About this podcast

In this insightful episode, Dr. Andrew Huberman welcomes Dr. Sean Mackey, Chief of the Division of Pain Medicine and Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, to demystify the complex world of pain. The discussion spans the foundational understanding of pain at both body and mind levels, exploring pain thresholds and diverse causes. Listeners will discover effective protocols for managing and reducing pain, including non-pharmacological approaches like heat and cold therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy, nutrition, and supplementation. The episode also delves into the significant impact of emotions, stress, and memories on pain perception, offering practical psychological tools to control one's experience of pain. Furthermore, Dr. Mackey provides an expert perspective on pain medications, critically examining the use of opioids and the nuances of the opioid crisis. This comprehensive conversation is designed to empower individuals with knowledge and strategies to better understand, manage, and alleviate pain.