Chronic pain that doesn't respond to medications or surgery can feel like a dead end, but for some patients, spinal cord stimulation offers a path forward. In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Jeffrey Ciccone sits down with pain specialists Dr. Seth Waldman and Dr. Vladimir Kramskiy to break down how neurostimulation works, who it's right for, and what the latest science says about targeting the dorsal column versus the dorsal root ganglion. From the gate control theory of the 1960s to today's burst and high-frequency waveforms, they explore both the promise and the honest limitations of this evolving technology — and why patient selection makes all the difference.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Jeffrey Ciccone sits down with Dr. Heidi Prather to explore the vital difference between lifespan (how long you live) and healthspan (how long you stay healthy). As the founder of the HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program, Dr. Prather breaks down the six pillars of a healthy lifestyle—including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management—and how they reduce harmful inflammation in the body. The conversation explains how everyday habits can help treat joint pain, reverse type 2 diabetes, and help patients recover faster and safer from surgery. With practical advice on tracking your health and using pain as a motivation for change, this episode offers a clear look at how lifestyle choices can dramatically improve your long-term mobility and well-being.

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Matt Conti sits down with Dr. A. Holly Johnson to discuss the rapid progress and clinical benefits of minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. The conversation explores how percutaneous techniques utilizing specialized burrs lead to smaller incisions, reduced soft tissue damage, and significantly faster recovery times for patients. Dr. Johnson candidly shares her own learning curve and highlights the most impactful minimally invasive procedures in her practice, from calcaneal osteotomies to bunion corrections and first MTP fusions. Balancing enthusiasm with caution, the experts also debate the complexities of the MIS Lapidus and lesser toe procedures, offering practical advice for surgeons looking to incorporate these game-changing techniques into their own practice.