How Does Pain Work? Dr. Sanjay Gupta Explains

In this episode of Fresh Air, Terry Gross interviews Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon and CNN's chief medical correspondent, about his new book, "It Doesn't Have to Hurt." They discuss the nature of pain, how the brain interprets it, and various methods for pain relief, including meditation, savoring pleasure, and the use of anti-inflammatories. Dr. Gupta shares personal anecdotes and scientific insights, explaining how the body's endogenous opioid system can be activated to manage pain. The conversation also covers the latest research on inflammation, non-opioid pain medications, cannabis, and deep brain stimulation, providing a comprehensive overview of current approaches to understanding and alleviating pain.