In this episode of Bendy Bodies, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by neurosurgeon and social media educator Dr. Betsy Grunch to tackle complex questions around spine health, chronic pain, and the unique challenges faced by people with hypermobility and connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS). Together, they explore why “normal” MRIs don’t always tell the whole story, when surgery is (and isn’t) the right option, and how the healthcare system sometimes overlooks the needs of patients living with invisible or misunderstood conditions. Dr. Grunch shares what she’s seeing in the OR, what she’s hearing from patients online, and how she’s trying to change the narrative, one compassionate conversation at a time.
Takeaways
Dr. Grunch explains how patients can feel intense pain even when imaging appears "normal"—and why that doesn't mean the pain isn’t real.
Learn why people with EDS or joint instability may need a different approach—and what surgeons should know before operating.
Dr. Grunch talks about the importance of timing, accurate diagnosis, and avoiding unnecessary procedures when conservative options could work.
From TikTok DMs to comment sections, Dr. Grunch shares how social media is reshaping her perspective on what patients need.
Through open communication and education, Dr. Grunch offers a refreshing take on how specialists can avoid bias and embrace curiosity.
References:
Want more Dr. Betsy Grunch?
https://www.x.com/ladyspinedoc
https://www.instagram.com/ladyspinedoc
https://www.facebook.com/ladyspinedoc
https://www.youtube.com/@ladyspinedoc
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgrunch/
https://www.tiktok.com/@ladyspinedoc
Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD?
Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast
X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/
Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/
Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd
Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start
Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.
Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/.
YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!
Learn more about Human Content at http://www.human-content.com
Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com
Part of the Human Content Podcast Network
FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Chiropractic Challenges
00:35 Welcome to Bendy Bodies Podcast
00:50 Meet Dr. Betsy Grunch
01:13 Understanding Imaging and Symptoms
01:32 Dr. Grunch's Expertise and Online Presence
03:56 Challenges in Diagnosing Connective Tissue Disorders
05:03 Dynamic Imaging and Patient Evaluation
10:22 Surgical Considerations for EDS Patients
20:57 Non-Surgical Treatments and Patient Trust
24:38 Insurance Challenges in Treatment
25:39 Break and Bendy Bodies Boutique
26:46 Scoliosis and Other Surgeries
33:53 Chiropractic Care for Connective Tissue Disorders
37:43 Discussing Bone Grafting Options
39:27 Preoperative Tips for Better Fusion Outcomes
43:25 The Role of GLP-1 Medications
48:07 Understanding Tarlov Cysts and Cauda Equina Syndrome
54:53 Arachnoiditis: Causes and Challenges
58:00 Tethered Cord Syndrome and CSF Leaks
01:00:57 Hypermobility Hack: Strengthening Before Stretching
01:03:44 Final Thoughts and Projects
01:06:41 Podcast Outro and Resources
