Back pain is one of the most common—and misunderstood—health problems in the world. In this episode of Barrow On The Brain, we dive deep into the science behind why our backs hurt, with insights from leading spine experts at Barrow Neurological Institute. Neurosurgeons Dr. David Barranco, Dr. Jay Turner, Dr. Kumar Kakarla, and Dr. Zaman Mirzadeh, and spinal biomechanics researcher Dr. Brian Kelly explain how the spine ages and succumbs to degenerative changes, ultimately causing pain. From the structure of spinal joints to the biochemical breakdown of intervertebral discs, we explore what really causes back pain, why it’s so prevalent, and how inflammation, motion abnormalities, and aging all play a role.

What happens when doctors go abroad—not just for conferences, but to practice, train, and teach medicine in drastically different environments? In this episode of Barrow On The Brain, we explore how global health work is reshaping the way medicine is practiced and taught in the United States. We sit down with Dr. Kerry Vaughan, Dr. Cyrus Elahi, and Dr. Dilan Ellegala—who are advancing the field of global neurosurgery through work in countries like Tanzania and Paraguay. They share how practicing medicine with limited resources can lead to deeper compassion, sharper surgical skills, and a renewed sense of purpose. We unpack how global partnerships improve patient care both abroad and at home, and why global experience may be one of the most powerful tools for reducing physician burnout. If your doctor is spending time overseas, it might mean you’re in even better hands.

Can a map help us understand neurological disease? In this episode of Barrow On The Brain, we explore the fascinating intersection of geography and neuroscience with Dr. Brittany Krzyzanowski—a geographer studying neurological disease at Barrow—and Dr. Brad Racette, chair of neurology at Barrow and a pioneer in environmental neurology. Discover how spatial epidemiology, maps of Parkinson’s prevalence, and clues from wind patterns, croplands, and air pollution are helping scientists investigate environmental risk factors like pesticides and heavy metals. From rural farming regions in the U.S. to manganese smelters in South Africa, this episode unpacks how neurological research can zoom in on communities, uncover hidden threats, and potentially change public health outcomes—one dot on the map at a time.