Understanding Central Sensitization and Chronic Pain Drivers | It's Not In Your Head Podcast

In this episode of 'It's Not In Your Head' podcast, Dr. Dan Bates and Justine dive deep into the intricacies of neuroinflammation in chronic pain, focusing on understanding the drivers behind it. They discuss the philosophical challenges in current pain management approaches and how this limits effective communication and treatment. By breaking down central sensitization into seven key areas, they explore how lifestyle changes and metabolic factors like prediabetes can drive this output. This discussion aims to shift the perspective from merely treating the consequences of pain to identifying and addressing more specific underlying causes, offering patients more individualization and agency in managing their pain.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:35 Central Sensitization and Neuroinflammation
02:56 Linking Lifestyle Changes to Chronic Pain
04:13 Metabolic Drivers of Pain
05:47 Understanding Central Sensitization Symptoms
07:52 Neuroinflammation and Its Impact
11:46 Persistent Injury and Pain Amplification
15:06 Exploring Common Conditions Associated with Central Sensitization
18:32 The Role of Prediabetes in Chronic Pain
21:14 Understanding Insulin and Weight Gain
21:26 The Role of Insulin in Neuropathic Pain
22:25 Investigating Insulin Levels
24:41 Metabolic Drivers and Pain Amplifiers
27:38 Linking Hyperinsulinemia to Chronic Pain
29:38 Lifestyle Changes and Chronic Pain Management
32:00 Neuroinflammation and Treatment Options
36:18 Conclusion and Future Topics

Resources

iniyh.com/episodes/ep-28-if-its-not-in-your-head-where-is-it-coming-from

Strategic Empathy: Handling Chronic Pain and Invisible Illnesses

In the inaugural Q&A episode of 'It's Not In Your Head,' Dan and Juz discuss strategies for managing chronic pain, addressing both patient and provider perspectives. They tackle how to respond to common misconceptions about chronic pain, offer quick ways to explain one's condition without going into detail, and share methods for recognizing personal capacity and setting boundaries. Additionally, they delve into how doctors can better support chronic pain patients through strategic empathy and acknowledging the limits of medical knowledge. Tune in for practical advice and empathetic approaches to living with and understanding chronic pain.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:29 Addressing Common Misconceptions About Chronic Pain

03:58 Quick Ways to Communicate Your Condition

07:31 Creating Boundaries and Recognizing Capacity

11:06 Returning to Activities You Love

16:40 How Doctors Can Better Support Chronic Pain Patients

24:48 Conclusion and How to Submit Questions

Resources:

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ask-us-anything-aua-1

www.resilientwarriorcoachingllc.com/basecamp

In this episode of 'It's Not In Your Head' podcast, Dan and Juz explore the myriad of challenges and strategies around traveling with chronic pain. They discuss pre-travel preparation, in-flight strategies, travel management, and post-travel recovery. Justine shares personal anecdotes about her recent trip to Costa Rica, highlighting practical tips and emotional aspects of managing pain while traveling. They also delve into medication management, communicating needs, and creating a tailored 'holiday program' with your Doctor to ensure a smoother travel experience. The episode aims to empower those with chronic pain to reclaim activities they love, like traveling, by sharing actionable insights and boosting confidence in managing their condition during extraordinary times.

Tmestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:30 A Lighthearted Start

01:53 Travel and Pain: An Overview

02:29 Building Travel Confidence

04:02 Pre-Travel Strategies

08:12 Medication Management

13:15 The Holiday Program

18:06 Flare Management During Travel

23:41 Travel Tips for Managing Disabilities

24:00 Using Wheelchair Services and Handling Reactions

25:06 Personal Travel Experiences and Benefits

27:06 Managing Symptoms During Flights

39:29 Post-Travel Recovery Strategies

41:40 Final Thoughts on Traveling with Pain

Resources:

www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-26-travel-with-chronic-pain

INCB - Country Regulations for Travellers

incb.org/incb/en/travellers/country-regulations.html