What If Your Spine Surgery Wasn't Necessary? with Dr. Betsy Grunch (Ep 166)
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:
Ep 137: https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/signs-of-tethered-cord-you-shouldnt-ignore-with-dr-petra-klinge-ep-137/
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