Dr. Sean Mackey: Tools to Reduce & Manage Pain
Andrew Huberman
176 min, 42 sec
An in-depth exploration of the science of pain, its origins, and various methods of pain management.
Summary
- Pain is a complex and subjective experience with both sensory and emotional components, affected by physical injury and chronic conditions, as well as emotional states.
- Various treatments for pain include medications, behavioral tools, psychological tools, nutrition, supplementation, and prescription drugs.
- The relationship between temperature, such as heat and cold, and pain was discussed, along with controversial topics like the opioid crisis and the utility of opioids in pain management.
- The use of over-the-counter supplements and neutraceuticals for pain management was examined, as well as the role of psychological treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.
- The future of pain medicine includes the hope for a national strategy to improve pain management and the use of technology to create accessible treatments.
Chapter 1

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.

Chapter 2

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.

Chapter 3

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.

Chapter 4

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.

Chapter 5

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.

Chapter 6

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.

Chapter 7

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.

Chapter 8

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.

Chapter 9

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.

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