While some pain is normal and a necessary signal for our bodies, there is also pain that can be persistent and chronic. What is the difference between acute and chronic pain? And why do our brains sometimes amplify discomfort? We spoke with Daniel J. Clauw, MD, director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center at the University of Michigan, about the complexities of pain management, how widespread and long-lasting pain is often rooted in the central nervous system, and treatments that go beyond just targeting muscles or joints. From physical therapy to acupuncture and mind-body techniques, we explore a range of strategies to help restore function and improve quality of life. 

Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Daniel J. Clauw, MD

While some pain is normal and a necessary signal for our bodies, there is also pain that can be persistent and chronic. What is the difference between acute and <a href="https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/understanding-pain-management-chronic-pain" data-testid="linkable-text">chronic pain</a>? And why do our brains sometimes amplify discomfort? We spoke with <a href="https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/cpfrc/daniel-j-clauw-md" data-testid="linkable-text">Daniel J. Clauw, MD</a>, director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center at the University of Michigan, about the complexities of pain management, how widespread and long-lasting pain is often rooted in the central nervous system, and treatments that go beyond just targeting muscles or joints. From physical therapy to acupuncture and mind-body techniques, we explore a range of strategies to help restore function and improve quality of life.&nbsp;
Credits
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Daniel J. Clauw, MD</li>
</ul>

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.

Health Discovered

While some pain is normal and a necessary signal for our bodies, there is also pain that can be persistent and chronic. What is the difference between acute and ? And why do our brains sometimes amplify discomfort? We spoke with , director of the...

How Can We Better Manage Chronic Pain? Insights from an Expert 

When someone you love is dealing with serious health issues or repeated hospital visits, it can feel like you’re constantly bracing for the next crisis. In those moments, it’s hard to step back and think about what your loved one truly wants, needs, and what would support their quality of life. Yet for many families, conversations about palliative care and advance care planning happen too late – or are misunderstood as “the end,” rather than tools that help people live as fully and comfortably as possible for as long as possible. We spoke with Anthony L. Back, MD, a national leader in patient-oncologist communication, about what palliative care really means versus hospice, common myths about palliative care, how culture and lived experiences shape these conversations, and how families can begin important discussions about advance care planning.

Check out The John A. Hartford Foundation at https://www.johnahartford.org/.

When someone you love is dealing with serious health issues or repeated hospital visits, it can feel like you&rsquo;re constantly bracing for the next crisis. In those moments, it&rsquo;s hard to step back and think about what your loved one truly wants, needs, and what would support their quality of life. Yet for many families, conversations about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.webmd.com/palliative-care/when-is-palliative-care-appropriate" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.webmd.com/palliative-care/when-is-palliative-care-appropriate&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1773160774157000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1lS-NpZWS50Ad-TdOjLLlb">palliative care</a>&nbsp;and advance care planning happen too late &ndash; or are misunderstood as &ldquo;the end,&rdquo; rather than tools that help people live as fully and comfortably as possible for as long as possible. We spoke with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uwmedicine.org/bios/anthony-back" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.uwmedicine.org/bios/anthony-back&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1773160774157000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2DTS9r_R4vQdkZEa8LqH_x">Anthony L. Back, MD</a>, a national leader in patient-oncologist communication, about what palliative care really means versus hospice, common myths about palliative care, how culture and lived experiences shape these conversations, and how families can begin important discussions about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/seniors-plan-ahead" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/seniors-plan-ahead&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1773160774157000&amp;usg=AOvVaw38NSd8kvcznevUNX6yWbc5">advance care planning</a>.
Check out The John A. Hartford Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.johnahartford.org/">https://www.johnahartford.org/</a>.

How To Discuss Advance Care Planning and Palliative Care with Your Loved Ones

While heart disease may be the number-one killer in the United States, kidney disease is the silent partner we rarely discuss. It often develops quietly, with no pain or clear symptoms until advanced stages. What should we know about kidney health and kidney diseases? We spoke with Kirk Campbell, MD, president of the National Kidney Foundation, about the kidneys’ vital roles – from red blood cell production to supporting heart function – why testing matters, which tests to request, and the importance of knowing your numbers. If you’re at risk, don’t hesitate to advocate for screening at your appointments.

Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Kirk Campbell, MD

While heart disease may be the number-one killer in the United States, <a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-kidney-disease-basic-information" data-testid="linkable-text">kidney disease</a> is the silent partner we rarely discuss. It often develops quietly, with no pain or clear symptoms until advanced stages. What should we know about kidney health and kidney diseases? We spoke with <a href="https://www.kidney.org/bio/dr-kirk-campbell" data-testid="linkable-text">Kirk Campbell, MD</a>, president of the <a href="https://www.kidney.org/" data-testid="linkable-text">National Kidney Foundation</a>, about the kidneys&rsquo; vital roles &ndash; from red blood cell production to supporting heart function &ndash; why testing matters, which <a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/glomerular-filtration-rate" data-testid="linkable-text">tests to request</a>, and the importance of knowing your numbers. If you&rsquo;re at risk, don&rsquo;t hesitate to advocate for screening at your appointments.
Credits
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Kirk Campbell, MD</li>
</ul>

Know Your Numbers: Why Kidney Health Can’t Wait

A lot of us have heard about “high cortisol” in the context of stress. But Cushing’s syndrome, which has recently been in the news, is something very different. It’s pathologic cortisol excess that can quietly drive certain health problems. We spoke with Lewis Blevins, MD, a neuroendocrinologist specializing in pituitary, hypothalamic, and adrenal disorders, about what cortisol is meant to do, what Cushing’s syndrome really is, why diagnosis is often delayed, and what practical steps to take if you suspect something more than everyday stress. We also discuss the path to an accurate diagnosis and shared decision-making grounded in patient education.

Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Lewis Blevins, MD

A lot of us have heard about &ldquo;high <a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-cortisol?ref=ro" data-testid="linkable-text">cortisol</a>&rdquo; in the context of stress. But <a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cushing-syndrome" data-testid="linkable-text">Cushing&rsquo;s syndrome</a>, which has recently been in the news, is something very different. It&rsquo;s pathologic cortisol excess that can quietly drive certain health problems. We spoke with <a href="https://pituitaryworldnews.org/about-us/lewis-blevins-md/" data-testid="linkable-text">Lewis Blevins, MD</a>, a neuroendocrinologist specializing in pituitary, hypothalamic, and adrenal disorders, about what cortisol is meant to do, what Cushing&rsquo;s syndrome really is, why diagnosis is often delayed, and what practical steps to take if you suspect something more than everyday stress. We also discuss the path to an accurate diagnosis and shared decision-making grounded in patient education.
Credits
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Lewis Blevins, MD</li>
</ul>

How Can We Better Manage Chronic Pain? Insights from an Expert

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