#345 ‒ Chronic pain: pathways, treatment, and the path to physical and psychological recovery | Sean Mackey, M.D., Ph.D. | The Peter Attia Drive | Podwise
This episode explores the complexities of pain, its definition, and various approaches to its management. Against the backdrop of a historical overview of pain perception, from mystical interpretations to the dualistic model of Descartes, the discussion pivots to a modern biopsychosocial understanding of pain as an integrated phenomenon. More significantly, the conversation delves into the neural mechanisms of pain transmission, differentiating between nociceptive, visceral, and neuropathic pain, and highlighting the roles of A-delta and C-fibers. For instance, the guest explains how even identical stimuli can elicit vastly different pain responses due to individual variations in pain processing and the influence of psychological factors. As the discussion progresses, various pain management approaches are examined, including NSAIDs, opioids, neuromodulation techniques, and the impact of sleep deprivation. Finally, the episode concludes with a detailed personal account of the host's experience with chronic pain, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to pain management that integrates physical and psychological therapies, and the crucial role of self-efficacy in recovery.
