71. Examining Head, Spine, and Chest Pain with Pradeep Chopra, MD

In this episode, Dr. Pradeep Chopra explains the complex causes of head, neck, and chest pain in patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and joint hypermobility. He discusses his comprehensive approach to diagnosing these pains by understanding their interconnected nature due to connective tissue disorders. Dr. Chopra covers common headache types in this population, emphasizing the importance of recognizing symptoms of increased or decreased intracranial pressure and Chiari malformation. He advises against using spinal taps for diagnosis and recommends upright MRIs for clarity. Non-invasive treatments, such as preventive hacks like caffeine for low-pressure headaches or specific exercises for TMJ pain, are suggested. Dr. Chopra also highlights Chiari malformation-related symptoms and the potential need for surgical decompression. The discussion underlines the importance of careful, patient-specific diagnosis, continuous patient engagement through education, and the value of peer support for chronic pain management.