This book explains the science behind chronic pain in an accessible way, highlighting that much chronic pain is due to learned neural circuits in the brain rather than actual tissue damage. Dr. Schubiner's program includes daily therapeutic writing exercises, mindfulness practices, cognitive behavioral strategies, and online meditations to help readers assess and address the causes of their pain. The book distinguishes between conditions that require medical treatment and those where such treatments may exacerbate the issue, focusing on resolving unresolved emotions and stress as key factors in chronic pain.
This book provides a detailed history of psychosomatic illnesses from the 18th century to the end of the 20th century. It explains how patients, physicians, and cultural factors have collectively shaped the symptoms and diagnoses of these illnesses. The author, Edward Shorter, draws from physicians' records, medical studies, and period textbooks to illustrate how conditions such as neurasthenia and chronic fatigue syndrome reflect the societal tensions of their time. The book is particularly insightful on the role of women in the history of psychosomatic illnesses and the inherent sexism in medical practices of the past.
In this book, Lisa Feldman Barrett presents a new neuroscientific explanation of emotions, overturning the widely held belief that emotions are automatic, universal, and hardwired in different brain regions. Instead, she argues that emotions are constructed in the moment through a unique interplay of brain, body, and culture. Barrett's theory, known as the 'Theory of Constructed Emotions,' suggests that emotions are highly individualized and vary by culture. The book explores how this new understanding has significant implications for fields such as psychology, medicine, law, parenting, and national security. Barrett uses clear, readable prose and practical examples to make her complex theories accessible to a broad audience.
In 'The Mind/Body Prescription,' Dr. John E. Sarno presents his theory on tension myositis syndrome (TMS), a condition he believes is responsible for chronic back, neck, and limb pain. Sarno argues that TMS is a psychosomatic illness where the body manifests pain as a distraction from unconscious emotional issues. He proposes that by understanding and addressing these underlying emotional factors, patients can alleviate their symptoms. The book outlines his approach to diagnosing and treating TMS, which has been controversial but has also helped many patients according to his supporters.
This book recounts Cathy Freeman's journey from a little girl who loved to run to a world champion athlete. It includes her experiences growing up in a loving family, her relationship with her severely disabled sister who inspired her, and her rise to the top in athletics. The book also touches on the challenges she faced, including racism and personal losses, and how she overcame them through hard work, self-belief, and the support of her family. The narrative is honest and simple, making it relatable to young readers. The book is accompanied by black and white photos, some of which are family shots, adding a personal touch to the story[2][4].
Headaches, migraine, back, neck or joint pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia – they’re just some of the common causes of chronic pain, which is estimated to affect between a third to half of all UK adults, or just under 28 million of us.
If you or someone close to you is one of them, you don’t need me to tell you it can be physically and emotionally draining. You probably feel like you’ve tried everything – so today’s podcast has the potential to be a life-changing listen for you. My guest is Dr Howard Schubiner, Director of the Mind Body Medicine Center in Michigan and author of Unlearn Your Pain: A 28-day Process to Reprogram Your Brain.
Emerging neuroscience tells us our brains actually create what we experience in our bodies, through a process called predictive processing. Pain doesn’t come from the body part where it’s felt, it’s created by our brain, signalling that something needs attention. And as Howard explains, our emotions and stress activate the same pain centres in our brain as an injury. If you’ve ever had a broken heart and experienced chest pain? That’s what’s happening.
The same thing occurs with chronic pain. In the vast majority of cases, there is no structural problem – such as injury, infection or a tumour – although of course these must be ruled out. Instead, your brain has created a neural pathway which remembers the pain and keeps you trapped in a vicious cycle. You fear the pain, that causes you stress, and the stress makes the pain real.
And that is the absolute key here: it’s not ‘all in your head’, your pain is real. And there is something you can do about it. During this conversation, Howard reveals why the key is changing your narrative on pain. His revolutionary therapies – which you can easily access – have been proven to work not just with chronic pain but in other persistent conditions such as depression and anxiety, chronic fatigue and long Covid.
We discuss the role healthcare practitioners can play in these conditions, through listening and empathy. We also chat about the role of posture, cultural differences in pain experience and complementary therapies to his approach.
Chronic pain isn’t a subject we’ve covered in depth on this podcast before, so I’m very pleased I have the chance to bring this important conversation to you. Howard is one of the leading researchers in this field and his work represents a game-changing, paradigm shift in thinking about how we approach this epidemic. I hope what you’ll take from this episode is that the power of your brain is immense, and that knowledge is power. I hope you enjoy listening.
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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.
Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee 
