How to Combat Pain
Summary
Host Shankar Vedantam interviews pain psychologist Rachel Zofnes, who challenges the biomedical model by explaining that pain is constructed by the brain as a danger alarm. Zofnes illustrates how context, emotions, and social factors influence pain through stories of phantom limb sufferers and patients responding to placebos. She advocates for a biopsychosocial approach, showing how addressing sleep, diet, and mental health can effectively reduce chronic pain.
Topics discussed
Introduction: The mystery of pain and its true nature
Sponsor messages: CuriosityStream, LinkedIn, and Progressive
The biomedical model vs. the brain as a danger detector
Case study: The construction worker with the nail in his boot
Case study: The nail gun accident and lack of pain
Why context and perception dictate pain intensity
Sponsor messages: Sprouts and The Big Bang Theory
Phantom limb pain and the brain's body map
Case study: Mateo's amputation and phantom pain
How context and emotions influence pain experience
Sponsor messages: SNHU and BetterHelp
The biopsychosocial model of pain
The impact of social connection and isolation on pain
High pain vs. low pain recipes and detective questions
Case study: Kai's placebo gummy bears and pain relief
Case study: Sam's recovery through lifestyle changes
Conclusion, credits, and final sponsor messages
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