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 In fact, some people with back pain bend less, likely due to fear or outdated advice.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.

Lingering pain may not just come from your body—but from broken trust. New research reveals that betrayal trauma, especially from those closest to us, is linked to chronic pain. Whether from caregivers, partners, or authority figures, these wounds can disrupt emotional processing and amplify physical symptoms. Healing requires more than medication—it requires being reconnected to safe, validating relationships.

What if your chronic back pain isn’t just structural—but emotional? Research shows that suppressing anger can heighten physical pain through changes in brain activity. Two landmark studies reveal that unresolved emotions, particularly anger, amplify pain signals in the brain’s emotional circuits. But here’s the good news: through awareness and healthy expression, your brain—and your pain—can be rewired.

I recently attended the SIRPA 15th Anniversary Conference and was genuinely blown away. Speaker after speaker offered fresh, insightful perspectives on stress-related conditions like persistent pain, IBS, and chronic fatigue. The day highlighted the urgent need to embrace a balanced biopsychosocial model in healthcare—and the risks when we don't. It left me hopeful that the tide is turning toward more compassionate, comprehensive care.

Most lumbar disc herniations don’t need surgery—your body can heal them naturally. Research shows over 60% of herniated discs shrink or disappear on their own through immune responses like inflammation, enzymatic breakdown, and new blood vessel growth. Understanding this process empowers patients and clinicians to choose conservative care first—backed by science, not fear.

New research shows self-compassion reduces depression, anxiety, and disability in chronic pain. Learn how kindness to self can rewire the brain for relief.

New research challenges the posture-pain myth. Discover why "sitting up straight" isn't the fix and how a flexible, confident approach to mo

Early MRIs for back pain often lead to fear, overtreatment, and worse outcomes. Movement and education are the real keys to recovery.

Pain does NOT mean damage! Neuroscience reveals that pain is an output of the brain. Learn here why Pain ≠ Damage Makes Sense.

Struggling with chronic pain and poor sleep? Learn how to break the cycle with 3 neuroscience-backed sleep strategies.

Can persistent neck pain be predicted—and even prevented—within days of an injury? Discover the latest neuroscience and practical strategies

Ever had an MRI and been told you have a ‘bulging disc’ or ‘degenerative disc disease’? Here's the surprising truth:

Are You Taking Paracetamol Wrong? Here’s How to Get Maximum Pain Relief