Pain and Isolation: How Chronic Pain and Loneliness Shape Health—and What We Can Do About It

Chronic pain affects nearly 20% of adults in the U.S., but its impact goes far beyond physical discomfort. In this episode of Choosing Help, Dr. Tracy Stecker sits down with Dr. Lisham Ashrafioun to explore the powerful—and often overlooked—connection between chronic pain and social disconnection. Together, they unpack how loneliness and isolation influence brain chemistry, worsen health outcomes, and increase risks for depression and even suicide.You’ll learn why psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are essential, how the biopsychosocial model is changing pain management, and practical strategies to help people reclaim their lives. Whether you’re living with chronic pain, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the science behind resilience, this conversation offers hope, insight, and actionable steps.Tune in and discover why choosing help is one of the most powerful decisions you can make.