The Brain on Fire: Chronic Pain Science with Dr. Adriaan Louw

Chronic pain affects one in four people worldwide — and most of us don't understand why. In this episode, Dr. Brent Anderson sits down with Dr. Adriaan Louw, physical therapist, author, and co-founder of Evidence in Motion, to break down the science of pain in plain language. Dr. Louw explains the three types of pain — nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic — and why understanding the difference matters for treatment. Together, they explore why pain exists as a protective mechanism, why tissue damage and pain intensity don't always correlate, and how the nervous system can become sensitized over time, leading to persistent and widespread pain conditions like fibromyalgia. The conversation covers the role of movement, sleep, nutrition, and education in managing chronic pain, the science of neuroplasticity and desensitization, and how positive movement experiences can literally rewire the brain's pain response. Dr. Louw also shares his thoughts on the current pharmacological options with the strongest evidence behind them and leaves listeners with an important message: chronic pain can get better. IN THIS EPISODE: The difference between acute, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain Why pain is a protection mechanism — not a punishment How the nervous system becomes sensitized in chronic pain Fibromyalgia, central sensitization, and what actually helps The role of movement (including Pilates) in pain rehabilitation Finding hope and qualified providers in the chronic pain space RESOURCES MENTIONED: whyyouhurt.com — free patient education videos and provider directory Evidence in Motion — evidenceinmotion.com Use the code DRBRENT to save 10% off any Polestar Pilates Teacher Trainings sold on polestarpilates.com. Applies only to Pay in Full.