Is chronic pain just a function of our brains? If so, how do we change our perception of pain? Today, we speak with licensed clinical psychiatrist and pain researcher Dr. Afton Hassett, author of Chronic Pain Reset: 30 Days of Activities, Practices, and Skills to Help You Thrive. Throughout her career, Afton has delved into the connections between the brain, chronic pain, physical activity, and emotion. She remains at the forefront of her field, and in our conversation she shares with us several of her favorite takeaways from her most recent book. Those of us intimately familiar with chronic pain know just how severely it can impact quality of life and happiness. With that in mind, join us to learn new, game-changing pain management strategies and therapies.
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Key Moments
“A little bit of pain is proper. What happens, though, is pain can change from being something like a stimulus response, meaning that you burn your finger and you experience pain, and it can turn into something that’s not just pain experienced by a burning finger. And the brain, sometimes the brain actually creates the experience of pain.”
“What we see in chronic pain is that the default mode network is talking way too much to another network called the salience network, which is a network that says: Hey, pay attention, this is really something big, watch out. And so, these two networks are over connected. And so, what we look for sometimes in interventions is: Does the treatment actually start disentangling these two networks?”
“So, when we define pain, pain is a sensory, it’s an emotional and it’s a cognitive; it’s a thought derived process. Pain exists because there is this awareness of it. So when people are anesthetized, you don’t feel pain.”
Connect with Dr. Afton Hassett:
Chronic Pain Reset: 30 Days of Activities, Practices, and Skills to Help You Thrive
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Writeup:
In a this episode, Dr. Afton Hassett, a prominent psychologist and researcher, shares her insights on managing chronic pain. Dr. Hassett’s work focuses on the intersection of psychology and pain management, offering new perspectives on how to alleviate long-term pain through innovative approaches.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Dr. Hassett discusses the complexities of chronic pain, emphasizing that it is not solely a physical condition but one that intertwines deeply with mental health. Chronic pain affects millions worldwide, often leading to a diminished quality of life. She explains that traditional pain management techniques, such as medications, often fall short, necessitating a more comprehensive approach.
The Role of Positive Psychology
A significant portion of Dr. Hassett’s work revolves around positive psychology and its impact on pain management. She asserts that fostering positive emotions and resilience can significantly reduce the perception of pain. Dr. Hassett explains that practices such as mindfulness, gratitude, and cognitive-behavioral techniques can rewire the brain’s response to pain, offering a more sustainable form of relief.
Innovative Pain Management Strategies
In the interview, Dr. Afton Hassett introduces listeners to various innovative strategies that go beyond conventional pain management. These include tailored exercise programs, psychological therapies, and integrative approaches that consider the patient’s overall well-being. Dr. Hassett highlights the importance of personalized treatment plans, which are crucial for effectively managing chronic pain.
The Importance of Patient Engagement
Dr. Hassett emphasizes the need for patient engagement and active participation in their pain management journey. She believes that patients who are educated about their condition and involved in their treatment plans are more likely to experience positive outcomes. This patient-centered approach is a cornerstone of Dr. Hassett’s methodology, aiming to empower individuals to take control of their health.
Future Directions in Chronic Pain Research
Looking ahead, Dr. Afton Hassett outlines the future directions in chronic pain research. She advocates for more interdisciplinary studies that integrate psychological and physiological perspectives. Dr. Hassett is optimistic about the potential of emerging therapies and technologies to transform the field of pain management, offering hope to those suffering from chronic conditions.
Conclusion
Our interview with Dr. Afton Hassett on the SuperAge podcast provides valuable insights into the evolving field of chronic pain management. Her emphasis on the psychological aspects of pain and the importance of patient engagement offers a refreshing and effective approach to a persistent issue. As research continues to advance, Dr. Hassett’s work stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking relief from chronic pain.
For more insights and strategies from leading experts, tune in to the SuperAge podcast and explore the paths to wellness and longevity.
The ideas expressed here are solely the opinions of the author and are not researched or verified by AGEIST LLC, or anyone associated with AGEIST LLC. This material should not be construed as medical advice or recommendation, it is for informational use only. We encourage all readers to discuss with your qualified practitioners the relevance of the application of any of these ideas to your life. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your physician or other qualified health provider. Please call your doctor or 911 immediately if you think you may have a medical or psychiatric emergency.
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