TED Radio Hour How the brain interprets pain — and new ways to manage it
105 snips
Mar 28, 2025 
Join physician and pain management innovator Amy Baxter and equestrian athlete Kat Naud, who overcame a severe back injury. They dive into the brain's interpretation of pain, exploring revolutionary techniques that challenge opioid reliance. Baxter shares insights on innovative tools like the Buzzy device, while Naud recounts her inspiring journey from injury to recovery in competitive riding. Together, they emphasize the importance of psychological factors in pain perception and highlight new approaches to managing chronic pain.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Pain as a Messenger
- We should view pain as a messenger, not something to fear or suppress with pills.
- This shift in perspective is crucial for managing both acute and chronic pain.
Opioid Crisis and Personal Loss
- Amy Baxter recalls the opioid marketing in the 90s, which promised pain-free existence.
- Her friend's son, Christopher, became addicted after surgery and later died from an overdose.
Opioids and Dopamine
- Opioids increase pain sensitivity by overstimulating dopamine receptors.
- Genetic factors influence how individuals react to opioids, making some more prone to addiction.
