Body of Wonder: Stronger Backs and Healthier Lives: Integrative Approaches to Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—health challenges, affecting 8 out of 10 people in their lifetime. In this episode of Body of Wonder, Dr. Victoria Maizes and Dr. Andrew Weil welcome Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia, a double board-certified physiatrist and integrative medicine physician, to explore why back pain is so prevalent and what we can do about it. Dr. Lakhia shares insights from his clinical work and personal journey, highlighting the importance of posture, breath, muscle balance, and the mind-body connection. He discusses strategies for prevention, tools for recovery, and when more advanced therapies like injections, red light therapy, or minimally invasive surgery may be appropriate. Together, they address central sensitization, the power of stress reduction, and practical exercises that can help strengthen the spine and restore resilience. If you’re managing chronic pain or looking for ways to protect your back for the long term, this discussion offers evidence-based, integrative approaches to managing back pain and maintaining mobility. Body of Wonder is hosted by Dr. Victoria Maizes and Dr. Weil and produced by the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. View other Body of Wonder episodes here: https://azcim.org/podcast Follow Body of Wonder on social media -- We'd love to connect! Facebook:   / bodyofwonderpodcast   Twitter:   / bodyofwonder   Instagram:   / bodyofwonder   Provided by the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. https://awcim.arizona.edu/ In the Body of Wonder Podcast, Dr. Weil and internationally recognized integrative leader, author, and women’s health expert Dr. Victoria Maizes will discuss integrative medicine with thought-provoking researchers, authors, and doctors. For two decades, Weil and Maizes have led a training program at the University of Arizona. Today, 2,000 healthcare practitioners have completed the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine and continue to apply the knowledge in their care of patients worldwide, develop clinical research, author medical textbooks, and more. ABOR copyright protected.