**When chronic back or neck pain begins interfering with everyday life, is surgery always the inevitable next step?**
In this episode of *Rooted & Wild*, I’m joined by **Dr. Brad Wolf**, a chiropractor who has been practicing since 1997 and specializes in working with people experiencing chronic pain and serious spinal conditions.
We explore the world of **non-surgical spinal care**, including the ways practitioners may approach conditions such as herniated and bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and disc-related pain before or alongside more invasive interventions.
For Brad, this work is also deeply personal. His interest in holistic health began after a childhood marked by asthma, allergies, recurring illness, and immune challenges. At 18, he began searching for different ways to support his health, exploring Tai Chi, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, herbalism, Ayurveda, massage, and eventually chiropractic care.
That journey ultimately led him to earn his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan College of Chiropractic in 1996 and dedicate his career to helping people better understand and care for their bodies.
Together, we discuss chronic pain, spinal health, aging, movement, lifestyle, and what it means to explore conservative approaches to care while recognizing that there is no single solution appropriate for every person.
In this episode, we explore:
• Why chronic spinal pain can become so difficult to resolve
• Herniated and bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis
• When non-surgical approaches may be considered
• Chiropractic approaches to spinal health
• Understanding pain beyond simply treating symptoms
• The relationship between movement, function, and recovery
• Brad’s personal journey from childhood illness into holistic health
• The practices that shaped his philosophy of wellness
• Supporting the body as we age
• Taking a more active role in long-term health
• Why individualized care matters when navigating chronic pain
• The importance of understanding your options before making major healthcare decisions
About Dr. Brad Wolf
**Dr. Brad Wolf** has been a practicing chiropractor since 1997 and specializes in helping people experiencing chronic pain and spinal conditions explore non-surgical approaches to care.
His interest in health began through his own experience. After struggling with asthma, allergies, and recurring illness throughout childhood, Brad began exploring holistic approaches to wellness as a young adult, including Tai Chi, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, herbalism, Ayurveda, massage, and chiropractic care.
He later became a licensed bodyworker and earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from **Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, Missouri**, graduating in December 1996.
Today, Brad and his wife, who is a functional medicine doctor and chiropractor, work with patients experiencing complex health concerns and injuries. His broader philosophy emphasizes caring for the body proactively, supporting healthy aging, and helping people understand the range of options available to them when navigating pain and spinal health.
Connect with Dr. Brad Wolf
**Website:** https://ihealthnc.com
**YouTube — Innovation Health:** https://www.youtube.com/@innovationhealth1609
**YouTube — Living Healthy for Life:** https://www.youtube.com/@LivingHealthyForLifeNow
**Instagram:** https://www.instagram.com/innovationhealthcharlotte
*Rooted & Wild* provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.