

The Answer to Pain May Lie in Your Brain
43 snips Jun 13, 2025
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN's chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, dives into the complexities of chronic pain and its mental ramifications. He discusses his new book, emphasizing that pain is often subjective and hard to measure. Gupta explores innovative pain management strategies, including groundbreaking medications and the surprising benefits of exercise over rest. He encourages listeners to consider diet’s role in pain relief and the importance of community support, inspiring a hopeful outlook on living a pain-free life.
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Chronic Pain Prevalence and Opioid Use
- Chronic pain affects about 20% of people worldwide, regardless of geography.
- The US consumes 80-90% of the world's opioids despite similar pain prevalence globally.
Personal Impact of Chronic Pain
- Sanjay Gupta's mother suffered a spinal fracture from a fall and developed profound chronic pain.
- Her pain profoundly impacted her mental and emotional health, even making her want to die.
Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pain
- Acute and chronic pain are fundamentally different conditions with different brain pathways.
- Acute pain teaches you to avoid harm; chronic pain persists beyond injury and is influenced by mood and context.