How to Manage Chronic Pain with Dr. Andrea Furlan - E93

Chronic pain can steal your energy, your motivation, and even your sense of control over your own life.The frustration grows when medication only dulls the edge or when pain resurfaces without a clear physical cause. Searching for answers, many are trapped in a cycle of sleepless nights, stalled routines, and endless appointments that cost time and money but bring little relief.In this episode, we break down why your pain might not be just in your bod, and how proven daily actions and brain retraining can help you finally reset. You'll learn why real, lasting recovery goes far beyond prescriptions, the role of subconscious and psychological factors in pain, and tips for managing chronic pain.Andrea Furlan is Professor of Medicine in the Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto, She is Senior Scientist at UHN"s KITE Institute, and Medical Lead of the Rehabilitation Pain Service at UHN's Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. She is chair of ECHO Ontario chronic pain and opioid stewardship at UHN and she is a social media influencer with a YouTube channel "Let's Talk About Pain". She is the author of two books for people with chronic pain.“And so if you're in pain, you're having a hard time sleeping. If you're having a hard time sleeping, you're in more pain and it's this terrible cycle that you're in.” - Dr. Andrea FurlanIn this episode you will learn: Why chronic pain is not just a signal from an injury, but a complex issue shaped by the brain and body. How lifestyle changes, like movement, sleep, and social ties, play a big role in easing pain. Why pills may help for short-term pain but often fail for chronic pain, and when to use them. The link between stress, worry, and pain, and how your mind can shape what you feel. The value of taking control with simple daily actions and building habits that shift pain and boost health. How small, regular steps lead to lasting change and relief.Resources Connect with Dr. Furlan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.andrea.furlan/ Watch her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAndreaFurlan Learn more about her work: https://www.doctorandreafurlan.com/This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:https://www.zapods.comFind the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website:https://alively.com