TED Radio Hour How the brain interprets pain — and new ways to manage it
107 snips
Mar 28, 2025 
Join physician and pain management innovator Amy Baxter and equestrian athlete Kat Naud, who overcame a severe back injury. They dive into the brain's interpretation of pain, exploring revolutionary techniques that challenge opioid reliance. Baxter shares insights on innovative tools like the Buzzy device, while Naud recounts her inspiring journey from injury to recovery in competitive riding. Together, they emphasize the importance of psychological factors in pain perception and highlight new approaches to managing chronic pain.
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Kat Naud's Accident
- Kat Naud, an Olympic hopeful equestrian, suffered a rotational fall from her horse during qualifiers.
- She broke vertebrae and later discovered a dislocated pelvis, leading to chronic pain.
Dismissal and Despair
- Doctors initially gave Kat a four-month recovery timeline, but her pain worsened.
- One doctor dismissed her, offering only drugs, leading to her despair.
Chronic Pain's Impact
- Chronic pain can lead to feelings of isolation, confusion, and hopelessness.
- The opioid crisis highlights the need for alternative pain management strategies.
