Chasing Life What Ultra-Marathoner Rich Roll Learned From His Chronic Pain
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Sep 12, 2025 
Rich Roll, an ultra-marathoner and author, shares his profound journey through chronic pain and recovery, having undergone spinal fusion surgery. He discusses how pain starts in the brain, emphasizing the emotional ties to physical pain. Rich offers insights on neuroplasticity and innovative mind-body approaches, advocating for a new perspective on pain management. He also highlights the impact of memories on chronic pain and inspires resilience through endurance sports. Together with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, they explore how reframing pain can lead to personal growth.
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Pain Is A Brain-Created Signal
- Pain is created and measurable in the brain and can be predicted and interrupted by measuring brain activity.
- This reframes pain as a brain-driven, interruptible process rather than solely a peripheral signal.
Memory And Expectations Shape Pain
- There is no single pain center in the brain; pain processing involves multiple brain areas including memory.
- Expectations and past experiences strongly shape current pain perception.
Rebuilding After A Decade Of Back Pain
- Rich Roll described living with chronic lower back pain for over a decade before getting spinal fusion surgery.
- He now treats recovery as an opportunity to rebuild and relearn movement with intention.
