5 Pain Management Mistakes That Keep You Stuck—And How to Heal Smarter
Mistake #1: Treating the Symptom—Not the Source
Most people chase pain instead of understanding its root cause—often treating only where it hurts with meds, braces, or injections.
Dr. Warner says:
“This is an example of how the problem, as defined by an MRI, may not really be the source of the symptoms... when surgery is performed, it is often not curative and sometimes can make things a little worse.”
Mistake #2: Believing Surgery Is the Only Option
A diagnosis of “bone-on-bone” doesn’t mean surgery is inevitable. Many patients have structural changes—but no pain.
Dr. Warner explains:
“Symptoms are not reliably associated with the degree of structural disease on imaging... sham surgeries in orthopedics were as effective as actual surgery in reducing pain and improving disability.”
Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Supplements—Or None at All
Many supplement blends are under-dosed or ineffective. And most people don’t know what their body actually needs.
Dr. Warner's approach:
“I moved forward with a physical therapy protocol, along with natural supplements to manage chronic inflammation... Jennifer had complete resolution of her pain and near full range of motion.”
Mistake #4: Ignoring Sleep, Stress & Lifestyle
Pain is magnified by poor sleep, stress, and low movement—even if your supplements are perfect.
Dr. Warner emphasizes:
“More and more studies demonstrate that the number one factor for surgical outcomes is the preoperative and perioperative mindset... if the patient has depression or anxiety, the outcomes are worse.”
Mistake #5: Waiting Too Long to Act
Many people only act when pain becomes unbearable. By that point, inflammation has often become chronic.
Dr. Warner warns:
“Patients were more sedentary, slept worse, and performed less physical activity two years after surgery... Surgery by itself might not produce a more physically active lifestyle.”
Your Next Step Toward Real Relief
Try our Joint Health Bundle—a smart place to begin your healing journey.
If you’ve made these mistakes—you're not alone. And you’re not broken.
The Warner Protocol combines surgeon-formulated supplements with lifestyle shifts that empower your body to heal itself.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Meredith Warner is the creator of Well Theory and The Healing Sole. She is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Air Force Veteran.
She is on a mission to disrupt traditional medicine practices and promote betterment physically, spiritually and mentally to many more people. She advocates for wellness and functional health over big pharma so more people can age vibrantly with more function and less pain.
At Well Theory, Our surgeon-designed products are FDA Registered and formulated to help people:
- Manage the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain
- Recover vibrantly from orthopedic related surgeries
- Fill the gaps in our daily diets
- Manage pain associated with inflammation