It's Not in Your Head

28 If Chronic Pain Isn't "In Your Head," Where Does It Come From? The Science Explained

Dr. Dan Bates & Justine Feitelson Season 2 Episode 28

Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.

0:00 | 38:26

This episode takes a deeper look at neuroinflammation as a driver of chronic pain — and why the current philosophical approach to pain management limits both communication and treatment. Dr. Dan Bates breaks down central sensitization into seven key areas and examines how lifestyle and metabolic factors, such as prediabetes, can drive sensitization. The shift in perspective — from managing consequences to identifying and addressing underlying causes — offers patients more individualization and greater agency in their care.

Resources:

iniyh.com/episodes/ep-28-if-its-not-in-your-head-where-is-it-coming-from


Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:35 Central Sensitization and Neuroinflammation
02:56 Linking Lifestyle Changes to Chronic Pain
04:13 Metabolic Drivers of Pain
05:47 Understanding Central Sensitization Symptoms
07:52 Neuroinflammation and Its Impact
11:46 Persistent Injury and Pain Amplification
15:06 Exploring Common Conditions Associated with Central Sensitization
18:32 The Role of Prediabetes in Chronic Pain
21:14 Understanding Insulin and Weight Gain
21:26 The Role of Insulin in Neuropathic Pain
22:25 Investigating Insulin Levels
24:41 Metabolic Drivers and Pain Amplifiers
27:38 Linking Hyperinsulinemia to Chronic Pain
29:38 Lifestyle Changes and Chronic Pain Management
32:00 Neuroinflammation and Treatment Options
36:18 Conclusion and Future Topics