87:: The science of pain (how your brain creates & can rewire pain)

What is pain, really? Is it simply tissue damage or something much more complex? In this episode, I’m breaking down the fascinating science of pain, from how our brains process “danger signals” to why past experiences can completely change the way we feel pain today.As a physical therapist, I’ve heard pain described in a hundred different ways: burning, sharp, aching, sore. But here’s the thing: pain isn’t actually something our bodies sense. Instead, it’s an output of the brain designed to protect us.We’ll cover:Why pain is not an input, but an output.The role of nociceptors in detecting potential threats (mechanical, chemical, and thermal).How the brain integrates past experiences, stress, emotions, and cultural beliefs to create pain responses.The difference between acute pain and chronic pain, and why the brain can sometimes produce pain without any new injury.Central sensitization, hyperalgesia, and allodynia (and what they mean for chronic pain).Groundbreaking pain science research, including Dr. Lorimer Moseley’s famous snake story and the protectometer tool.Hopeful news: the brain is plastic, meaning pain pathways can actually be rewired and reversed.By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why two people can experience the same injury so differently, why chronic pain feels so overwhelming, and how we can start to regain control over our pain experience.✨ Pain is real, but it’s also adaptable. Your brain and body are capable of healing, and understanding the science behind pain is a great first step.loving the pod? click the follow button, & we'd love if you could leave a review! thank you x 1000 :) sign up for the free Wellness Girl Chats newsletter!Want a peak into what it is like building this business, the podcast interviews, and all things female founder BTS? sign up for the free Firstborn Daughter Diaryinsta:: @dr.kelsyvickdpt & @wellnessbigsispodyoutube:: @dr.kelsyvickdpttiktok:: @dr.kelsyvickdpt & @wellnessbigsispodsign up for our patreon for exclusive content & workouts!NEAP Protein: www.neapfoods.com Safely Sidekick: https://livesafely.co/collections/shop?sca_ref=9777170.frkGJ3QbENCk (or use code DRKELSY) Grab your very own Stakt Mat & Accessories for 10% off your order while also supporting the pod! (Thank you so much!):: https://shopstakt.com/?rave=DAW65UTUF4VNG7OVThorne Website:: https://s.thorne.com/Zgk7YMy Thorne Dispensary & Recs:: https://www.thorne.com/u/drkelsyvickdptMessage me for 35% off your Thorne orders!Research Articles:https://www.abdn.ac.uk/news/24440/ https://neurosciencenews.com/mindfulness-pain-placebo-27618/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11559515/ https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/em/Article/1001282https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5799128/ https://www.physio-pedia.com/The_Protectometer https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15827919/ 00:00- 00:17 Intro00:18- 01:21 Introduction to Pain Science01:22- 03:44 Understanding Pain: Types and Descriptions03:45- 04:10 The Brain's Role in Pain Perception04:11- 06:27 Case Study: Dr. Lorimer Moseley's Snake Bite06:28- 09:48 How Our Bodies Sense Pain09:49- 10:24 Safely10:25- 12:56 How Our Bodies Sense Pain12:57- 16:55 Acute vs. Chronic Pain16:56- 22:24 Research Insights and Tools for Managing Pain22:25- 22:59 Neap23:00- 26:24 Conclusion and EmpowermentMentioned in this episode:NeapLive Safely Sidekick