Introduction to the podcast episode on pain with guest Dr. Shawn Mackey.

• Dr. Shawn Mackey is a medical doctor and PhD who specializes in pain medicine at Stanford University.
• Discussion will cover origins of pain in the nervous system and methods to reduce pain.

Dr. Mackey explains the definition of pain, its origins, and the nervous system's role.

• Pain is both a sensory and emotional experience, often resulting from physical injury or chronic conditions.
• The nervous system plays a crucial role in the experience of pain, where signals are converted into the subjective feeling of pain in the brain.
• Understanding the difference between the physical sensation (nociception) and the subjective experience of pain is vital.

Various methods for pain management including behavioral tools and drugs are examined.

• Behavioral tools, psychological tools, nutrition, supplementation, and prescription drugs are all mentioned as methods for pain relief.
• Heat and cold as modulators of pain and the use of temperature in pain management are discussed.
• The opioid crisis and its impact on pain management, including the use of exogenous opioids, are covered.

Dr. Mackey provides insights on the opioid crisis and the role of opioids in treating pain.

• The opioid crisis is a complex issue with both positive and negative aspects of opioid use for pain management.
• Opioids have transformed lives positively and have also led to addiction and misuse.
• The illicit use of fentanyl is driving the current opioid crisis rather than prescription drugs.

Discussion on alternative treatments for pain, such as acupuncture and Chiropractic care.

• Acupuncture has shown to be effective for some pain conditions, with studies indicating its ability to engage different brain regions and reduce pain.
• Chiropractic care's effectiveness for pain is mixed, with concerns about high velocity manipulations, especially around the neck.
• Physical therapists play a crucial role in pain management, using various techniques to improve patients' quality of life.

The importance of psychological treatments in pain management is highlighted.

• Psychological and behavioral therapies are essential for managing the emotional aspects of pain.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction are among the tools used by pain psychologists.

Overview of over-the-counter supplements and neutraceuticals for pain management.

• Certain over-the-counter supplements and neutraceuticals have been scientifically proven to be effective for managing pain, such as acetel carnitine, alphal lipoic acid, vitamin C, fish oil, and creatine.
• These compounds have different mechanisms of action and should be taken with an understanding of their safety and side effects.

Dr. Mackey shares his hopes for the future of pain medicine and the implementation of a national strategy.

• Implementation of the National Pain Strategy is crucial for improving pain management across the country.
• The strategy aims for a cultural transformation in how pain is assessed, treated, and communicated about.

Dr. Mackey expresses his wish for a holistic approach to pain management.

• Dr. Mackey envisions a future where comprehensive pain management is accessible to all.
• The use of technology and data can help inform and deliver high-quality treatments for pain.