Scott Groves

From Patient to Peer Mentor
Scott Groves’s battle with arachnoiditis is a poignant narrative of resilience, advocacy, and the transformative power of comprehensive care. Originally from Australia, Scott’s story highlights his evolution from a patient grappling with severe pain to a proactive advocate for arachnoiditis awareness and holistic pain management approaches.
The Onset of Arachnoiditis
Scott's medical ordeal began in 2007 with a successful discectomy at L3-L4, addressing a severely crushed disc in his spine. However, the following year marked the beginning of a more challenging phase. In 2008, after receiving epidural steroid injections, a subsequent MRI led to a diagnosis that would change his life: arachnoiditis, a painful condition involving inflammation of one of the membranes that surround and protect the nerves of the spinal cord.
The complications escalated after a 2009 surgical procedure—fenestration from L3 to L5—intended to relieve pressure and alleviate pain. Instead, the surgery triggered an uncontrollable inflammatory response. This "inflammation storm" left Scott unable to walk, confining him to a wheelchair and drastically altering his lifestyle and independence.
Rehabilitation and Advocacy
Scott's journey toward recovery began in earnest with his involvement in a groundbreaking Longterm Multidiscipline Rehabilitation (LMR) trial, inspired by the work of Professor Lorimer Moseley and David Butler. Their book Explain Pain provided Scott with the foundational knowledge to understand and articulate his experiences with pain, which he later shared with government officials in 2017 before the trial's nationwide release.
Throughout his rehabilitation, Scott worked closely with his case manager, Melanie Trevelyan, and his occupational therapist, Craig. They adopted a holistic approach, addressing small, achievable goals that significantly impacted his daily life. This included home adaptations, nutritional guidance, and therapeutic exercises like swimming, which not only alleviated his pain but also improved his social interactions.
In a remarkable turn of events, Scott regained the ability to walk in 2015. This milestone was followed by further independence when he purchased a Harley Davidson, enhancing his mobility and allowing him to reconnect with his community more effectively.
Continued Impact and Peer Education
Today, Scott continues to manage his condition while giving back to the community through education and support. He now hosts a free weekly Zoom series through ACMCRN called Hack Your Brain, Hack Your Pain. In this ongoing peer-led program, Scott shares the science-backed behavioral tools and mindset strategies that helped him regain mobility and reclaim his quality of life. Topics include neuroplasticity, micro-goals, mindfulness, and the power of movement—approaches recently validated by MRI research in chronic pain care.
Scott’s approachable teaching style, lived experience, and passion for empowering others make this series an invaluable resource for anyone navigating chronic pain.
Scott Groves’s story is not merely one of medical challenges but also of profound personal growth and community impact. His journey underscores the critical importance of a patient-centered approach in healthcare—one where understanding, support, and practical tools can truly transform lives.