Dr. Emily Richards - Pain Management & Holistic Health

08/14/2025

That email from the patient portal lands in your inbox: "Your lab results are ready." Does your heart skip a beat?

For so many of us, that document is a source of anxiety—a secret code we're not meant to understand. But it doesn't have to be that way.

That's why I created my first-ever YouTube video. It's a calm, clear, step-by-step guide to decoding your own blood work and turning that confusion into confidence.

In this guide, you'll learn:
✅ The #1 rule doctors follow (that patients often miss).
✅ What your results can really tell you about inflammation and fatigue.
✅ How to have a more empowered conversation with your own doctor.

Watch the full guide now and take the first step to becoming your own best health advocate.

https://youtu.be/6Jlh3rU00rY

08/10/2025

"Is ginger really as effective as Gravol for nausea?" It's a question I hear all the time in my practice.

The answer is a definitive "it depends." For some situations, like morning sickness, the evidence for ginger is incredibly strong. For others, like preventing severe motion sickness, a pharmaceutical is often the more reliable tool.

My new guide breaks down the science so you don't have to guess. Read the full comparison here:

08/09/2025

That sudden, queasy wave of nausea hits. Your hand hovers between two very different choices: the ancient, natural power of ginger in your kitchen, or the reliable, pharmaceutical box of Gravol in the medicine cabinet.

As a physician, I've seen how this single symptom can completely disrupt a person's life. That's why I wrote a new, evidence-based guide to help you make the best, most informed choice for your body.

In this article, you'll learn:
✅ The science-backed verdict for pregnancy morning sickness.
✅ The most effective option for preventing motion sickness.
✅ The key difference in how they work (and the side effects to expect).
✅ When you should always see a doctor for nausea.

Click the link to read the full guide and take control of your wellness journey.
https://www.dremilyrichardsmd.com/natural-holistic-pain-relief/ginger-for-nausea-vs-gravol/

08/01/2025

What's the most confusing part of reading your own lab results?

Is it the abbreviations, the numbers, or just knowing what to focus on?

Let's talk about it. My new guide breaks down the key markers on a blood test report to help you feel more confident and prepared for your next doctor's appointment.

You can read the full guide here:

07/31/2025

I’ll never forget the look on one of my patient's faces. For years, she had been told her profound fatigue was "just part of her condition." When we reviewed her blood work together and she saw the clear, objective reason for her exhaustion, the relief was palpable. It was validation.

That experience is why I believe understanding your own lab results is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health. It transforms confusion into confidence.

In my new guide, you'll learn:
✅ What "reference ranges" actually mean.
✅ How to decode the key parts of a CBC report.
✅ The most important inflammation markers for chronic pain.
✅ How to have a more empowered conversation with your doctor.

Click the link to read the full guide and transform your next doctor's visit.

https://www.dremilyrichardsmd.com/healthcare-self-advocacy/how-to-read-lab-results/

07/23/2025

I've sat in both chairs: the doctor's, and the patient's. I know the deep frustration of trying to explain chronic pain and feeling misunderstood. 🙏

That's why I've written a new, comprehensive guide on how to transform your doctor's appointment from a passive report into an active collaboration. 📖

In this evidence-based guide, you'll learn how to:

✅ Prepare a powerful 'Pain Portfolio' that gets straight to the point.
✅ Become a true co-pilot in your healthcare, not just a passenger.
✅ Ensure you are truly heard and leave with a clear, actionable plan.

Your health is worth it, and your voice deserves to be heard.

👉 Read the full guide here: https://www.dremilyrichardsmd.com/healthcare-self-advocacy/chronic-pain-appointment-tips/

07/18/2025

If your back pain feels like a burning, tingling, or shooting sensation down your leg, it's likely nerve pain, not just a muscle ache. Understanding this difference is critical.

Learn the key signs:
https://www.dremilyrichardsmd.com/understanding-your-pain/types-of-back-pain/

Is your back pain muscular, skeletal, or neuropathic? A pain management specialist decodes the different types of back pain and their symptoms to help you find clarity.

07/17/2025

A reminder for anyone struggling with chronic pain this week: your mind is one of your most powerful tools for relief. 💡

In my guide on non-pharmacological strategies, I dive into the science behind how therapies like mindfulness and CBT can change your relationship with pain.

If you're looking for hope beyond the pill bottle, this is for you.

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07/16/2025

Guidance from a Doctor Who Understands. I created my free 7-Day Anti-Inflammatory Kickstart Guide based on the evidence-based principles that have helped my patients—and me—reclaim our lives from chronic pain. This isn't just theory; it's a practical first step.

Download your free plan: https://www.dremilyrichardsmd.com/kickstart-guide/

Download your free, doctor-designed plan to help calm chronic inflammation and soothe pain. Start your journey to lasting relief with this simple 7-day guide.

07/15/2025

It’s a question I hear constantly in my practice: "How can I manage my pain without relying entirely on medication?"

It’s a valid and important question. My passion is helping people build a comprehensive toolkit that addresses pain from all angles.

In my new guide, I break down the evidence-based, non-pharmacological strategies—from mind-body therapies to movement—that can empower you on your journey to relief. 📖

🔗

07/14/2025

Pro-tip for understanding your back pain: If it feels like a burning, tingling, or electric shock that travels down your leg, it's a key sign of neuropathic pain (like sciatica). This is different from a simple muscle ache. Learn to spot the signs in my latest article.

Full article: https://www.dremilyrichardsmd.com/understanding-your-pain/types-of-back-pain/

Is your back pain muscular, skeletal, or neuropathic? A pain management specialist decodes the different types of back pain and their symptoms to help you find clarity.