How Neural Circuits are Key to Understanding Chronic Pain

Dr. Howard Schubiner is the director of the Mind Body Medicine Center at Ascension Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. He is also a professor at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. He has multiple publications in scientific journals and books ranging from chronic pain to emotional awareness. Dr. Schubiner has consulted for the American Medical Association, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the National Institute on Mental Health. He is the author of multiple books, including Unlearn Your Pain, Unlearn Your Anxiety and Depression, and Hidden From View, written with Dr. Allan Abbass. Additionally, Dr. Schubiner has collaborated extensively with colleagues to develop two novel psychological treatments for chronic pain: Emotion Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) and Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT).

In today’s episode, host Shay Beider speaks with Dr. Schubiner as he talks about the difference between neural circuit pain and structural pain. He describes how one’s experience of pain is centered in the brain and can be the result of fear, stress or unprocessed emotions. Dr. Schubiner also shares some treatment methods he uses with patients. By understanding how the brain works and the importance of eliminating excess fear in the body, individuals are able to rewire neural feedback loops and change their pain response. Dr. Schubiner talks with Shay about how freeing this understanding can be for patients once they learn how to free their body and alleviate their pain.

Listen to the complete episode by clicking the player above. Transcripts for this episode are available at: https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing 

Show Notes:

• Find out more about Lisa Feldman Barett 
• Check out Anatomy of Hope by Jerome Groopman
• Learn more about the Sham Knee Surgery Study 
• Find out more about Terry Wahls
• Learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) 

Online Resources:

• Tension Myositis Peer Network
• Mobile App for Chronic Pain: https://www.curablehealth.com
• Learn more about helping chronic pain here: https://www.thedocjourney.com
• Freedom From Chronic Pain
• Psychophysiological Disorders Association
• Check our Dr. Schubiner’s website: UnlearnYourPain
• Pain Psychology Center
• Personalized Pain Relief Program
• BackInControl
• Pain Relief in Simple Steps: here

Book Resources:

• Healing Back Pain: The Mind Body Connection
• Unlearn Your Pain
• Unlearn Your Anxiety and Depression
• Hidden from View: A Clinician’s guide to psychophysiological disorders
• Back in Control
• They Can’t Find Anything Wrong
• Chronic Pain: Your Key to Recovery

Documentary Films:

• All the Rage by Michael Gal
• This Might Hurt by Kent Bassett and Marion Cunningham

This podcast was created by Integrative Touch (InTouch). InTouch is working to change the way people experience healthcare. A leader in the field of pediatric integrative medicine, the organization supports caregivers and families whose children have any type of special health or medical need. This includes kids with cancers, genetic conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic stress, and other serious health issues. The founder, Shay Beider, pioneered a new therapy called Integrative Touch™ Therapy that supports healing from trauma and serious illness. The organization reaches thousands of people each year in hospitals and communities and offers unique Telehealth programs to families and healthcare providers from around the world. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers and contributors, individuals are able to receive wellness education and integrative medical services at little or no cost.