Dr. Michael Massey on Managing Pain Without Surgery: Rehab, Injections & Real Relief

Is Your Pain Really a Surgical Problem? What You Need to Know with Dr. Michael Massey 

Episode #130 of the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast

Key Takeaways:

• Pain is personal. Everyone experiences pain differently—even with the same injury.

• Most back and neck pain improves without surgery. Time, rehab, and movement often lead to recovery.

• “Motion is lotion.” Gentle movement—even when you’re sore—can help your body heal.

• Magnesium and anti-inflammatory diets can support recovery and reduce muscle tension.

• Red flags to watch for: Weakness, numbness, or bowel/bladder issues require urgent medical attention.

• Collaborative care works best: Chiropractors, physical therapists, and pain specialists all have a role.

• Mental health matters: Chronic pain often ties into anxiety, depression, and unresolved trauma.

About the Episode:

In this episode of the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast, Dr. Kerry Reller sits down with Dr. Michael Massey, a board-certified physical medicine and pain specialist, to unpack the myths around pain management.

Dr. Massey shares his own powerful story—dealing with a herniated disc at just 16 years old—and how that personal experience shaped his approach to treating patients today. His key message? Pain doesn’t always mean you’re broken. And surgery isn’t always the answer.

The conversation covers:

• How most cases of back and neck pain can be treated without surgery.

• Why “motion is lotion” and how gentle movement plays a critical role in healing.

• When to seek out interventional procedures like epidural injections—and when to avoid them.

• The role of magnesium, supplements, and anti-inflammatory diets in managing muscle pain.

• The often-overlooked mental and emotional components of chronic pain—and how art therapy and counseling can help.

Whether you’re dealing with recent back pain, migraines, nerve pain, or long-term soreness, Dr. Massey offers clear, honest insights that can help you or your loved ones get back to feeling better—without unnecessary surgeries or medications.

Conclusion:

If you’ve ever felt stuck in pain without answers, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Massey encourages patients to seek comprehensive care, focus on movement, and avoid rushing into surgery unless truly necessary. His compassionate, honest approach is a reminder that healing is possible—with the right guidance and support.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Michael Massey is the founder of Gulf Coast Pain Care in Palm Harbor, Florida. He is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and fellowship-trained in Pain Medicine. After years of building a hospital-based pain service in Minnesota, Dr. Massey relocated to Florida, where he now helps patients manage all types of pain—neck, back, nerve pain, and more—using a comprehensive, patient-first approach. He also runs MedLCP, providing medical-legal evaluations and life care planning.