We notice it in our lower backs, our hips, our necks and then there’s that headache. Pain. It hurts. It aches. It pinches. All of it matters! September is Pain Awareness Month so Jenn dedicates this episode to those suffering from pain and those who know someone who suffers. Covering why typical treatments for pain are challenged and what to do instead, the focus is a multidisciplinary approach that’s biopsychosocial, just like the pain itself. To top it off, Jenn discusses the Placebo Effect and how it actually holds incredible promise. Listen now to help us end the stigma of pain and move us all forward in healing.Outline:Welcome back & welcome back, ChristineIntro today’s topicSources for today’s conversation & resources for youDr. Rachel ZoffnessKaiser PermanenteUS Pain FoundationCurableUnderstanding pain & the challenges in treating itWho experience itThe causesThe consequencesChronic vs acute painOur doctors, stigmaWhat’s happening now with pain treatment researchBiopsychosocialPhantom limb pain, butterflies in your stomachCommonalities between pain-related diagnoses…traumaThe biology of why this is the caseACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)Trauma, triggersCentral SensitizationThe vicious cycle of painHow opioids workPart of healing is desensitizing the brainUndo the stigma, undo the separation of mind & bodyAddress all 3 pieces of biopsychosocialThe way out is through, with measured, monitored exposuresCBT & biofeedbackStress reduction techniques, nutrition, exercise & activity, sleep, communityParts of the brain involved & which parts leadPain as a volume dialTurn Up: Fight or flight, negative emotions, focusTurn Down: Laughing, positive emotions, distraction/focusThe need for habits & routines, motivationDetangling the back of the brain/middle of the brainActivating the front of the brainMeditation, source code meditationVagus nerve toningIdentifying & expressing emotions vs keeping them insideTea KettlingWho we surround ourselves with & the therapeutic allianceMood & thoughtsSerotonin in the gutStomach aches connected to moodVagus nerveWhy we can’t think our way out of this things FIRSTYour ANTS (automatic negative thoughts)The social piece of asking for others’ perspectivePlacebo effectPutting it all together: Miriam Jacobson’s story as published in Huffington Post on September 10, 2021Final thoughtsCurableUS Pain FoundationDr. Rachel ZoffnessWe want to hear about your  pain – https://bit.ly/step1anodunosLinks:Become a MemberConnect with us! FB Page & Private FB Group & Jenn's InstagramTake the free Weight Loss Profile, Jenn will send you a Menu PlanTell Us About Your PainQuotes:"’Pain is a ubiquitous human phenomenon…we all deserve to understand it.’" – Jenn Trepeck"50 million Americans endure pain every day." – Jenn Trepeck"When doctors can’t see anything on a scan or x-ray they say ‘It’s all in your head,’ and I find it SO dismissive." – Jenn Trepeck"All health, including pain, is biopsychosocial." – Jenn Trepeck"One commonality between pain-related diagnoses is trauma." – Jenn Trepeck"Pain counts! Even if it’s not crippling you or sending you to the ER, it counts." – Jenn Trepeck"The way out of pain is through it and addressing all three elements of biopsychosocial." – Jenn Trepeck"Cursing helps us release stress." – Jenn Trepeck“Notice your ANTS, your Automatic Negative Thoughts.”– Jenn Trepeck“We can reclaim control of our health and healing.” – Jenn Trepeck