Back pain is NOT “just part of getting older.” In this episode of Vital Voices, spine & neurosurgeon Dr. Nicholas Burrowes (Oaktree Medical Center) breaks down what’s really causing your back pain—and exactly what you can do about it today. From desk-job posture and weekend-warrior strains to sciatica, herniated discs, and spine surgery myths, you’ll get clear, actionable advice to relieve pain, prevent flare-ups, and protect your long-term health.
What you’ll learn
- The top everyday habits that trigger back pain—and how to fix them fast
- When to self-care vs. when to see a specialist (red flags you shouldn’t ignore)
- The most effective non-surgical options (movement, ergonomics, PT, injections, meds)
- When surgery is the right call—and what modern minimally invasive options look like
- Sleep, stress, and core strength: the overlooked trio for a healthy spine
Who this episode is for:
Anyone with nagging low-back pain, desk workers, parents lifting little ones, athletes/active adults, and anyone who wants a stronger, more resilient spine.
About our guest:
Dr. Nicholas Burrowes is a spine and neurosurgeon at Oaktree Medical Center, offering comprehensive evaluation and treatment for back and neck disorders with a patient-first, evidence-based approach.
Disclaimer: This conversation is educational and not a substitute for personal medical advice. Please consult your clinician for diagnosis and treatment.
#BackPain #SpineHealth #Posture #Sciatica #HerniatedDisc #Ergonomics #PhysicalTherapy #CoreStrength #PainRelief #HealthyHabits #LifestyleMedicine #WellnessPodcast #VitalVoices #OaktreeMedicalCenter #BahamasHealth
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Back pain is NOT “just part of getting older.” In this episode of Vital Voices, spine & neurosurgeon Dr. Nicholas Burrowes (Oaktree Medical Center) breaks down what’s really causing your back pain—and exactly what you can do about it today. From desk-job posture and weekend-warrior strains to sciatica, herniated discs, and spine surgery myths, you’ll get clear, actionable advice to relieve pain, prevent flare-ups, and protect your long-term health.
What you’ll learn
- The top everyday habits that trigger back pain—and how to fix them fast
- When to self-care vs. when to see a specialist (red flags you shouldn’t ignore)
- The most effective non-surgical options (movement, ergonomics, PT, injections, meds)
- When surgery is the right call—and what modern minimally invasive options look like
- Sleep, stress, and core strength: the overlooked trio for a healthy spine
Who this episode is for:
Anyone with nagging low-back pain, desk workers, parents lifting little ones, athletes/active adults, and anyone who wants a stronger, more resilient spine.
About our guest:
Dr. Nicholas Burrowes is a spine and neurosurgeon at Oaktree Medical Center, offering comprehensive evaluation and treatment for back and neck disorders with a patient-first, evidence-based approach.
Disclaimer: This conversation is educational and not a substitute for personal medical advice. Please consult your clinician for diagnosis and treatment.
#BackPain #SpineHealth #Posture #Sciatica #HerniatedDisc #Ergonomics #PhysicalTherapy #CoreStrength #PainRelief #HealthyHabits #LifestyleMedicine #WellnessPodcast #VitalVoices #OaktreeMedicalCenter #BahamasHealth
Episode 39 - Thyroid 101 ft. Dr. Carmen Cartwright
Vital Voices Podcast
54 minutes 28 seconds
2 months ago
Episode 39 - Thyroid 101 ft. Dr. Carmen Cartwright
Are you always tired…or always wired? It might be your thyroid. In this episode of Vital Voices, endocrinologist Dr. Carmen Cartwright from Oaktree Medical Center explains hypothyroidism vs hyperthyroidism in plain English—what symptoms to watch for, which tests matter, how treatment works, and what to expect long-term.
What you’ll learn
- Thyroid basics: what the gland does and the simple difference between underactive and overactive thyroid
- Spotting symptoms: everyday signs of hypothyroidism (fatigue, weight change, hair/skin shifts) and hyperthyroidism (racing heart, heat intolerance, anxiety, sleep issues)—plus urgent red flags
- Diagnostics: what TSH, Free T4, (± Free T3) and antibody tests (TPO, TRAb) show; when ultrasound or a radioactive iodine uptake scan is needed; common testing pitfalls (biotin, meds)
Treatment & management:
- Hypothyroid: how dosing is chosen, best time to take it, and absorption “gotchas” (coffee, calcium, iron)
- Hyperthyroid: options—antithyroid meds, radioactive iodine, surgery
- Special situations: pregnancy & postpartum, postpartum thyroiditis, kids/older adults, thyroid nodules/goiter—when to watch, biopsy, or treat
- Long-term outlook: how often to check labs once stable, what remission can look like, and planning for major life events (pregnancy, surgery, big weight changes)
If this helped you, share it with a friend and subscribe to @VitalVoices242 for more real-talk health conversations. Drop your questions in the comments for a follow-up Q&A.
Vital Voices Podcast
Back pain is NOT “just part of getting older.” In this episode of Vital Voices, spine & neurosurgeon Dr. Nicholas Burrowes (Oaktree Medical Center) breaks down what’s really causing your back pain—and exactly what you can do about it today. From desk-job posture and weekend-warrior strains to sciatica, herniated discs, and spine surgery myths, you’ll get clear, actionable advice to relieve pain, prevent flare-ups, and protect your long-term health.
What you’ll learn
- The top everyday habits that trigger back pain—and how to fix them fast
- When to self-care vs. when to see a specialist (red flags you shouldn’t ignore)
- The most effective non-surgical options (movement, ergonomics, PT, injections, meds)
- When surgery is the right call—and what modern minimally invasive options look like
- Sleep, stress, and core strength: the overlooked trio for a healthy spine
Who this episode is for:
Anyone with nagging low-back pain, desk workers, parents lifting little ones, athletes/active adults, and anyone who wants a stronger, more resilient spine.
About our guest:
Dr. Nicholas Burrowes is a spine and neurosurgeon at Oaktree Medical Center, offering comprehensive evaluation and treatment for back and neck disorders with a patient-first, evidence-based approach.
Disclaimer: This conversation is educational and not a substitute for personal medical advice. Please consult your clinician for diagnosis and treatment.
#BackPain #SpineHealth #Posture #Sciatica #HerniatedDisc #Ergonomics #PhysicalTherapy #CoreStrength #PainRelief #HealthyHabits #LifestyleMedicine #WellnessPodcast #VitalVoices #OaktreeMedicalCenter #BahamasHealth
