The Chronic Pain Experience Podcast

If you're tired of feeling like you have to keep it all together while silently struggling with chronic pain or illness, this episode is for you. Join us as we explore a different way forward—one built on self-trust, boundaries, and redefining what strength really means.

​​If you’ve been searching for ways to reduce chronic pain and feel like you’ve tried everything—medication, procedures, therapies—but the relief never lasts, this guide is for you. In the final episode of a three-part series from Pain 2 Possibilities, I will walk through why pain becomes stubborn and, more importantly, what you can do about it. Below I’ll summarize and expand on this evidence-bas...

Living with chronic pain is a daily challenge that no one chooses. It brings with it a complex mix of struggle, frustration, and often isolation. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why do I hurt so much?” , you are not alone. Understanding the basic science behind chronic pain is the first step toward reclaiming control over your life. This article dives deep into the essentials of...

Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming and isolating, especially when despite your best efforts, your pain seems to be getting worse instead of better. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why is my pain getting worse?” you’re not alone. There are many factors at play that can keep you stuck in a cycle of pain, and understanding these is the first step to reclaiming control over your life. In t...

In this episode of the Chronic Pain Experience Podcast, host and Chronic Pain Recovery Coach, Deana Tsiapalis, delves into the complexities of chronic pain recovery and the systemic barriers faced by patients. Following the tragic death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Deana explores the frustrations many feel toward the healthcare system, particularly issues like outdated treatment models...

In the relentless pursuit of relief from chronic pain, fascia—a vast, connective tissue network—often goes unnoticed. Yet, symptoms like deep aches, stiffness, and tender, sensitive areas may all stem from fascial dysfunction. By understanding how pain works and how our biology responds to it, we can uncover strategies to shift pain patterns and foster healing. In this episode, we explore the prof...

After a catastrophic injury we rely on the brilliance of our allopathic model. When the condition becomes chronic or in the case of a life long disability, our allopathic model falls short. Join Chanda Hinton and myself as we discuss the Chanda Center in Colorado and the amazing work her centre is doing to make integrative care more accessible to those living with spinal injuries, Multiple Scleros...

Chronic Headache & Migraine, Alexandria Levin Living with the invisible reality of chronic pain is a challenge many struggle to articulate. Janna Kimel and her team at The Chronic Pain Project are amplifying these voices, using art and storytelling to bring the hidden stories of chronic pain to light. This powerful journey offers deep insights, not just for those enduring the pain, but also fo...

In this episode I discuss how our current model of chronic pain care is struggling to keep up with the new science of pain. Where chronic pain warriors are stuck in a model of care that is outdated and ineffective for chronic pain specifically (but great for acute care). From the lack of mandatory chronic pain curriculum for our physicians to insurance policies locked on the old science of pain, w...

Ecology concept. Rising sprout on dry ground. Life with chronic pain often leads to a rabbit hole of seeking new treatments, new doctors and any sense of hope that life will get better. Live with pain long enough and that rabbit hole becomes deep and wide, where the belief of self and of your capabilities diminishes..to the point of believing that you and the body you live in, are truly broken. In...

Isolation that comes from Chronic pain can come in different forms such as isolation from others, disconnectedness from ourselves and touch starvation. In this episode I sit down with Kat Anna to talk about the biological, psychological and social implications of touch starvation, chronic pain and it’s impact on the nervous system. More importantly we discuss the important work to help you m...

Living with chronic pain can often be an isolating journey, but research consistently highlights the transformative power of community in improving the quality of life for individuals facing this challenge. The latest studies underscore the vital role that a culture of safety and connectedness plays in positively influencing the lived experience of chronic pain. By fostering a supportive community...

Opioid induced constipation coupled with chronic pain can make life both unbearable and unpredictable. Join me as I sit down with Nicole Hemmenway from the Us Pain Foundation and Megan Filloramo to talk about opioid induced constipation, the stigma and the solutions as a part of the International Opioid Constipation Awareness Day. Join Our Free Community Looking for a unique community to create me...

Ecology concept. Rising sprout on dry ground. In today’s episode we are talking about restoring confidence for a life well lived despite the relentless grip of chronic pain. This pain extends beyond the physical, shaping an enduring emotional battle. It gradually wears away at your self-esteem, causing you to question your value and your capacity to lead a gratifying life. We’ll explore how...

Pain is a universal human experience, whether it’s physical, emotional, or social. It can be all-encompassing, overwhelming, and at times, seem insurmountable often leading to a narrative of suffering. But what if we could change the narrative on how we perceive pain? Pain Research and countless stories from individuals who have faced extraordinary challenges, battled pain in its many forms,...

In this episode I sit down with the esteemed Dr. Harvey Chochinov to discuss dignity and person centered care for both end of life and for the lived experience with pain. Join us as we explore the human experience, the importance of perception, purpose, meaning, and hope in maintaining dignity in care. If you would like to learn more about what we do at The Change Pain Academy you can do so HERE ....

Join Anne Schober and myself as we discuss her latest book she co-authored called ‘ Invincible – Finding the Light Beyond the Darkness of Chronic Illness. ‘ We explore Anne’s experience with pain and living with an invisible illness along with her inspiration in writing the book. If you are curious to learn more about chronic pain and how to find your way back to living well desp...

A decline in our executive functioning (aka getting stuff done) is a direct result of where and how our pain is processed. In this episode Carrie Bonnett and I explore some of the tips and tools to help you get things done even when your brain and the pain are suggesting otherwise. Join us as we do a deeper dive into chronic pain science, strategies and skills to help you better manage the pain in...

During our annual Willow Tree Summit, our chronic pain warriors sit down with me in ‘Conversations from the couch’ to talk about the information shared inside the summit. Our Summits aim to hear from a variety of experts…those who live with pain and those that serve them.

Life with chronic pain often leaves you with a deep sense of grief though the loss of limb or the loss of the life you once had, having to relearn as you navigate the world around you while adapting to the changes you are left to deal with often with little to no guidance. In this episode we’ll delve into the key components of grief as it relates to the chronic pain experience. Join us as we...

When you get a chronic diagnosis, the positive messaging (and the hope) goes out the window and leaves the warrior feeling unsure of what’s to come. In this episode, I offer a different perspective on your capabilities and how impressive (and complicated) your body and brain truly are.

In this episode I am joined by board certified Wellness Coach Jessica Hill Powell to discuss elimination diets. In this conversation we unpack how an elimination diet helps to reduce inflammation which in turn helps to improve the amount of pain you feel. You will learn about foods that trigger inflammation, how to eliminate them and the importance of reintroducing them slowly. If you would like t...