Decoding the Science of Chronic Pain

Episode notes

Chronic pain affects one quarter of adults globally, costing employers roughly half a trillion dollars in lost productivity, absenteeism, and healthcare costs every year. In this episode, Dr. Sean Mackey, a pain medicine specialist at Stanford University, explains why the number of individuals experiencing chronic pain is increasing and reveals the fascinating science behind pain as "a product of the brain" shaped by not only injury but also sleep, stress, mood, and past experiences. Dr. Mackey also outlines the six treatment categories for chronic pain which include medications, procedures, mind-body approaches, physical rehabilitation, alternative medicines, and self-empowerment through education. He shares how psychological factors like anxiety and poor sleep can negatively impact surgical outcomes and offers practical advice for those seeking effective pain care. We wrap up with emerging research on precision pain medicine, including biomarkers and "digital twin" technology, plus a lightning round dispelling common pain myths. Speakers Sean Mackey , MD, PhD | Chief of the Division of Pain Medicine at Stanford University LuAnn Heinen | Business Group on Health

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