Episode 87 of The Health Exchange Podcast explores the brain, spine, and nervous system with guest Dr. Lindsey Ross, a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in complex spine surgery. Dr. Rutland speaks with her about how the nervous system communicates throughout the body, how neurosurgeons determine when surgery is necessary, and the importance of listening closely to patients when symptoms are difficult to diagnose. The conversation covers common spine problems including herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis, as well as ergonomics, chronic back pain, concussions, brain injuries, and the warning signs that should never be ignored. Dr. Ross also discusses advances in spine surgery, the future of neuroscience, protecting brain health as we age, and her journey as a woman in a historically male-dominated field.