusual symptoms that began after childbirth
Her POTS diagnosis and the search for answers
Why previous treatments weren't providing lasting improvement
The role of the neck and thoracic spine in Dr. Slater's assessment
How Hannah approached movement, exercise, and rebuilding strength
The physical and emotional challenges of living with unexplained symptoms
What changed during three months of treatment
If you've been struggling with symptoms that don't seem to fit together, this conversation offers a different perspective on the importance of a thorough evaluation and finding treatment that produces meaningful improvement.
Explore our programs or schedule a consultation: https://thespinaltruth.com
Do You Really Need Spinal Fusion Surgery? What Doctors May Not Tell You
Are you being told that spinal fusion surgery is your next step? Before making that decision, there are some important things you need to understand. In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater …
Show notes
Are you being told that spinal fusion surgery is your next step? Before making that decision, there are some important things you need to understand.
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater discusses when he would consider spinal fusion, discectomy, or other orthopedic surgeries, and when he believes a different treatment approach may be worth exploring first.
Not all pain is the same, and not every spinal condition requires surgery. Understanding the difference between pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness can help you recognize when symptoms may indicate a more serious neurological problem.
In this episode, we discuss:
When spinal fusion surgery may be necessary
Why pain alone doesn't always mean surgery is the best option
The difference between pain, numbness, tingling, and significant muscle weakness
Foot drop and other neurological warning signs
Why some patients continue experiencing pain after spinal fusion
When injections or less invasive procedures may be considered
Why shoulder pain and hand symptoms sometimes originate in the cervical spine
Why MRI findings don't always explain your symptoms
The importance of evaluating movement and strength before deciding on treatment
Dr. Slater also explains his approach to treating persistent neck and back pain, particularly in patients who have already tried physical therapy without lasting improvement.
Considering surgery or struggling with persistent pain?
Explore our self-guided treatment programs or schedule a consultation with Dr. Slater:
You Tried Physical Therapy. But Did You Actually Move Your Spine?
You tried physical therapy. You did the exercises, stretched, strengthened your core, and maybe even tried injections, massage, dry needling, or traction. But your neck or back pain is still there. What if your …
Show notes
You tried physical therapy. You did the exercises, stretched, strengthened your core, and maybe even tried injections, massage, dry needling, or traction. But your neck or back pain is still there.
What if your treatment never addressed one of the most important things: actually moving and strengthening your spine through its range of motion?
In this episode of The Spinal Truth, Dr. Caleb Slater challenges the idea that movement-based treatment is nothing new. He breaks down why many common treatments for chronic back pain, sciatica, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and herniated discs may not adequately address spinal mobility or strength.
We discuss:
Why core stabilization isn't the same as moving your spine through its full range of motion.
The difference between passive treatments and active movement.
Why stretching, massage, TENS, dry needling, and traction may not address all aspects of a spinal problem.
Why being active or exercising doesn't necessarily mean you're restoring spinal mobility.
How MRI findings can complicate identifying the source of pain.
Why Dr. Slater emphasizes progressive spinal movement, strength, and reassessment.
Dr. Slater also explains how his own treatment philosophy evolved after years of using more traditional physical therapy approaches.
If you've tried PT and you're still dealing with chronic neck or back pain, this episode offers a different perspective on what may be missing from your treatment.
Learn more, explore our self-guided recovery programs, or schedule a consultation with Dr. Caleb Slater at: https://thespinaltruth.com
Can You Actually Trust Your Physical Therapist?
Who should you actually trust when you're looking for answers about chronic neck or back pain? In this episode of The Spinal Truth, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down a growing problem in healthcare and social media …
Show notes
Who should you actually trust when you're looking for answers about chronic neck or back pain?
In this episode of The Spinal Truth, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down a growing problem in healthcare and social media: clinicians and influencers promoting products that may temporarily mask symptoms without addressing why you're hurting in the first place.
We talk about Icy Hot, topical pain relievers, TENS, massage, dry needling, chiropractic care, and other common treatments, and why temporary relief shouldn't automatically be confused with effective treatment.
More importantly, Dr. Slater explains the red flags he looks for when choosing a physical therapist, why he often prefers certified McKenzie (MDT) clinicians, how quickly you should expect to see meaningful improvement, and when it may be time to question whether your current treatment is actually working.
If you've tried physical therapy, chiropractic care, injections, medications, or other treatments and you're still hurting, this episode will help you ask better questions about what comes next.
Learn more, schedule a consultation, or explore The Spinal Truth programs at TheSpinalTruth.com.
Nerve Ablation Stops the Pain... But What Happens Next?
Nerve ablation can reduce pain by destroying part of the sensory nerve carrying the pain signal. But does that actually fix the problem causing your pain? In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb …
Show notes
Nerve ablation can reduce pain by destroying part of the sensory nerve carrying the pain signal. But does that actually fix the problem causing your pain?
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down what nerve ablation actually does, why the relief may only be temporary, and what can happen when the underlying issue is still there even though you can no longer feel it.
We discuss radiofrequency nerve ablation, chronic back and neck pain, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, pain management, injections, spinal fusion, nerve regeneration, numbness, weakness, and why Dr. Slater believes many patients reach ablation only after years of ineffective treatment.
We also talk about when nerve ablation may actually make sense, why removing pain can make rehabilitation more difficult, and what patients should understand before deciding to have the procedure.
If you are considering nerve ablation, have already had one, or are stuck in a cycle of injections, procedures, and temporary pain relief, this episode gives you a very different perspective.
Why Your Back Pain Treatment Isn't Working
If you've been doing physical therapy, stretching, core exercises, chiropractic adjustments, injections, massage, or other treatments for low back pain—and it keeps coming back—this episode may explain why. In …
Show notes
If you've been doing physical therapy, stretching, core exercises, chiropractic adjustments, injections, massage, or other treatments for low back pain—and it keeps coming back—this episode may explain why.
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down some of the most common approaches used to treat back pain and explains why many of them may be targeting everything except the back itself.
We discuss clamshells, planks, bird dogs, dead bugs, glute strengthening, stretching, chiropractic adjustments, MRI findings, degenerative disc disease, and the idea that your spine should be protected instead of moved.
Dr. Slater also explains why temporary pain relief is not the same thing as actually improving the underlying problem, why many people lose spinal motion without realizing it, and why strengthening your spine through movement may be an important missing piece.
If you've tried everything for chronic low back pain and still aren't getting lasting relief, this episode offers a very different way of looking at the problem.
Your Headaches Might Actually Be Coming From Your Neck
What if the headache you keep treating isn't really a "head problem" at all? In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater explains how chronic headaches and migraines can sometimes be driven by …
Show notes
What if the headache you keep treating isn't really a "head problem" at all?
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater explains how chronic headaches and migraines can sometimes be driven by problems in the neck, upper back, nerves, and surrounding musculature.
We break down different headache patterns, why pain behind the eyes can sometimes originate near the upper cervical spine, how posture and screen time may contribute, and why medications, Botox, massage, adjustments, and other passive treatments may provide relief without addressing the underlying problem.
Dr. Slater also explains how he approaches chronic headaches differently—and why restoring movement, strength, and function may be the missing piece for people who have struggled for years.
If you deal with recurring headaches, migraines, neck stiffness, eye pain, facial pain, or headaches after sitting, driving, working at a computer, or looking down at your phone, this episode is for you.
Learn more about Dr. Slater's approach, courses, and consultations at The Spinal Truth.
Your Shoulder Pain Might NOT Be Coming From Your Shoulder
Shoulder pain is often blamed on rotator cuff tears, bursitis, impingement, labral tears, or arthritis. But what if the painful area isn't actually where the problem begins? In this episode of The Spinal Truth …
Show notes
Shoulder pain is often blamed on rotator cuff tears, bursitis, impingement, labral tears, or arthritis. But what if the painful area isn't actually where the problem begins?
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater explains why neck and upper-back problems can create shoulder and arm symptoms, and why MRI findings can sometimes send treatment in the wrong direction. He breaks down the warning signs that suggest your shoulder pain may actually be spinal or nerve-related, including numbness and tingling, symptoms on both sides, pain that comes and goes, pain at rest, and treatment that repeatedly fails.
Caleb also shares his own experience with decades of shoulder and arm pain, a labral tear diagnosis, injections, and surgery that failed to solve the actual problem.
If you've tried physical therapy, injections, medications, or other shoulder treatments without lasting relief, it may be time to ask whether you're treating the right area.
She Thought Her Life Was Over—Then Her Neck Pain Finally Changed
After years of severe neck pain, frozen shoulders, a bicep tear, failed physiotherapy, injections, acupuncture, cupping, medications, and thousands of dollars spent searching for relief, Lynn believed surgery …
Show notes
After years of severe neck pain, frozen shoulders, a bicep tear, failed physiotherapy, injections, acupuncture, cupping, medications, and thousands of dollars spent searching for relief, Lynn believed surgery might be her only option.
She could barely turn her head, sit comfortably, drive, read a book, practice yoga, cycle, or enjoy the active life she once loved. She was told stress, inflammation, her shoulders, and multiple diagnoses were responsible, but none of the conventional treatments created lasting improvement.
Then she began using targeted spinal movements, a foam roller, and The Spinal Truth Neck Relief Course. Within weeks, she began seeing progress she had not experienced in three years. Today, she reports being approximately 70–80% better, has returned to yoga, can read again, is sleeping better, and has stopped relying on pain medication.
In this patient interview, Dr. Caleb Slater explains why treating the underlying spinal problem may be more effective than repeatedly treating symptoms with temporary solutions.
Learn more about consultations and the Neck Relief Course at thespinaltruth.com.
Why Your MRI May Not Explain Your Pain
In this audience Q&A episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater answers questions about imaging, degenerative disc disease, neck pain, headaches, GI symptoms, Crohn's, bursitis, military neck, traction …
Show notes
In this audience Q&A episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater answers questions about imaging, degenerative disc disease, neck pain, headaches, GI symptoms, Crohn's, bursitis, military neck, traction, TMJ, sleeping positions, and why the spine needs to move.
Dr. Slater explains why MRI and X-ray findings like degenerative changes, disc disease, labral tears, bone spurs, bursitis, and spinal arthritis are often found in people with no pain at all. He discusses when imaging is useful, why imaging can create fear, and why treating based only on a scan can lead patients down the wrong path.
This episode also covers why stretching or exercise may irritate symptoms, how pain during recovery can still mean progress, why posture is not the real answer, how spine problems may contribute to GI and Crohn's-like symptoms, why traction and passive treatments often fail, and why restoring spinal movement and strength may be the missing piece.
For consultations, telehealth sessions, and self-guided treatment courses, visit: https://thespinaltruth.com
Your Shoulder Labral Tear May Not Be the Problem
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down shoulder labral tears, why they are commonly found on MRI, and why a labral tear does not automatically mean it is the true cause of your …
Show notes
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down shoulder labral tears, why they are commonly found on MRI, and why a labral tear does not automatically mean it is the true cause of your shoulder pain.
Dr. Slater explains what the labrum does, why labral tears can be common even in people with no pain, and how shoulder pain, weakness, instability, clicking, numbness, tingling, or symptoms down the arm may actually be coming from the neck or nervous system.
This episode also covers Dr. Slater's own history with a labral tear diagnosis, failed traditional treatments, surgery, injections, physical therapy, and how treating the spine ultimately addressed the underlying cause. If you have been told you have a labral tear, are considering injections or surgery, or still have shoulder pain after treatment, this episode may help you think differently about what is really causing your symptoms.
For consultations, telehealth sessions, and self-guided treatment courses, visit: https://thespinaltruth.com
Your Symptoms May Be Coming From Your Spine: Audience Questions Answered
In this audience Q&A episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater answers questions about hand and finger pain, asthma-like breathing symptoms, GI flare-ups, neck stiffness during exercise, recurring disc …
Show notes
In this audience Q&A episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater answers questions about hand and finger pain, asthma-like breathing symptoms, GI flare-ups, neck stiffness during exercise, recurring disc bulges, failed injections and surgeries, degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, shoulder clicking, and chronic gastritis.
Dr. Slater explains why pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, breathing problems, digestive symptoms, and joint complaints may sometimes be connected to the spine and nervous system rather than the area where the symptoms are felt. He also discusses why imaging findings like disc bulges, degeneration, and bone spurs do not automatically identify the true cause of pain.
This episode also covers what soreness during treatment can mean, how symptoms may centralize as a nerve improves, why movement can be more effective than protecting the spine, and why repeating injections or surgery may not solve a problem when the underlying cause was never properly treated.
For consultations, telehealth sessions, and self-guided treatment courses, visit: https://thespinaltruth.com
Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain & the Spine: A Patient Story of Finally Finding Relief
In this special patient interview episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater talks with Tam, a retired nurse who had been dealing with chronic pain for years. Her symptoms included upper back pain …
Show notes
In this special patient interview episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater talks with Tam, a retired nurse who had been dealing with chronic pain for years. Her symptoms included upper back pain between the shoulder blades, pain down the arm, hand symptoms in the morning, difficulty holding a coffee cup, trouble sleeping, and pain so severe that she would have to lie down multiple times while doing simple tasks like preparing dinner.
Before finding Dr. Slater, Tam had seen multiple providers, including orthopedics, rheumatology, chiropractic, massage, craniosacral therapy, and functional medicine. She was given diagnoses like fibromyalgia, inflammatory spondyloarthropathy, and psoriatic arthritis without psoriasis, and tried injections, methotrexate, biologics, prednisone, medications, supplements, and other treatments — but nothing was giving her lasting relief.
After finding The Spinal Truth online and working with Dr. Slater through telehealth, Tam began targeting her thoracic spine with specific movements and strengthening exercises. Within a few visits, she started having pain-free days, improved sleep, better function, and the ability to return to daily activities like cooking, mowing, walking, traveling, and helping others — without being controlled by pain.
This episode is for anyone who has been labeled with fibromyalgia, chronic pain, inflammatory conditions, unexplained pain, neuropathy-like symptoms, or "nothing else we can do" — and wants to hear a real patient story about what changed when the spine was finally evaluated and treated differently.
Fibromyalgia: The Spine Problem Nobody Checks
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down fibromyalgia and why the diagnosis can be so frustrating for patients. Fibromyalgia is often described as widespread pain, fatigue, sleep …
Show notes
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down fibromyalgia and why the diagnosis can be so frustrating for patients. Fibromyalgia is often described as widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems, brain fog, headaches, dizziness, sensitivity, IBS, TMJ symptoms, pelvic pain, anxiety, and depression — but there is no definitive test that proves someone has it.
Dr. Slater explains why labels like fibromyalgia, POTS, AMPS, PPPD, IBS, TMJ disorder, and chronic regional pain syndrome can sometimes become catch-all diagnoses when the medical system does not know what else to do. Once that label is applied, patients are often told to manage symptoms instead of continuing to search for the underlying cause.
This episode explores a different possibility: that some "fibromyalgia" symptoms may actually be coming from multi-level spine problems, especially in the thoracic spine and cervical spine. Dr. Slater discusses how the nervous system supplies the body, how spine issues can create symptoms far beyond simple back or neck pain, and why restoring motion and strength may be the missing piece for some chronic pain patients.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic widespread pain, unexplained fatigue, brain fog, headaches, dizziness, IBS, TMJ, or other vague chronic symptoms, this episode may help you rethink what has actually been checked — and what may still be missing.
Carpal Tunnel Is Often Misdiagnosed: The Neck Problem Nobody Checks
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down why many people diagnosed with carpal tunnel may not actually have a wrist problem at all. While true carpal tunnel involves compression of …
Show notes
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down why many people diagnosed with carpal tunnel may not actually have a wrist problem at all. While true carpal tunnel involves compression of the median nerve at the wrist, many common "carpal tunnel" symptoms may actually be coming from the neck, especially when symptoms are bilateral, come and go, show up at rest, involve the pinky, or travel into the forearm, elbow, shoulder, or neck.
Dr. Slater explains how the median nerve starts in the neck, why imaging and nerve tests can be misleading, and why treatments like wrist splints, injections, nerve glides, ultrasound, laser, paraffin, stretching, and even carpal tunnel surgery often fail when the real problem is higher up the chain.
If you've been told you have carpal tunnel, or you're dealing with hand numbness, wrist pain, tingling, weakness, forearm pain, or symptoms into both hands, this episode may help you understand what's being missed, and why checking the neck first could save you from unnecessary treatment or surgery.
Chronic GI Issues? Your Spine Might Be the Missing Piece
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater and Chris discuss the new Chronic GI Symptoms Course and who it may be appropriate for. They break down why chronic GI issues like Crohn's, ulcerative …
Show notes
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater and Chris discuss the new Chronic GI Symptoms Course and who it may be appropriate for. They break down why chronic GI issues like Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, IBS, SIBO, gastroparesis, bloating, diarrhea, food intolerance, stomach pain, and frequent bowel movements may sometimes be connected to an underlying spine or nerve issue.
Dr. Slater explains why many people are told their symptoms are purely digestive, inflammatory, dietary, or autoimmune — while their spine is rarely evaluated as part of the process. He also discusses why back pain, hip pain, groin pain, leg pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, or other orthopedic symptoms may be clues that these are not separate problems, but part of the same bigger issue.
The episode also covers how the GI course is structured, what movements are used, what equipment is needed, what symptoms to track, why early orthopedic changes may show you're on the right path, and why this approach is designed to check an often-missed box before moving further into long-term medications, biologics, steroids, or surgery.
Learn more about the Chronic GI Symptoms Course here: https://thespinaltruth.thinkific.com/products/courses/chronic-gi-symptoms-course
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Why Stretching, PT & Surgery Often Miss the Real Problem
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down thoracic outlet syndrome and why it is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and mistreated. TOS can cause pain, numbness, tingling, weakness …
Show notes
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down thoracic outlet syndrome and why it is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and mistreated. TOS can cause pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, coldness, color changes, chest symptoms, neck pain, upper back pain, and arm symptoms — but the real issue may not simply be "tight muscles."
Dr. Slater explains why common treatments like scalene stretches, pec stretches, first rib mobilizations, nerve glides, posture correction, hot packs, TENS, injections, and even surgery often fail to create lasting relief. Instead, he argues that the thoracic spine, lower cervical spine, mobility, strength, and targeted movement need to be properly evaluated and treated.
If you've been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, cervical radiculopathy, nerve compression, or unexplained arm symptoms, this episode will help you understand why your symptoms may keep coming back — and what may be missing from your treatment plan. The episode also discusses the free thoracic outlet syndrome series available on TikTok and YouTube.
Can Your Spine Cause GI Issues? The Missing Link Behind IBS, Crohn's & Chronic Gut Symptoms
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down a rarely discussed possibility: that some chronic GI symptoms may be connected to the spine and nervous system. We talk about IBS, Crohn's …
Show notes
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down a rarely discussed possibility: that some chronic GI symptoms may be connected to the spine and nervous system. We talk about IBS, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, food triggers, bloating, diarrhea, and why back, hip, knee, or foot pain may be clues that the spine should be checked as part of the bigger picture.
Dr. Slater also shares a real patient case where targeted spinal movement helped improve long-term GI and orthopedic symptoms after years of failed treatments. This isn't saying every GI issue comes from the spine — but it may be a missing box that too many people never check.
We also now have our Chronic GI Symptoms Course, a self-guided treatment course designed to help you explore whether your spine and nervous system may be contributing to your gut symptoms.
Check out the GI Course here: https://thespinaltruth.thinkific.com/products/courses/chronic-gi-symptoms-course
Why Physical Therapy Fails So Many People
Why do so many people leave physical therapy without real relief? In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down the typical PT journey, insurance limitations, rushed sessions, generic …
Show notes
Why do so many people leave physical therapy without real relief? In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down the typical PT journey, insurance limitations, rushed sessions, generic exercise sheets, symptom-based treatment, and why many patients never get true one-on-one orthopedic care. He also explains what to look for in a better physical therapist, why certifications matter, and why the right treatment should target movement, strength, and the real underlying cause, not just manage pain.
Why the U.S. Healthcare System Keeps Failing You
Why does getting real help in the healthcare system feel so hard? In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down the biggest flaws in the U.S. healthcare journey—from insurance …
Show notes
Why does getting real help in the healthcare system feel so hard? In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down the biggest flaws in the U.S. healthcare journey—from insurance roadblocks and short doctor visits to overreliance on imaging, symptom-chasing, and treatments that often manage pain without fixing the real problem. If you've ever felt ignored, rushed, mislabeled, or stuck in the system, this episode will hit home.
Chronic Pain: Why Nothing Has Worked for You Yet
If you've been told your chronic pain is something you just have to live with, this episode is for you. Dr. Caleb Slater explains why so many people stay stuck in chronic pain for years, why pain management …
Show notes
If you've been told your chronic pain is something you just have to live with, this episode is for you. Dr. Caleb Slater explains why so many people stay stuck in chronic pain for years, why pain management often fails to address the real problem, and how the spine is often missed as a major driver of symptoms. He also shares his own 27-year chronic pain story and what finally helped him break the cycle.
Why Stretching Isn't Fixing Your Pain (And What Actually Works)
Does stretching really fix pain… or just make it feel better for a few minutes? In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater explains why stretching is often overused in physical therapy, why it …
Show notes
Does stretching really fix pain… or just make it feel better for a few minutes? In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater explains why stretching is often overused in physical therapy, why it usually fails as actual treatment, and what the body often needs instead: active contraction, spinal mobility, and strength through range. If you've been stretching for weeks, months, or years without real relief, this episode is for you.
Why Chronic Neck Pain Treatments Fail (And What Actually Works)
Why do so many people still have neck pain after pills, PT, chiropractic care, injections, or even surgery? In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater explains why most chronic neck pain …
Show notes
Why do so many people still have neck pain after pills, PT, chiropractic care, injections, or even surgery? In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater explains why most chronic neck pain treatment is just symptom management—not true treatment. He breaks down the role of posture, thoracic spine mobility, strengthening, imaging myths, and why lasting relief usually requires restoring movement and strength instead of just numbing pain.
20 Years of Colitis, Off Humira, and Finally Healing? Bob's Update
What happens when someone diagnosed with ulcerative colitis for 20 years goes off Humira and starts addressing the spine instead? In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater sits down with …
Show notes
What happens when someone diagnosed with ulcerative colitis for 20 years goes off Humira and starts addressing the spine instead? In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater sits down with returning guest Bob Seiden to talk about his latest update: improved colonoscopy results, fewer symptoms, better food tolerance, and what happened when stress, travel, and stopping his exercises caused symptoms to creep back in again.
The Health Lies You've Been Told: Why Your Diagnosis Might Be Wrong
Flat feet. Bone spurs. Degenerative disc disease. Bursitis. Arthritis. Scoliosis. In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down some of the most common health myths and misdiagnoses …
Show notes
Flat feet. Bone spurs. Degenerative disc disease. Bursitis. Arthritis. Scoliosis. In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down some of the most common health myths and misdiagnoses people hear every day—and explains why the real source of pain is often being missed. This episode could completely change how you think about back pain, nerve pain, joint pain, and "wear and tear" diagnoses.
Why You Keep Waking Up in Pain at Night (It Might Not Be Your Mattress)
Think your mattress or pillow is causing your pain? In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down why restless sleep, numbness, tingling, shoulder pain, low back pain, and even …
Show notes
Think your mattress or pillow is causing your pain? In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater breaks down why restless sleep, numbness, tingling, shoulder pain, low back pain, and even nighttime symptoms in your arms or legs may actually be coming from your spine — not your bed. They cover the best and worst sleep positions, temporary fixes that can help, and what to do during the day to actually solve the problem. Based on the episode transcript.
Is Telehealth Actually Effective for Pain Relief? The Truth Most Providers Won't Tell You
Can telehealth actually help with neck pain, back pain, headaches, GI issues, hip pain, and more — or is it just a watered-down version of treatment? In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater …
Show notes
Can telehealth actually help with neck pain, back pain, headaches, GI issues, hip pain, and more — or is it just a watered-down version of treatment?
In this episode of The Spinal Truth Show, Dr. Caleb Slater and Chris break down what telehealth really is, who it works for, when it doesn't, and why it can still be highly effective when the right approach is used. They explain why movement-based care, detailed symptom analysis, and patient education can make virtual treatment surprisingly successful for people all over the world.
They also cover the biggest pros and cons of telehealth, what you need to make it work, and why convenience, access, and expert guidance can sometimes matter more than being in the room. Based on the episode transcript.
These are the latest 40 of 118 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
Similar podcasts
More Health & Fitness podcasts
Is this your podcast?
Confirm it with an entry in your feed: you get a code here, add it as podcast:txt to the channel of your feed, and we check it. Your podcast is then shown as “verified” on SoundNode.