“Unlocking the Mystery of Chronic Pain: An In-depth Discussion with a Pain Management Specialist” with Dr. Afton Hassett

Send us Fan MailThis week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, join us in this enlightening episode as we dive deep into the world of chronic pain with our guest, Dr. Afton Hassett, an experienced pain psychologist and the author of “Chronic Pain Reset”.  She offers informative content about how stress and mental health are intertwined with physical discomfort and delves into various aspects of chronic pain—its effects, causes, and potential treatments. Listen in and discover valuable insights about how your emotions can affect your perception of discomfort, and learn practical strategies for dealing with persistent affliction. And together, let’s unlock the power of positivity in healing!In this Episode:The Intersection of Mental and Physical Health Resilience in Managing Chronic PainThe Power of Social InteractionCustomizing Treatment PlansThe Neuroscience Behind Pain The Invisible Nature Of Pain The Role Of Physical Activity And Sleep In Managing Chronic Pain Negative Impact Of Modern Devices On Sleep Quality  Understanding Chronic PainThe Biopsychosocial Aspects of PainRewiring the Brain The Limitations Of Pharmaceuticals The Power Of Holistic Methods  Pain Relief Through Enjoyable Activities This episode is sponsored by:Reed Animal HospitalSterling Oak CabinetryAbout Afton:Dr. Afton Hassett is a licensed clinical psychologist and an Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Michigan. She received her BFA from Colorado State University and her doctorate from Alliant International University in San Diego, CA. As a principal investigator at the Chronic Pain & Fatigue Research Center, she conducts interdisciplinary research related to exploring the role of cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in chronic pain populations. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and is a leader in the field of resilience and pain research. Her work has focused on exploring positive emotions and affective balance in people with pain; health-related quality of life in adult and pediatric rheumatology patients; and novel interventions to promote resilience and self-management for individuals with chronic pain. She is committed to education for individuals at many levels including patients, undergraduate and graduate students, medical residents, post-docs, physicians, and other healthcare providers. Dr. Hassett is the Director of Clinical Pain Research at the Back & Pain Center and the Past President of the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals – a division of the American College of Rheumatology. Current funding sources include National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the University of Michigan. With over $14M of research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Afton’s mission is to bring evidence-based strategies from research and academic settings to the people themselves. Her life’s work is dedicated to helping people with chronic pain live lives with less pain, greater happiness, and renewed purpose in life.Website: https://aftonhassett.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftonhassettLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afton-hassett-1982b323Connect with Gary:Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!