S4 E14: David Hanscom on Breaking Free from Chronic Pain

In this episode of Beyond Theory, Dr. David Hanscomb, a renowned orthopedic spine surgeon, shares his personal journey with chronic pain and offers a comprehensive approach to healing. Drawing from his own experience and extensive research, Dr. Hanscomb reveals that chronic pain is not merely a physical problem but a complex issue involving the mind-body connection, inflammation, and the nervous system's response to threats.

Dr. Hanscomb emphasizes the role of negative thoughts and emotions in fueling chronic pain, noting that repressed feelings can be even more damaging than expressed ones. He discusses how the uncertainty and isolation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated chronic pain by activating people's nervous systems and disrupting social connections crucial for co-regulation and a sense of safety.

To break free from the grip of chronic pain, Dr. Hanscomb presents a holistic approach that addresses the input (thoughts and environment), calms the nervous system directly, and redirects output through engaging in positive activities. He highlights the importance of expressive writing as a tool for gaining awareness and separation from negative thoughts, as well as the role of active meditation, good sleep hygiene, and avoiding complaining in the healing process.

Through his innovative DOC (Direct your Own Care) journey program, Dr. Hanscomb has helped numerous patients achieve a pain-free life by rewiring their brains through neuroplasticity. He emphasizes the crucial role of processing anger and offers a step-by-step guide to overcoming chronic pain, ultimately enabling individuals to move from merely surviving to thriving.

Key Takeaways:

1. Chronic pain is a complex issue involving the mind-body connection, inflammation, and the nervous system's response to threats.

2. Negative thoughts and emotions, especially when repressed, can fuel chronic pain by impacting the nervous system in the same way as physical threats.

3. The uncertainty and isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated chronic pain by activating people's nervous systems and disrupting social connections.

4. To solve chronic pain, a holistic approach is needed, addressing input (thoughts and environment), calming the nervous system, and redirecting output through positive activities.

5. Expressive writing is a powerful tool for gaining awareness and separation from negative thoughts, helping to break the cycle of chronic pain.

6. Engaging in active meditation, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and avoiding complaining are essential components of the healing process.

7. Neuroplasticity allows the brain to be rewired, enabling individuals to overcome chronic pain and achieve a pain-free life.

8. Processing anger is a crucial step in solving chronic pain, as it helps to regulate the nervous system and promote healing.

9. The DOC (Direct your Own Care) journey program provides a step-by-step guide to overcoming chronic pain and reclaiming life.

10. By understanding the mind-body connection and embracing a comprehensive approach to healing, individuals can move from surviving to thriving.

This episode offers hope and practical strategies for those struggling with chronic pain, as well as valuable insights for behavioral health professionals seeking to support their clients' recovery. By understanding the mind-body connection and embracing a comprehensive approach to healing, individuals can reclaim their lives and unlock their full potential.

Dr. Hanscom is an orthopedic complex spinal deformity surgeon based in Seattle, Washington, for more than three decades. Today, he teaches people how to break loose from the grip of chronic mental and physical pain – with and without surgery. Find out more at backincontrol.com.