S5 E7 | Neuroscience is Cracking the Mystery of Chronic Pain, with Nathaniel Frank, PhD

Nathaniel Frank, PhD is an author, historian, and science writer. His book, Healing What Hurts: How Neuroscience is Cracking the Mystery of Chronic Pain, is forthcoming from the Mayo Clinic Press. Nathaniel’s also my friend, and we legit hang out, so it’s a pleasure to host him on the podcast today.In this Episode:🔹 We discuss neuroplastic healing from the perspective of a science writer.🔹 Nathaniel was an original Dr. Sarno patient 20 years ago. He tells us about his personal journey with back pain, wrist pain, hand pain, and ibs.🔹 Nathaniel’s written about the body of evidence and science that supports neuroplastic healing.🔹 He aggregates scholarly research for the general public (both about lgbtqia+ advocacy and about healing chronic pain). You can read his articles here: www.nathanielfrank.com/articles🔹 We discuss the parallels between the lgbtqia+ rights movement, to which Nathaniel contributed, and the movement to bring neuroplastic recovery therapies into mainstream medicine.🔹 Nathaniel also leaves us with 3 Es of healing (Education, Emotional Expression, and Engagement – or Reengagement – with Life), and 3 Ss (Softening, Slowness, and Self-Compassion).This is a great conversation – with a real friend. You’re more than welcome to join us.–Find Sean:Sean’s Website: mindbodymedicineforchronicpain.comSean’s Free Email List: Free Mindbody Advice and Reminders – From Me to You, Every WeekClick Here to Ask a Question on the PodcastSean’s Instagram: @mindbodymedicineforchronicpain–Find Nathaniel:Nathaniel’s Website: www.nathanielfrank.com–…and you’re listening to Mindbody Medicine for Chronic Pain.Therapist Sean Hershey, LCSW teaches you how to use psychological and emotional modalities to heal from chronic pain. Common conditions treated: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, Pain from Disc Bulges, Pain from Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Neuropathy, Chronic Headaches, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Many Eczema and Skin Conditions, Many Arthritic Presentations, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Depression, and Anxiety.Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. John Sarno and all who’ve built upon his theories including: Nicole Sachs, Christina Sarno Horner, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Dr. Dan Ratner, Alan Gordon, the ATNS, and so many others.Join us as we discuss: TMS, pain as a danger signal, the pain/threat cycle, healing through psychological work, healing through emotional work, healing through patiently attuning to your true self, trauma, healing as a work in progress, maddening frustration, glimmers of hope, elating successes... But most of all, join us because you don’t have to be alone in your pain. You don’t have to be alone in the hard work of healing. And you don’t have to be alone as this starts to work for you, and you begin to get better.We’re all walking this path together. We’re right here with you.If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow for future episodes, rate, leave a written review, and share it with someone who needs it. Your endorsement helps more people like you find the profound power of mindbody healing.