Tell Me About Your Pain

Callers from around the world share the most effective tools for reducing or eliminating chronic pain. Hosts discuss various techniques covered in the podcast and reveal the single concept that helped overcome Alan's own pain. Personal stories highlight the relief found through understanding neural pathways and the importance of self-care and compassion. The effectiveness of semantic tracking in overcoming fear and observing pain playfully is also highlighted. Gratitude is expressed to listeners and promotion of the podcast's book and Instagram account is mentioned.

Alan and Alon interview Christie Uipi, a pain therapist and participant in a groundbreaking study on chronic pain. They discuss how chronic pain was treated in the study, Christie's own struggles, and the power of 'No'. Christie reveals the single most important thing for overcoming pain.

Alan and Alon discuss how to teach your brain to turn off the fear of chronic pain by introducing corrective experiences and setbacks. They provide real life examples with pain sufferers Sue and Christie. Discover how interpreting sensations differently, paying attention with less effort, and exploring somatic tracking can help alleviate pain and fear.

Explore the deep connection between emotions and chronic pain. The hosts discuss the importance of embracing difficult feelings, particularly sadness, to aid in pain management. Learn simple techniques for safely expressing emotions, alongside personal stories that highlight the journey of self-compassion. Discover how childhood experiences shape adult emotional responses and why nurturing your inner child is crucial. Finally, understand the pivotal emotion every chronic pain sufferer needs to confront to find relief.

Chronic pain can be a frustrating journey, as highlighted by Paula's struggle with headaches and dizziness despite her efforts. The hosts illuminate a psychological trap many face, emphasizing the need to shift from force to gentle surrender for healing. Personal anecdotes reinforce how adopting a relaxing mindset can alleviate pain. They explore the paradox of societal expectations versus personal limits, and discuss the importance of letting go and embracing lightness for true relief. A fresh perspective on coping strategies offers hope for those in similar situations.

Discover how creating a sense of safety in your brain can help deactivate chronic pain. A compelling case study features Laura, who struggles with pain due to past trauma and self-pressure. The hosts connect emotional experiences with physical discomfort, revealing the impact of childhood bullying on adult health. They share soothing techniques, like meditation and journaling, that promote self-compassion and emotional well-being. Learn how to navigate pain relief through a gentle, secure mental environment.

Dr. Howard Schubiner, a pioneer in mind-body medicine, shares his groundbreaking insights on diagnosing pain. He reveals how to differentiate between neuroplastic pain and structural issues, debunking common myths about injuries. The conversation includes his innovative technique, provocative testing, which empowers patients to assess their own pain sources. They also delve into how environmental factors and past experiences shape pain perception, presenting a holistic approach to understanding chronic pain.

Discover how to harness both left and right brain powers to combat chronic pain. The discussion highlights the journey of Amber, who learns to reframe her pain perceptions through logic and emotion. By addressing the fear and doubt surrounding her pain, she gradually finds relief. Techniques for rewiring pain perception are shared, emphasizing the crucial role of emotional understanding in healing. Listeners are encouraged to explore this mind-body connection to manage their own pain more effectively.

Chronic pain often intertwines with negative thoughts like self-criticism and fear, worsening the experience. Personal stories reveal how childhood experiences shape adult perceptions and anxiety. Key strategies for breaking the self-blame cycle include practicing self-compassion and managing negative self-talk. The hosts share a three-step process to reframe self-talk, encouraging listeners to embrace feelings and focus on positivity to alleviate pain. In a supportive atmosphere, they provide actionable steps for transforming thought patterns and improving well-being.

Living with chronic pain means living with chronic worry. But it's actually this fear, frustration, and despair around the pain that keeps your pain signals activated. Even once you know how destructive these thought patterns are, it’s so hard to keep your mind from going there. In this episode, Alan and Alon explain why your brain keeps pulling you to pain, and how you can break this habit. Alan talks to Chris, a chronic pain sufferer with so much fear and frustration around his pain, he can think of little else. Alan teaches him a new technique to calm these thoughts, cutting off the fuel source for his pain. Then Alan and Alon describe how you can use this same technique to overcome your own pain.