Lumbar spinal stenosis is the most common form of spinal stenosis — and the one most likely to bring patients into Dr. Veselak’s office. It develops in the lower back, where the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the bundle of nerve roots that control function in the legs, hips, and bladder. When those […]
Functional Medicine
Can Spinal Stenosis Be Reversed Without Surgery?
“Can anything actually be done about spinal stenosis without surgery?” It’s one of the most common questions Dr. Veselak hears from patients who have been told their only option is a laminectomy or spinal fusion — and the answer is more encouraging than most people expect. The short answer: while the structural narrowing of the […]
The Missing Piece in Chronic Pain and Stubborn Weakness
Why Strength Is a Nervous System Privilege — Not a Muscle Property Many people with chronic pain or long-standing weakness are told some version of: “Your muscles are weak” “Your nerves aren’t firing properly” “Your imaging doesn’t explain your symptoms” “You just need to strengthen more” Yet despite effort, therapy, and sometimes even surgery, nothing […]
The Brain’s First Job Is Protection—Not Performance
The human brain evolved to answer one primary question before anything else: “Am I safe?” If the answer is yes, the brain allocates energy toward learning, repair, digestion, creativity, and movement. If the answer is no, everything shifts toward protection. This is not a psychological choice—it’s a neurobiological reflex. When danger, uncertainty, pain, inflammation, infection, […]
WHY YOUR BRAIN FEELS “WIRED BUT TIRED”
Understanding Locus Coeruleus Wind-Up and How We Calm It What Is the Locus Coeruleus (LC)? The locus coeruleus is a small structure deep in the brainstem that acts like your internal alarm system. It releases norepinephrine, a chemical that controls: Alertness Focus Stress response Pain sensitivity Autonomic function (heart rate, breathing, blood pressure) Sleep–wake rhythm […]
COMT: The Overlooked Gene That Shapes Mood, Stress and Methylation
When people talk about “methylation genes,” the spotlight almost always lands on MTHFR. But there’s another gene—equally powerful, often misunderstood, and sometimes far more influential when it comes to mood, stress resilience, hormone metabolism, and overall emotional regulation. That gene is COMT. If you’ve ever wondered why some people are deeply affected by caffeine, stress, […]