Tools to Reduce & Manage Pain | Dr. Sean Mackey

About this video

Pain specialist Dr. Sean Mackey explains what pain is, how the brain and body generate it, and how physical and emotional pain interact. Mackey describes how nervous system changes can turn acute pain into chronic pain, and argues for treating the whole person rather than just the painful body part, using education, pain psychology, physical therapy and medication together. Discussing emotion, Mackey says data support that anger held in is worse than anger expressed outwardly, and that pain care must also capture depression, anxiety, fatigue and sleep. The pair also discuss endogenous and drug opioids, where Mackey makes clear which clinical circumstances warrant opioid drugs while warning about their potent addictive potential and the state of the opioid crisis.

Key takeaways

• Dr. Mackey explains that physical and emotional pain circuits interact, so each can change the other.
• Dr. Mackey argues for treating the whole person with education, psychology, rehabilitation and medication combined.
• Dr. Mackey says data support anger held in being worse than anger expressed.
• Dr. Mackey clarifies when opioid drugs are warranted while warning of their addictive potential.

Episode details: published January 15, 2024 · 526.3K views · 2:56:42 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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