The School of Greatness 70% of Your Chronic Pain Starts in Your Brain | Dr. Daniel Amen
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Dec 8, 2025 
Dr. Daniel Amen, a renowned psychiatrist and brain health expert, discusses how 70% of chronic pain originates from the brain, not just physical injuries. He introduces the concept of the doom loop, where pain triggers negative thoughts, creating a cycle of suffering. Amen emphasizes the importance of gratitude and mental health practices in alleviating pain. He reveals how substances like alcohol and aspartame can harm brain function and discusses frameworks for improving overall wellness, including the connection between faith and mental health recovery.
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Most Chronic Pain Starts In The Brain
- About 70% of chronic physical pain is linked to brain health rather than structural injury.
- Improving brain circuits often reduces pain even when MRIs show abnormalities.
Personal Recovery From Pain And Scan Fear
- Daniel Amen stopped drinking diet soda and saw his arthritis remit, illustrating diet's impact on pain.
- His personal MRI scare taught him abnormal scans often don't equal symptoms.
Improve Brain Health Before Surgery
- Before opting for surgery, prioritize improving brain health to reduce pain and avoid unnecessary anesthesia risks.
- Use noninvasive brain-targeted strategies because general anesthesia can harm cognition and increase Alzheimer's risk.
