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How to Hack Your Brain When You’re in Pain | Amy Baxter | TED

Have we misunderstood pain? Researcher and physician Amy Baxter unravels the symphony of connections that send pain from your body to your brain, explaining practical neuroscience hacks to quickly block those signals. Her groundbreaking research offers alternatives for immediate pain relief — without the need for addictive opioids. (Followed by a Q&A with TED current…

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Have we misunderstood pain? Researcher and physician Amy Baxter unravels the symphony of connections that send pain from your body to your brain, explaining practical neuroscience hacks to quickly block those signals. Her groundbreaking research offers alternatives for immediate pain relief — without the need for addictive opioids. (Followed by a Q&A with TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers)

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135 Comments

135 Comments

  1. aSHTEBALA

    September 6, 2023 at 11:35 am

    Easy, just do it like Yujiro Hanma and distribute the pain all around your body

    • missd369

      September 6, 2023 at 12:05 pm

      Not helpful if the pain is throughout your body.

  2. Lil Speed

    September 6, 2023 at 11:38 am

    Amazing talk🎉

  3. Xin Yi

    September 6, 2023 at 12:15 pm

    she’s really funny I appreciate this style of TED talk

  4. Elijah Perrin

    September 6, 2023 at 12:54 pm

    Well I am in insane pain from AS and a broken back, neck and migraine condition… I have avoided opioids and I simply ignore pain. It is there but I can rationalize it.

  5. Caroline Helm

    September 6, 2023 at 12:57 pm

    Can this work for emotional/physical pain?

  6. Gerald Sierveld, Photography Instructor

    September 6, 2023 at 1:30 pm

    outstanding…articulate to such a degree a high-schooler could understand it…JAMMED with neurological understanding VERSUS pharmaceutical undermining…

  7. Louisa Currier

    September 6, 2023 at 1:40 pm

    This talk conflates multiple issues and does not address the very real dangers of “pain coaching”.
    Exploitative marketing by opioid companies is a real scourge on society. The idea that medicine will solve all problems always is also a real problem. Obviously, it’s also incredibly dangerous to peddle a narrative that because pain is subjective, and the experience is mitigated by contextual circumstances, it doesn’t truly exist.
    Folks with chronic pain have used Tens machines for decades, and ice for centuries, this is not new information for anyone living with long term pain.
    This leaves the pain coaching she discussed . it’s absurdly patronising to suggest that the average pain sufferer is wallowing in self pity instead of being proactive. The link between pain and panic has been well studied, and an absence of panic is why many chronic pain sufferers are not taken seriously about the intensity of their pain. These folks have already divorced panic from the “alarm signal” of pain.
    Pain coaching is not risk free, many pain coaches are as exploitative as the drug companies, and prepared to frame suffering as a character flaw, something that can be willed away. The impact of this on patients mental health is catastrophic. Teaching people to live in a continuous state of disassociation, and to accept the word of others over their own body signals, is also very dangerous.
    Lastly, pain coaching can lead to issues with identifying newly occurring or worsening conditions. Coaches will claim that they are teaching folks to ignore or “reframe” pain, but usually they are teaching people not to make a fuss and be an inconvenience. This leads to silence about pain, to pushing past limits and doing more damage. It’s not helpful.
    What people with chronic pain need is physio therapy to help them put minimal stress on painful or damaged areas of the body, OT to help them participate in meaningful activities with suitable supports, and talk therapy to help them process and express the grief and loss that comes with life limiting pain.

  8. DracoDatura

    September 6, 2023 at 2:20 pm

    Opioid for a wisdom teeth removal?? Opioids casually at home? That’s insane! :O Some companies really screwd the U.S. over. The only people I know who got opioids are a friend with major surgery and my sister with cancer…

  9. David

    September 6, 2023 at 2:21 pm

    Most helpful. Thanks much!!

  10. TheMagicMan

    September 6, 2023 at 2:27 pm

    It would be funny if they tried passing out oxy in the lecture she was talking about

  11. Dr. Hassan

    September 6, 2023 at 2:38 pm

    But what about chronic pain? Inflammatory pain, or let’s take tendinitis as an example! Will be treated or controlled by applying ice and vibrator?
    The speech was so general, and pain has a massive details I don’t think we can mix it with simple words.

  12. ٴ

    September 6, 2023 at 3:20 pm

    Nice talk

  13. Maarten Happel

    September 6, 2023 at 3:21 pm

    Wish I had seen this years ago! Would have been a GREAT help! THNX!!!

  14. Aya Ali

    September 6, 2023 at 3:24 pm

    It’s very nice talk

  15. Phil Urbaniak

    September 6, 2023 at 3:24 pm

    👍👍100% agree that “more comfortable” is a worthy goal!
    I will probably never experience another pain free day; if I gave up on “more comfortable” I would only have “never comfortable” to fall back on 🤷🏼‍♀️

  16. Bee

    September 6, 2023 at 3:57 pm

    I need to lay down in a vibrating freezer

  17. Maryjane Daniels

    September 6, 2023 at 4:33 pm

    I really wish there was more young education on how the brain and body works.. if people understand themselves the world would change for the better..

  18. PazLeBon

    September 6, 2023 at 5:00 pm

    ouch, it didnt fkn work 🙂 this is far from the reality for people with constand chronic pain, need i say ignorant? These tricks may work occasionally and for short term but not for constant chronic pain. that the reality. Sure, there are safer ‘medicines’ and endless ‘un needed ; ones but that doesnt discount the millions that do need real chemical/medicinal help

  19. asha fenn

    September 6, 2023 at 5:43 pm

    Here i have been writing poetry and prose about being content within agony, thinking it was this spiritual journey and what i was doing was hacking my brain like a professional without realizing it. Thank you.

  20. mnmlst

    September 6, 2023 at 5:58 pm

    TL:DR, anyone? I’m in terrible pain for many days and can’t get myself to watch it.

    • coldhands

      September 6, 2023 at 9:26 pm

      Vibration + cold (ice) = medication free pain relief
      Also, pain is also in your brain. It’s fear. Changing your expectation can lower your pain

  21. qwaqwa1960

    September 6, 2023 at 6:20 pm

    Do we have to pay for the magic frequency?

  22. Ferret -007

    September 6, 2023 at 6:21 pm

    Only 2 days?

    No wonder ive ran into so much resistance and ignorance regarding my severe, chronic pain!

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 7, 2023 at 11:19 am

      Sorry to hear (but not surprised) that you have faced a lack of empathy in treating your chronic pain. More training, research, and options are so important for people in pain.

      Wishing you comfort,

      Jen for the Pain Care Labs team

  23. RollenJokers

    September 6, 2023 at 8:12 pm

    Wooh Boi. 😢. The worst of things. Let’s me tell you what.

  24. blacksheepensemble

    September 6, 2023 at 8:51 pm

    Great talk—practical, useful, funny, smart.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 7, 2023 at 11:17 am

      Thanks for watching!

  25. Faith Hansen

    September 6, 2023 at 8:58 pm

    Thank you for this! Need to get some of these for my treatments.

  26. Bob Meraw

    September 6, 2023 at 10:03 pm

    I wish that I knew how but I can block pain, I don’t acknowledge it and don’t feel it. After breaking my kneecap I propped one foot on top of the other to relieve the pressure and quietly waited over an hour for the ambulance. I think that it’s a matter of focusing on not feeling it. I’ve had many bad injuries, seen colors while being stitched up without freezing but not felt the pain. The local hospital has finally realized that if I walk in and am particularly quiet and polite it doesn’t mean that I am okay. Try focusing on other things, I can’t say that it will help everyone but I hope that it does help some.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 7, 2023 at 11:17 am

      Thank you for sharing! Pain is personal – your story is proof!

  27. Dina Broydo

    September 6, 2023 at 10:58 pm

    Thoughts on how this can be used for migraines?

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 7, 2023 at 11:16 am

      Asking Amy – it depends on the type of migraine, I’ll update here.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 7, 2023 at 1:23 pm

      If experiencing a migraine or occipital headache with sensitivity to sound or aura, it may be best to use an ice pack alone at the base of the skull or where the pain is worse. If you do NOT have sensitivity to sound, you can use the VibraCool Extended, which includes an mechanical stimulation unit, ice, and comfortable strap. Put the vibration unit in the pocket on the strap, slide frozen ice pack under elastic bands, turn on unit and position at base of skull, and wrap strap around your head. Does this answer your question?

  28. DeDee

    September 6, 2023 at 11:21 pm

    So how does this work if pain wakes you up and you can’t get back to sleep?

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 7, 2023 at 11:06 am

      Thanks for watching and for asking! Sleep is medicine (you know this already!) and we’re sorry to hear that pain is interrupting your sleep. I’ll ask Amy about sleep tips and update here.

    • DeDee

      September 7, 2023 at 12:08 pm

      @Pain Care Labs thank you!

  29. hugh lu

    September 6, 2023 at 11:25 pm

    whats the A hole?

  30. Raja rishi

    September 6, 2023 at 11:36 pm

    What you feel is mostly what you expect to feel 🤯

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 7, 2023 at 11:03 am

      I heard the song “Anticipation” when I listened to this part.

  31. Vignesh NR

    September 6, 2023 at 11:49 pm

    This video landed perfectly in my timeline.. Recovering from a surgery. It has empathy written all over it. This is so impactful for many to lead a better life.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 7, 2023 at 11:02 am

      Thank you so much for watching! We wish you the best possible recovery.

  32. Meredith M

    September 7, 2023 at 12:03 am

    Does anyone know if the vibration aspect is similar to that of a TENS unit?

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 7, 2023 at 11:01 am

      Thanks for asking! TENS is electrical stimulation, our technology is mechanical stimulation – that’s why it’s safe with pacemakers. It is clinically proven 2-3x more effective than TENS.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 7, 2023 at 11:12 am

      Dr. Baxter has talked previously about the differences between TENS electrical stimulation vs. mechanical stimulation from high-frequency vibration. TENS units function by electrical stimulation (e-stim) of muscles. TENS units send electrical signals directly through the skin and muscles to stimulate motor nerves. For this reason, TENS units are not useable for individuals with pacemakers. The electrical current travels the shortest possible distance, stimulating only the most surface level nerves in the skin.

      Vibration’s mechanical stimulation (m-stim) comes from the specific frequency of vibration studied to relieve pain. No electrical energy is transferred into or through the body, only mechanical motion from the vibration. M-Stim technology is safe for use alongside pacemakers. Nerves are designed to feel motion. M-Stim penetrates deeper into the body, triggering sensation receptors for movement and positioning which the brain rates as more important than pain or surface level touch sensations.

  33. Doris ARMY

    September 7, 2023 at 2:51 am

    This certainly sounds good too, but I think its still worth considering more reliable options like traditional businesses such as cannafarm ltd, for example.

  34. Xayron

    September 7, 2023 at 2:51 am

    More and more companies are integrating cryptocurrency into their operations. Its actually interesting because it opens the door to investments. I would say its the new financial future. I recently started collaborating with Cannafarm Ltd, and it seems

  35. Lost Boy

    September 7, 2023 at 2:51 am

    I dont know, all of this sounds questionable, with too many potential pitfalls. I believe there are more reliable options out there. I recently found a company called Cannafarm Ltd, and Ive been consistently earning with them. I think its better to foc

  36. Bacon Man

    September 7, 2023 at 2:51 am

    You definitely have my sub. This content is next level. For me cannafarm ltd was the turning point. Please keep doing what you do and keep being you, love it.

  37. الدوري الإماراتي للمحترفين

    September 7, 2023 at 2:51 am

    Are cryptocurrency and business incompatible? I think youre not keeping up with the news. While you thought it was impossible, some enthusiasts from Cannafarm Ltd integrated cryptocurrency into the production of medical cannabis. What do you say now?

  38. Jose Perez

    September 7, 2023 at 2:51 am

    Wait, do you think cryptocurrency will crash? I dont think so. More and more companies are integrating cryptocurrency into their operations: Amazon, Cannafarm Ltd, Burger King, even Starbucks, dude!

  39. Mr KING

    September 7, 2023 at 2:51 am

    I dont know, dudes. I think crypto and all these ICOs are just a bubble. Well, crypto is good for transfers and so on, but I dont engage in trading and staking either. Its too risky. My friend recently lost $5000 there. I invest crypto in real business

  40. Golf R

    September 7, 2023 at 8:07 am

    Pathetic terminology used these days. Hack your Brain?
    Do we run a PC? LOL

  41. ofirarg

    September 7, 2023 at 8:48 am

    Just watched “painkiller”. That talk hits differently now

  42. Emperor

    September 7, 2023 at 10:14 am

    What if the pqain is in heart? What if it is in brain?

  43. Emma L

    September 7, 2023 at 10:18 am

    Where can I use buzzy!?

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 7, 2023 at 11:02 am

      You can use Buzzy in many different areas of the body for many different procedures. We say place Buzzy between the brain and the pain so that it sits on the same pathways (dermatomes) as the pain signals. You can use Buzzy for many instances of sharp pain including injections, blood draws, and dental procedures.

  44. Lise Martino

    September 7, 2023 at 8:45 pm

    I suffer from a chronic pain condition. But I’m also a doula, so I also have an profound understanding of the difference between pain versus suffering; the human body has its own pain relieving hormones, neo-endorphins. Gate theory methods, such as TENS, (and Buzzy) work really well in these situations; many pharmaceuticals actually inhibit the body’s natural pain response hormones. Opioids are equally only short term options; not necessarily because they are “addictive” in their own right, but because their impact on pain diminishes over time and use.
    Unfortunately, gate theory options don’t really work for chronic and prolonged pain – it’s not about cost, addiction, tolerance or acceptance. I don’t strive to be pain free, but pain management in order to be able to function and do my job.

  45. Naoki Takagaki

    September 7, 2023 at 9:29 pm

    Oh, this talk was so educational as well as entertaining. Loved it.

  46. Naoki Takagaki

    September 7, 2023 at 9:29 pm

    Oh, this talk was so educational as well as entertaining. Loved it.

    “What you feel is mostly what you expect to feel.” Brilliant!

  47. KBoss19

    September 7, 2023 at 10:27 pm

    I’ve been using buzzy for five years for blood donations (put it in the front of your arm pit “between the brain and the pain”). My mom is disabled from rheumatoid arthritis and she can avoid taking her non opioid pain meds sometimes because applying buzzy right where it hurts takes the edge off. I’m currently trying to get the dental office I work at to start using it for injections. My boss did a notoriously uncomfortable infection on me while I had buzzy on my cheek. I felt absolutely nothing… Not even pressure! This thing is amazing

    • safaiaryu

      September 8, 2023 at 1:47 am

      Oh man. I had dental injections yesterday that were so bad I thought I’d rather die than go through that again. And unfortunately I’ve dealt with a LOT of injections throughout my life. Would love to see this implemented!!

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 8, 2023 at 10:12 am

      Thank you for using Buzzy and for sharing all the different ways you (and your mom!) use it. And thank you for being a blood donor!

      The FDA just cleared Buzzy specifically for dental injections, so we’re hopeful that more dentists will offer it with procedures.

      Wishing you continued good health.

      Jen for the Pain Care Labs team

  48. Josette

    September 7, 2023 at 10:53 pm

    I would love to learn more about this. I’ve been diagnosed with IBS then had colitis and gastritis following a virus. Now I’m in constant pain throughout my entire gut area. How can I work through this with the methods talked about?

    • Curious_One

      September 8, 2023 at 1:04 pm

      Depends upon how long you have had the colitis. With that, your doctor can help. If it persists and if tests reveal the need, you should have a surgery for that.
      You should join an online community where these things are discussed. Also, you should try buying bodywear in which you can place ice-packs, and has inbuilt vibrators (rechargeable). Definitely could help with your IBS.

      Also, based on the type of colitis, you could ask your doctor if it would be okay to take fiber supplements like psyllum husk, and also do exercises like squats and sit-ups.
      For better sleep, maybe melatonin capsules.

      If it is temporary (>50% cases), with all this it will go away (if you do consistently). Else, it will be suppressed with surgery. No need to be worried.

  49. Dave Toms

    September 7, 2023 at 11:49 pm

    Brilliant. Thank you, Amy Baxter.
    As someone who lives with chronic pain, I am extremely thankful for you sharing this vital information. Hopefully Baxter’s TED Talk helps bring about real change in the medical world regarding pain treatment and pain management.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 8, 2023 at 9:34 am

      Thanks for watching the video. So glad this information helped. Wishing you strength and relief along your wellness journey.

    • Penelope Hohenstein

      September 10, 2023 at 4:15 pm

      God I hope so.

  50. Divine Feminine Essence

    September 8, 2023 at 12:38 am

    Ive been suffering for the last 6 years and I have been under medicated since day 1 . To watch this woman who’s probably never spent a day in the kind of pain I go through speak so confidently about a subject she knows nothing about is sickening . Not everyone needs opioids, however to give them like candy to everyone and then now restrict them from those who need them is backwards.

  51. safaiaryu

    September 8, 2023 at 1:26 am

    Pain free… wild. I’m a pain management patient, and no one has ever talked about me achieving “pain free”. They say they’d like me to be at a level 2 or 3 day to day. Which has been a bit of a struggle, and I’m not even a serious case. I totally see why having “pain free” as a goal was… a problem.

    I’ve had a few really bad pain moments, waiting 15-45 minutes for oral medication to kick in, where I’ve asked people just to talk to me, just distract me. I wonder if I was accidentally doing what this speaker is talking about?

    She also mentions a feeling of control decreases pain… I believe this, too. Sometimes just having the option to take pain medication helps me to tolerate it. It’s not having that option available, and the connected fears (“What if the pain gets out of control??”) contributing to anxiety, that makes the situation worse. Even with anxiety – when I got a prescription for Xanax, I had anxiety attacks much less often, just because I knew I had better control over the situation. My Xanax prescription literally expired, lol.

    Ironically, I’ve tried oxycodone and I found it… not very helpful. Just something about my physiology made it not work super well for me. Oh well, I’m a little scared of it, anyway! I LOVE ibuprofen, I find it extremely effective. I haven’t been allowed to take it for a couple years due to taking prescription NSAIDs daily, but I had to take it recently for a bad tooth injury/infection, and I ended up going to my pain doctor and being like… hey… I’d like to be able to take this again. So I am!

    Interesting too that she mentions fascia – I only recently heard this term for the first time, and it turns out to be really important? So I’m happy to hear there’s more research into its role in pain.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 8, 2023 at 9:19 am

      Thanks so much for your candor & sharing more about your personal journey. Others will definitely benefit from hearing what’s worked for you. So glad your physician did a good job of setting realistic goals. You are doing all the right things to take Power Over Pain.

  52. Mele Tonga

    September 8, 2023 at 4:22 am

    👍 💯

  53. The Shield-Maiden

    September 8, 2023 at 4:36 am

    Loved this talk! Interesting subject engaging for everyone, not too long, and delivered in a clear way with some funny bits. She was great!

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 8, 2023 at 9:16 am

      Thanks for watching the video and so glad you enjoyed it and found it engaging!

  54. Cheryl Anne Barill Artist

    September 8, 2023 at 8:22 am

    Sharing this on my social media!
    What important information!!!
    Amy Baxter: if you ever have the opportunity to canvas against the way opioids are ALLOWED to be prescribed, I know you’ll jump on it!

    I had surgery a few years ago.
    I REFUSED the meds (I planned to and did manage my pain with ibuprofen and mindset… ) BUT the dr INSISTED I take the meds home with me “in case”.
    I said no thank you, and they still sent me home with 10!!!!!!
    After my recovery, I returned them to the pharmacy. Yes, I counted them to be sure no one in my household had decided to try anything, they were all there.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 8, 2023 at 9:14 am

      Thank you so much for watching our video and sharing with others. We all know someone who can benefit from know about options and learning how to take control of their health. Bravo to you for choosing to return those meds. If more people took this action, there would be fewer circulating among those who truly don’t need them & shouldn’t have them.

  55. Scott Ryals

    September 8, 2023 at 10:36 am

    What is the best frequency of vibration?

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 11, 2023 at 12:23 pm

      Thanks for asking! Our specific mechanical frequency reduces pain. The high frequency, low amplitude, mechanical vibration does not interfere with pacemakers (compared to electrical stimulation devices).

  56. Willful Mystic

    September 8, 2023 at 12:50 pm

    The problem is getting insurance to pay for the cold dunk, massage chair, etc. I don’t think after 7 surgeries I can read a sentence and count the letters with holes all day.

  57. Wind Feather. *NoodiinMiigwan

    September 8, 2023 at 6:49 pm

    Thanks

  58. Mola Diver

    September 8, 2023 at 7:51 pm

    Meanwhile in The Netherlands the go to pill for nearly all doctors is paracetamol and the advice to tough it out a bit. Works just fine and no consequential substence abuse. Just a doctor telling you you’ll be fine is half of all the pain killer you need.

    • slash dot

      September 11, 2023 at 1:14 am

      Unless they tell you that they don’t know what is going on and that you may never be fine again. Just sayin’ and somewhat agreeing — how a doctor approaches patient makes a world of difference. Many doctors don’t care, though.

    • Mola Diver

      September 11, 2023 at 7:58 am

      @slash dot You always have the right to get a second opinion. And of course if a general GP doesn’t know what’s going on and things don’t impove you need to see a specialist.

    • slash dot

      September 11, 2023 at 8:57 am

      @moladiver6817  oh, GPs are useless where I am. I get the i don’t knows from specialists. It’s amazing to watch their faces. I have learned a lot about how much modern medicine does not know.

      Of course, there are those few rare ones who can think outside the box. If you have one of those, you are lucky.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 11, 2023 at 12:10 pm

      Thanks for sharing! “Just a doctor telling you you’ll be fine” sounds like the coaching Amy mentioned 😉 I’ll ask Amy to share a bit more about OTC pain medications like paracetamol (acetaminophen in the U.S.).

  59. Georgie Dodson

    September 8, 2023 at 8:51 pm

    I have shared this with my chronic pain support group and several other support groups. This makes a lot of sense, I find my purring cat when cuddled up to her helps calm & relax me therefore reduce pain, also doing something to divert ourselves can also reduce pain.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 11, 2023 at 12:02 pm

      Thank you for watching and for sharing with your peers. Cuddling with a purring kitty cat sounds like a great way to focus on something besides pain. 😉

  60. Missy

    September 9, 2023 at 2:52 am

    Very interesting to watch from someone who suffers chronic back pain. I totally agree it’s a survival method to let us know that something is wrong with a certain area of the body, though sadly that area isn’t always found. I hope the work you’re doing changes the medical field so opioid use is decreased or not needed and perhaps find a way to stop or decrease the pain signals sent through the nerves. Good luck with Duo Therm and thanks for appearing on TED.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 11, 2023 at 12:00 pm

      Thanks for watching! Sorry you have chronic back pain, hope you are finding interventions that give you comfort.

  61. Alejandra Alvarado

    September 9, 2023 at 5:53 am

    I have IBS – clicked this video as soon as I read the title. I NEED THIS

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 11, 2023 at 11:57 am

      Thanks for watching – hope you found it helpful.

  62. MrJeffrey938

    September 9, 2023 at 5:22 pm

    Oh! I’m so glad they got rid of that useless, 0-10 faces scale. I have chronic migraine; my “10” is not the same as someone who has no idea what that is like.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 11, 2023 at 11:57 am

      Thanks for watching! Sorry you have chronic migraine, hope you continue to find ways to manage.

  63. Ashlee R

    September 10, 2023 at 7:30 am

    I wish I knew about this before my excision surgery! I’m happy to say I only had what they gave me at the hospital and I went through major surgery for stage 3/4 endometriosis. I did use Advil and ibuprofen, I wonder if the person going through knee replacement did as well or was completely drug free?

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 11, 2023 at 11:55 am

      Thank you for watching and for sharing your story. Hope you have found some comfort and relief.

  64. Jack Rice

    September 10, 2023 at 11:03 am

    I’ve lived (if you can call it living) with Chronic Myalgic Encephalitis (Yanks call it ‘fibromyalgia’) for thirty years and this charming lady is talking about acute pain, which to a person with chronic pain is like a shrink talking about depression to someone who is suicidal. And since there are tens of millions of people living with CME, I think we’d appreciate someone who was a little less entertaining and little more inclined to research what’s destroyed our lives, instead of ‘owies’ from an injection or acute pain from surgery. I will say this about chronic pain….injections, venipuncture, and other unpleasant medical procedures are insignificant now. Yes, when I stub a toe or hit my thumb with the proverbial hammer it hurts like a M-F, but I have very little emotional reaction, since it’s only a temporary amplification of what is a permanent state of being. Welcome to my world.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 11, 2023 at 11:55 am

      Thank you for watching and for sharing your story. Pain is personal, and different for everyone. The point of Dr. Baxter’s talk is to advance pain management techniques to reduce opioids in circulation prescribed after surgery and used to address acute pain. As Dr. Baxter said, “Options Give Power Over Pain”. The intention was to shed light on effective underutilized approaches to pain after surgery.

      Wishing you comfort,
      Jen for the team

  65. Resma R

    September 10, 2023 at 12:43 pm

    You were so great! Wonderful speech

  66. Doug Fairchild

    September 10, 2023 at 1:00 pm

    Amy, I think I can help increase the validity of your brain hack message (combined with organic modalities) as a real-life representative. What I have been able to accomplish every day for the last 6 years, post catastrophic motorcycle accident, without prescribed pain-medications is pretty compelling. Not sure how we would connect without putting our personal contact information in this comment section, but I am happy to be of service to my community of “very real” and relentless chronic physical pain sufferers.

    • slash dot

      September 11, 2023 at 1:21 am

      Have you dealt with chronic head/facial pain? If so, mind telling this newb how to hack my brain not to let this pain control me? I can generally handle extremities pain with ease, but I fail miserably at head pain. Specifically, nerve pain, as it is not something massage will take away, and it is quite unpredictable (by that I mean it does not act like a bruise, it can manifest for silly reasons, go away for a bit, then come back again for another silly reason, etc.).

    • Doug Fairchild

      September 11, 2023 at 11:13 am

      Hello:) I can empathize with your plight. What kind of head/facial pain are we talking about…headaches?? Did you have a specific injury to the head/facial area?? @slash dot

  67. Dr. Greg Talley

    September 10, 2023 at 4:15 pm

    Great info Dr. Baxter!! As a chiropractor I totally agree with your “prescription”. Thank you for providing this valuable information.!!

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 11, 2023 at 11:47 am

      Thanks for watching, Dr. Talley!

  68. Fernando Baeta Jr

    September 10, 2023 at 5:02 pm

    Great!

  69. Online Traveler

    September 10, 2023 at 7:55 pm

    Great Ted talk! We need so much more research into treating pain without medications. I have Fibromyalgia and something I have learned over the years is fear is the key. If you lesson fear, you gain control. Fear steals control. Like part of what you said, if you can switch it from fear to aggravation, that’s huge. Our brain is so powerful. But even though it is so powerful, dealing with chronic pain causes brain fog because so many of its resources are being used to “treat” the pain. Thank you for what you do!

    • slash dot

      September 11, 2023 at 1:01 am

      I honestly wish I could learn to control this fear and anxiety, but it keeps getting the better of me. I have facial trigeminal nerve chronic pain and the problem is that is causes an effect that I feel I have no control over — feeling nauseous from pain, even lesser pain. I liken it to a person being poked into the same spot over and over and over and over again, until even the slightest touch there translates into pain, fear, anxiety, nausea.

      Also, things that manifest as headache, earache, and toothache generally make most people miserable. Somehow, head pains feel worse than, say, pain in my toe. Not sure how that works.

      Whomever can get control over that has A+ in my book, because I think they even become resilient to certain forms of torture.

      Do you have any methods to lessen your pain?

    • Online Traveler

      September 11, 2023 at 9:54 am

      Keeping in mind that everyone is different and different things may work differently for different people.
      When my pain starts to get the best of me, I remind myself that my pain has nothing to do with danger, it is not a ‘warning’ pain but a chronic pain. I’m not too close to a stove or am I injured by something I need to get away from. It is an uncomfortable sensation but does not signify danger..
      I turn my focus to other things, TV, a book, music, whatever works that day or night. I sometimes do some stretching because for some reason that seems to help some.
      I sometimes get what I call face aches. I have no idea if this is the same as your pain but my whole or most of my face aches like a toothache. It isn’t sinuses or a regular headache but it isn’t a migraine either. My wife sewed me up some small pillows, maybe 5 or 6 inches square, she filled them with regular dry rice. If I put one in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, wrap a thin towel around it and then put it where it hurts most on my face, it eases the pain. Just be careful of how hot it is on your skin.
      If you notice, I haven’t said anything alleviates or stops the pain. Nothing does, ever. But, like what has been discussed here, it makes it more comfortable, easier to bear.
      The biggest thing is to get your brain to realize that you don’t need to be afraid. There is no danger that you need to get away from. If you can head in that direction, then it makes it easier to deal with.
      Good luck. I pray some comfort for you.@slash dot

    • Carl

      September 12, 2023 at 4:55 pm

      The brain fog is what gets me the most. I used to be a scientist but I ran into chronic neck pain from the bad posture required to work in laminar flow hoods and anaerobic chambers. I followed that mantra “pain is weakness leaving the body” and made the situation worse over the years. I can’t think when the pain gets high but drugs do the same thing, so catch 22. Then my vision goes fuzzy. All I am at that point is a cloud of pain, which really triggers the depression and creates a feedback loop. I found TMJ frozen headbands are quite wonderful when cold is in order. Some days heat, some days cold, some days back and forth. BTW I love rice packs! If you ever need a quick one, just put some rice in a clean tube sock, tie it off, and nuke it for a couple minutes. (Don’t eat the rice after)

  70. K Forest

    September 10, 2023 at 10:00 pm

    I’ve always dealt with pain head on no pain meds I’d rather let my body run it’s course especially when it’s not necessary. I cringe when I see people pop every single thing on the market it’s lunacy.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 11, 2023 at 11:26 am

      Pain (and its management) is PERSONAL, so keep doing what works for you.

    • K Forest

      September 11, 2023 at 1:03 pm

      @Pain Care Labs yes agreed you can only know what body is capable of when you keep it personal. There’s nothing personal about it when pharma encourages addiction

  71. Ally & The Arts

    September 11, 2023 at 12:26 am

    ….what type of pain is she talking about.
    Why do people go on stage thinking one way is help for all
    I think not
    People experience pain differently….pain tolerance fluctuates
    Yes you can try the mental thinking of blocking but whej someone is in severe pain throbbing pain i dont think positive vibration thinking is going to cake over that immediate pain.
    A person has to figure out what works best for them
    Pills and pills of medication is not the answer…that is just my personal opinion.

  72. Hiệp Khách Hành

    September 11, 2023 at 3:26 am

    Tôi rất hài lòng với những video kênh này ❤

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 11, 2023 at 11:21 am

      Thank you for watching!

  73. Moises Espirito Santo

    September 11, 2023 at 11:54 am

    Hi, I’m from São Paulo! So cool!

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 11, 2023 at 1:22 pm

      Olá and obrigado por watching the video!

  74. Zen KC

    September 11, 2023 at 12:54 pm

    Good luck with Duotherm. I hope everyone will be free of pain

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 11, 2023 at 1:22 pm

      Thank you!

  75. MrWireguy

    September 11, 2023 at 8:40 pm

    What frequencies of vibration were found to be effective?

    • MrWireguy

      September 12, 2023 at 12:34 pm

      Thank you for not answering ! I therefore conclude this is proprietary information not for public disclosure.@Pain Care Labs

  76. Edwin Lipton

    September 11, 2023 at 10:30 pm

    Shock will stop pain in the brain QUIK!
    Vomitt provoking Migrain? Run a normal too you temp shower,,, jump in head feeling like its cracking. Let the water run 20 to 30 sec’s then completely shut off the hot.
    As a 4 year old all the way thru too my 19 or 20th year I induldged Dr’s, there meds and tests to no avail, till a hot night in Pheonix Az, sleeping on a chase lounge one hot nite thinking thee A/C was causing my pain, I passed out after it eased up a bit. But shortly after, it awoke me with a payback of triple degree. i got up, walked too the edge of a non heated below ground builtin pool and just let myself fall in,. I swam under water too thee other end and when I surfaced,, my pain was gone. There over the next 2 years after, when ever I was within water of; hot and cold and the pain would come,, id do it. That was 1977 or 78. I haven’t had a headache since. I remember them causing me too cry out while vomitting in Calif as a kidd. As a teen Id raise my blood pressure in a grunting breath holding fashion, buldging out every vain trying too stop it. But that night was a God send. I do not miss um but even today@ 67 with a re-broken lower fused spine, I work, by will power and ibuprophen just too get me started in the morning, somtimes again in thee afternoon, and at nite before going too sleep. Not perfect all the time,,, Im old. I get tired now.

  77. Teresa Bennett

    September 12, 2023 at 12:11 am

    This possibly explains why my Cefaly device helps with migraines.

  78. Karen

    September 12, 2023 at 3:02 am

    This is so much of the information I’ve been needing. Doctors and pain patients alike need to see this.

  79. Mabon Bran

    September 12, 2023 at 3:44 am

    I’m having trouble understanding the idea of 8 hours worth of drugs for a 1 second injection? I’ve never heard of anyone taking any drugs here in the UK for an injection, is this a U.S. thing? Lol, with a simple “shot” by the time you go “ouch”” the pain is over…

  80. Carolyn Rosser

    September 12, 2023 at 9:41 am

    I have suffered from chronic pain most of my 69 years, the only thing that has ever helped was learning about the true source – the brain NOT the body. Understanding leads to control, reliance on pills just helps the pharmaceutical companies. This is a GREAT explanation! Thank you, I hope more people enduring chronic pain would follow your advice.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 12, 2023 at 12:12 pm

      Thank you for watching and for sharing! Sorry you have had so much pain. You already know this: All sensation happens in the brain. All pain is conducted on the same pain nerves. Understanding this may help us treat pain more effectively.

  81. Janet Barkwith

    September 12, 2023 at 11:23 am

    As I have been saying for years – it’s all in the brain. The mind is a fantastic thing that has not been employed correctly, nor enough, since science intruded on personal care.

    • Pain Care Labs

      September 12, 2023 at 12:08 pm

      Thank you for watching and for sharing! All sensation happens in the brain. All pain is conducted on the same pain nerves. Understanding this may help us treat pain more effectively.

  82. Prof Bri

    September 12, 2023 at 12:43 pm

    06:20 Five?!? How do you figure five? There’s the three obvious ones, sure. And I’ll give ya one for the monkey tail protruding from under the head of the bed. But I’m not going to stipulate that the glowing bumble bee looking thing under the foot area of the bed is a monkey, no way!

  83. r8chelletters

    September 12, 2023 at 3:19 pm

    Having opioid pain medication helped me handle my surgical recovery. I didn’t need to take it til I needed to but simply having it on hand meant I had a level of reassurance that was very important for me to get through something excruciatingly painful. I cannot imagine how awful it is for people to suffer chronic pain and have no treatment option today. We shouldn’t allow people to suffer this way and we shouldn’t allow addicts to dictate pain relief for the truly sick and injured who need and deserve pain relief as a patient right. No one is “coaching” patients and no doctor has five minutes to relate anything near what you are describing. Advil isn’t good enough but that’s exactly what people enduring recovery from major surgery are relegated to. I hope one day we have a true solution to pain that is safe and effective regardless of how it works. For now, however, we have drugs and they shouldn’t be withheld just because of a fear of addiction.

    • Mark S

      September 12, 2023 at 9:18 pm

      Thank you, thank you, thank you! I came here to say this and you have articulated it perfectly. I have experienced pain relief being withheld and watched others go through this additional unnecessary trauma. Experiences like that stay with you forever and also destroy trust in the medical establishment. New understanding of pain treatment is fantastic but there is a moral and ethical imperative to accompany that message with a warning not to withhold pain relief from people experiencing acute pain. Unfortunately the hysteria around opioid addiction is causing an incredible amount of harm as a by-product.

  84. Joseph Longfellow

    September 12, 2023 at 4:36 pm

    Marijuana users have been saying that distraction works for pain for decades

  85. Joseph Longfellow

    September 12, 2023 at 4:45 pm

    Vibration seems better on soft tissue than bones. Headaches in the front particularly seem like vibration on the skull would make it worse.

  86. John Paddy

    September 12, 2023 at 6:18 pm

    There shouldnt be ANY Patients in this world.

  87. John Paddy

    September 12, 2023 at 6:21 pm

    Not a fan. Wouldnt trust her as far is throwable. 😅

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