339. Is Everything We Know About Pain Wrong? Ryan Whited on a Better Way to Treat Pain

This podcast episode explores the nature of pain, challenging the traditional view that pain equals injury. It emphasizes that pain can be a useful tool for understanding the body and promoting healing when approached correctly. The episode discusses the four fundamental truths about pain: its mysterious nature, information value, individuality, and controllability. The participants also delve into the limitations of the structural model of injury and advocate for a more comprehensive approach to pain management. They highlight the importance of training and fun in managing pain, and suggest strategies for differentiating between pain that should be cautious and pain that can be pushed through. The episode concludes by discussing the drawbacks of imaging and over-diagnosis, the role of distraction in pain reduction, and the importance of adopting a balanced approach toward pain management.