Pain Inhibits Pain

About this video

In this short clip, Huberman discusses the phenomenon summarized as ‘pain inhibits pain.’ He explains that a painful, nociceptive stimulus applied at a site distant from a primary pain can engage a brainstem circuit with descending pathways to the spinal cord that inhibits pain. Huberman notes this was described by Le Bars in rodent models in the late 1970s, stresses that the anecdote shared is not a recommendation, and presents it as a real physiological phenomenon.

Key takeaways

• Huberman explains that a distant painful stimulus can engage brainstem pathways that inhibit pain.
• Huberman notes the discussion is descriptive, not a recommendation to use pain this way.

Episode details: published August 4, 2024 · 71.8K views · 0:59 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The science and protocols described are Andrew Huberman’s, presented for education — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before changing your own health practices.

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