We are in the midst of a medical revolution when it comes to our understanding of the brain and central nervous system and the pathophysiology of chronic pain. I used to have 15 years worth of chronic pain (back pain, neck pain, migraines, insomnia, GI issues) until I was driving and listening to Howard Stern one day and heard him talk about a doctor who healed him of his back pain completely and he called him his savior. The doctor’s name was John E. Sarno, and I got a book by him and I stayed in bed that day and read the book, and the very next day that I woke up was the first day I woke pain free in years. I do not have pain anymore, and even when it tries to come back, I have learned techniques to mentally push away the pain. Now I am addicted to the subject of neuroscience, pain, and mindfulness. While Dr. Sarno is my life hero, I do not recommend starting with his books. While he was right that most chronic pain is brain induced and caused by stress, he was wrong about some of the underlying science. Many doctors have taken up his work and mantle and Dr. David Hanscom (spine surgeon from Seattle) is one of the new leaders and teachers of this theory. I have his book, “Back in Control” and it’s really good and informative. Please give this a try. This isn’t some hippy theory. There is an explosion of science in this field now and I suggest that you do your own research. Try to find the Washington Post article titled, “Chronic Pain is Surprisingly Treatable - When Patients Focus on the Brain”. There is also a good NY Times article that reports on on a type of brain cell called a glia cell that is actually responsible for directly chronic pain (opioids target neurons, not glia cells!), and about how pain can get stuck in a persisting inflammatory loop. The name of that article is, “The Quiet Scientific Revolution that May Solve Chronic Pain”. So give this podcast a try with an open mind or pick up one of Dr. Hanscom’s book. I also recommend the book “The Way Out” by Alan Gordon, and on YouTube you should check out the Google Talk lecture by Dr. Howard Schubiner titled, “Breakthrough with Healing Chronic Pain”.

Thank you both for sharing your gifts in the pod cast. The light humor really adds a gentle approach to addressing pain. You blend the seriousness of healing with good practices we can use in our day. I’m grateful for the positive improvement in my own life. Good stuff.

What a blessing to have these two great minds brought together to share such a powerful message of healing from chronic pain, anxiety, and other symptoms. I have listened to both on other podcasts, they are at the forefront of a new era in medicine, one that recognizes the healing power of the individual. Thanks guys for doing this I wish you all the best and hope your message gets out as widely as possible!!!! Just an update: please invest and get better mics!!! Dr. Aria’s sound is not as loud and clear as Dr. Hanscom , although Dr. H could also be better!

So pleased to hear that two legends in the chronic pain/TMS/PPD field are joining together for this podcast! Very educational, and easy to understand. I am a 30 year old woman, have been battling chronic pain in my hands, hips, arms, and neck for two years and I am continuing on this journey…Love the occasional banter, keeps it fun and light hearted - which is what I'm supposed to be doing anyway to help with the chronic pain, right? 😁☺️☺️ keep it up!