Chronic Pain Originates in Brain -- Brain Health Key to Management - Episode Hero Image

Chronic Pain Originates in Brain -- Brain Health Key to Management

The School of Greatness · · Listen to Original Episode →
Original Title:

TL;DR

  • Chronic pain is primarily a brain-generated experience, with approximately 70% originating from neural pathways rather than solely physical damage, necessitating brain health interventions for effective management.
  • Automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) and negativity bias significantly impair prefrontal cortex function, hindering the brain's ability to regulate pain signals and exacerbating suffering.
  • Repressed rage, often stemming from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), can manifest as chronic physical pain, underscoring the need for healthy emotional processing techniques.
  • The brain's plasticity means pain pathways can be reinforced or calmed through consistent thought patterns and targeted therapies, offering hope for pain reduction without solely relying on medication.
  • Negativity bias is linked to two-thirds of psychiatric symptoms, and chronic pessimism increases dementia risk, highlighting the detrimental impact of negative thinking on overall brain health.
  • Faith and spiritual belief are associated with tangible neurological benefits, including larger temporal lobes and faster recovery from illness, suggesting a protective effect on brain health.
  • Alcohol and marijuana, despite common perceptions, offer no long-term benefits to brain health and can accelerate brain aging, increase anxiety, and impair cognitive function.

Deep Dive

The core argument is that approximately 70% of chronic physical and emotional pain originates in the brain, not solely from physical ailments. This challenges the conventional approach to pain management by highlighting the brain's active role in generating and perpetuating suffering, suggesting that addressing brain health is paramount for pain relief.

The implications of this perspective are profound. Firstly, it reframes physical symptoms like back or joint pain as potentially manageable through neurological interventions rather than solely surgical or pharmacological means. The prevalence of abnormal MRI scans in individuals without pain underscores that structural anomalies do not automatically equate to suffering, implying that the brain's interpretation and amplification of these signals are key. This is particularly relevant for surgical decisions, suggesting that a healthy brain may overcome physical issues, thereby reducing unnecessary procedures and their associated risks, such as cognitive impairment from general anesthesia.

Secondly, the concept of the "doom loop" illustrates a critical causal chain: pain activates the brain's feeling and suffering pathways, which in turn triggers automatic negative thoughts (ANTs). These ANTs amplify nervous tension, which exacerbates pain, leading to detrimental habits like substance abuse or poor diet, thereby perpetuating the cycle. This highlights how mental states directly influence physical well-being, suggesting that managing negative thoughts and emotional responses is as crucial as treating physical symptoms. The research on negativity bias, showing decreased prefrontal cortex activity in negative individuals, further supports this, as the prefrontal cortex is vital for regulating pain signals.

Thirdly, the discussion on repressed rage and the effectiveness of therapies like Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) and EMDR point to the necessity of processing past traumas and negative emotions. The idea that unexpressed anger or guilt, particularly from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), can manifest as chronic pain suggests that emotional processing is a vital component of healing. This implies a need for therapeutic approaches that address the root psychological causes of pain, not just the symptoms.

Finally, the emphasis on holistic brain health, encompassing psychological, social, and spiritual well-being, presents a paradigm shift from a symptom-based approach to a more integrated model. The proposed "Amen Whole Four" framework -- focusing on brain, body, mind, relationships, and faith -- suggests that neglecting any of these areas can negatively impact overall health and increase susceptibility to chronic pain and mental health issues. The protective role of faith and community, along with practices like gratitude, is presented not just as coping mechanisms but as biologically beneficial interventions that positively influence brain function and resilience. This implies that a comprehensive approach, integrating physical health, mental discipline, strong relationships, and a sense of purpose or faith, is essential for breaking the cycle of pain and suffering.

Action Items

  • Audit 70% of chronic pain origins: Assess brain health's role in physical and emotional suffering for 3-5 individuals.
  • Implement emotional freedom journaling: For 1-2 individuals, create 14 pages per 5 years of life to process past trauma and rage.
  • Design a "doom loop" intervention: For 1-2 individuals, map the cycle of pain, negative thoughts, and harmful habits to identify breaking points.
  • Evaluate mind-naming technique: For 1-2 individuals, assign a name to their mind to create psychological distance from negative self-talk.
  • Track automatic negative thought (ANT) species: For 1-2 individuals, identify and counter specific ANT types (e.g., all-or-nothing, blame) in daily journaling.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"Physical and emotional pain run on the same circuits in the brain and when you get your brain healthy it helps to balance these circuits and the pain is less and so most people go oh it's my back yes it is but it's also your brain and when you get your brain right your back is better."

Dr. Daniel Amen argues that physical and emotional pain are interconnected, originating from the same brain circuits. He explains that by improving brain health, individuals can balance these circuits, leading to a reduction in pain. This perspective suggests that addressing the brain is crucial for managing bodily pain.

"The doom loop is where you have pain for any reason it activates the feeling pathway in your brain which then turns on the suffering pathway and when that suffering pathway goes up you then get an invasion of ants automatic negative thoughts uh and then you get negative and then you spin on it which then leads to nervous tension which then increases the pain which then goes to harmful habits alcohol marijuana bad food opiates whatever and then it puts you into this cycle of pain suffering ants tension bad habits pain suffering."

Dr. Daniel Amen describes the "doom loop" as a cycle where pain triggers negative thoughts and emotions, which in turn amplify the pain and lead to harmful habits. He identifies "ants" as automatic negative thoughts that fuel this cycle, creating a self-perpetuating state of suffering. This concept highlights how psychological distress can exacerbate physical pain.

"Your prefrontal cortex actually sends signals to the rest of your body it's okay settle down if you damage this it's harder to turn off the pain signals in your body."

Dr. Daniel Amen explains the function of the prefrontal cortex, identifying it as the brain's executive center responsible for impulse control and judgment. He states that this area sends calming signals to the body, and damage to it impairs the ability to regulate pain signals. This underscores the role of the prefrontal cortex in pain management.

"The more you do that causes pain in the body when you're clenching your thinking, you're clenching your body, you're not relaxing, you're breathing, you're creating more of an environment for pain and suffering to occur."

Dr. Daniel Amen posits that mental tension, or "clenching your thinking," directly leads to physical tension and creates an environment conducive to pain and suffering. He suggests that this constant state of physical and mental clenching prevents relaxation and proper breathing, exacerbating negative physical sensations. This highlights the mind-body connection in pain development.

"If you don't believe in god it triples your risk of depression really triples oh my god if you believe that you are here by random chance and your life has no meaning or purpose it triples your risk of depression."

Dr. Daniel Amen asserts that a lack of belief in God or a sense of purpose significantly increases the risk of depression. He states that believing life is a result of random chance triples the likelihood of experiencing depression. This emphasizes the potential mental health benefits associated with faith and a sense of meaning.

"Alcohol kills so many people it's not good for you it's a disinfectant you know during the pandemic the jim beam the whiskey company turned their whiskey plants into hand sanitizer plants uh tana my wife she's a nurse why does she put alcohol on your skin before she gives you a shot because it kills the bugs right it's a disinfectant in your gut you have 100 trillion bugs bacteria viruses fungi why are you going to drink a disinfectant right these are healthy bugs these are not bugs you want to kill."

Dr. Daniel Amen strongly advises against alcohol consumption, likening it to a disinfectant that harms the beneficial gut microbiome. He explains that alcohol's properties kill essential bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the gut, which are crucial for neurotransmitter production, digestion, and detoxification. This highlights the detrimental impact of alcohol on gut health and, consequently, overall well-being.

Resources

External Resources

Books

  • "Change Your Brain, Change Your Pain" by Dr. Daniel Amen - Discussed as the primary resource for understanding the connection between brain health and chronic physical and emotional pain.
  • "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" by Thomas Kuhn - Referenced as an example of how scientific revolutions occur, relating to the shift in understanding mental health as brain health.
  • "A Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren - Mentioned in relation to Pastor Rick Warren's influence and the creation of the Daniel Plan.

Articles & Papers

  • "SPECT" (Study) - Mentioned as a type of brain scan used to assess blood flow and activity, differentiating healthy from unhealthy brains.
  • "Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study" - Referenced for its findings on how childhood trauma activates the suffering pathway in the brain.
  • "MRI study on believers versus non-believers" - Mentioned as research indicating larger temporal lobes in believers, associated with spiritual experience.

People

  • Dr. Daniel Amen - Guest on the podcast, author, psychiatrist, and expert on brain health, discussing his new book and research.
  • Michael Persinger - Scientist mentioned for his research on stimulating the temporal lobe to induce feelings of a divine presence.
  • John Sarno - Referenced in relation to the concept of chronic pain being linked to repressed rage.
  • Byron Katie - Mentioned for her work on questioning thoughts and the "Work" method.
  • Miley Cyrus - Mentioned as a patient Dr. Amen has worked with for 15 years.
  • Julius Randle - NBA superstar who discussed his experience with marijuana use and its impact on his life and career.
  • Kobe Bryant - Mentioned as someone Julius Randle played with, influencing his alter ego.
  • Dennis Rodman - Celebrity who participated in "Celebrity Rehab" with Dr. Amen.
  • Abraham Lincoln - Historical figure discussed in relation to depression in the 1840s and diagnostic practices.
  • Dr. Anson Henry - Physician who diagnosed Abraham Lincoln with melancholia.
  • Rick Warren - Pastor who collaborated with Dr. Amen on the Daniel Plan.
  • Mark Hyman - Collaborator with Dr. Amen on the Daniel Plan.
  • Freud - Mentioned in the context of his view on religion as "the opiate of the masses."
  • Carl Jung - Contrasted with Freud, noted for his reverence for the spiritual.
  • Victor Frankl - Psychologist whose approach Dr. Amen relates to, focusing on biology and meaning.

Organizations & Institutions

  • Amen Clinics - Dr. Daniel Amen's clinic, mentioned for its services and website.
  • Brain MD - A supplement company owned by Dr. Daniel Amen.
  • Washington Post - Mentioned as a source that called Dr. Daniel Amen "the most popular psychiatrist in America."
  • New York Times - Mentioned as the source for Dr. Daniel Amen's bestselling author status.
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Referenced in the context of current mental health practices based on symptom clusters.
  • CDC - Mentioned for a study on teenage girls' mental health.
  • Jama Psychiatry - Publication of a study on marijuana users.
  • Duke University - Institution where Harold Koenig, a researcher on the neuroscience of prayer, works.
  • Mariner's Church - Dr. Amen's church, where he observed unhealthy food culture.
  • Saddleback Church - Large church led by Pastor Rick Warren, involved in the Daniel Plan.

Tools & Software

  • SPECT scans - Used to assess brain blood flow and activity.
  • Biofeedback - A technique used to monitor and control bodily functions like hand temperature and heart rate.
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) - A therapy technique for processing traumatic events.
  • Intermittent Explosive Disorder - A diagnostic term mentioned in relation to temper problems.
  • Adderall - Medication mentioned in the context of attention deficit disorder.
  • Benzos (e.g., Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Ativan) - Medications mentioned in relation to anxiety and their addictive potential.
  • SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) - Antidepressant medications discussed in relation to their effect on serotonin and dopamine.
  • Apple Card - Mentioned for its daily cash back rewards.
  • LinkedIn Ads - A platform for B2B marketing.
  • Toyota bz - An all-electric vehicle discussed for its range and features.

Other Resources

  • The School of Greatness - The podcast hosting the conversation.
  • The Daniel Plan - A health program created by Pastor Rick Warren and Dr. Daniel Amen.
  • The Doom Loop - A concept described by Dr. Amen, detailing the cycle of pain, suffering, automatic negative thoughts, tension, and harmful habits.
  • Ants (Automatic Negative Thoughts) - A concept from Dr. Amen's work, categorized into different types like all-or-nothing, just the bad, mind reading, fortune telling, blame, and labeling.
  • Emotional Freedom Journaling - An exercise described in the book to process past experiences and identify the origins of rage.
  • The Amen Whole Four - A program focusing on brain, body, mind, relationships, and spiritual connection.
  • Negativity Bias - A concept discussed in relation to how negative thoughts impact brain activity and increase the risk of dementia.
  • Conscientiousness - A personality trait associated with longevity and health.
  • Neuroplasticity - The brain's ability to change and adapt, discussed in relation to building and calming pain pathways.
  • The Glad Game - A concept from the movie "Pollyanna" about finding something to be glad about in any situation.
  • Team Challenge - A Christian group that works with drug addicts.
  • Oral Roberts University - A Christian college where Dr. Amen attended medical school.
  • Gruns - A daily snack pack of gummies providing vitamins, minerals, and whole food ingredients.
  • Marie Callender's - A brand offering frozen meals.
  • DIA (ETF) - An ETF from State Street that tracks the Dow.
  • Quince - A brand offering clothing, home goods, and bedding.
  • Bitdefender - A cybersecurity company offering premium security solutions.
  • Indeed Sponsored Jobs - A service for employers to boost job postings.
  • Capital One Mobile App - Used to track, block, or cancel recurring subscription charges.
  • BetterHelp - An online therapy service.
  • Metro by T-Mobile - A mobile carrier offering phone plans.
  • Facebook - A social media platform mentioned for connecting people and finding gifts.
  • Airbnb - A platform for hosting and travel.
  • Toyota.com/bz - Website for learning more about the Toyota bz electric vehicle.
  • Applecard.com - Website for information on Apple Card.
  • LinkedIn.com/lewis - Website for LinkedIn Ads.
  • Change Your Brain, Change Your Pain Book.com - Website for pre-ordering Dr. Amen's book and related materials.
  • Make Money Easy Book.com - Website for a book on financial freedom.

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