When the Diagnosis Becomes the Problem

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Dr. Scott Phillips, a neurosurgeon. Dr. Phillips discusses how he has evolved his approach to patient care in spine surgery, particularly focusing on addressing misinformation that causes anxiety. He identified numerous incorrect phrases commonly told to patients, including claims about scar tissue, arthritis, weight being a cause, and various potential triggers for back pain. He attributes his current understanding to key influences including reading David's Back in Control book, discovering the Boulder Back Pain Study, and joining the Neuroplastic Symptom Society. Scott explains that the common misconception that long-term back pain requires surgery is incorrect, as surgical treatment options should not be determined by pain duration or severity. Download the transcript:https://backincontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Transcript-Interview-1-w-Scott-Phillips.pdf Scott Phillips, M.D. received his Bachelor's degree at the University of Kentucky in his hometown of Lexington, KY., and went on to complete his Medical Degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed a 7-year Neurological Surgery Residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. As part of the Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program, he then served 4 years on Active Duty as a Staff Neurosurgeon at San Antonio Military Medical Center. After Honorable Separation in 2017, he served the citizens of San Antonio Texas before relocating to practice in Wichita Falls and the greater North Texas area. For more information, visit: https://excelsis.life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices