When Childhood Pain Echoes explores how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shape the brain and increase the risk of chronic pain in adulthood. Drawing from a 2023 meta-analysis of over 800,000 participants, this post breaks down how early emotional, physical, or sexual abuse can leave a lasting neurobiological imprint—altering your nervous system’s pain alarm. But there’s good news: what was once wired by adversity can be rewired with evidence-based tools and trauma-informe

We’ve all heard the advice: “Lift with your legs, not your back.” But new research challenges this long-standing belief. A 2020 systematic review found no strong evidence linking spinal flexion during lifting to low back pain. In fact, some people with back pain bend less, likely due to fear or outdated advice. This blog breaks down what the science actually says and why it’s time to stop fearing the bend.

A groundbreaking study in Nature Medicine reveals chronic pain can be predicted before it spreads. Using data from 493,000 people, researchers created a six-question biopsychosocial risk score that forecasts pain progression up to 9 years in advance. The key drivers? Mood, sleep, stress, and BMI, not tissue damage. This is huge for informing how we understand and prevent persistent pain.

Listening plays a crucial role in effective persistent pain treatment, yet many clinicians interrupt within seconds of asking a question, missing valuable insights. Each person’s experience of pain is unique, and meaningful care begins with understanding their story. When time is short, choosing to listen well can still shape outcomes. The most effective treatment plans often start with the simplest intervention: giving space to be heard.