Understanding the Pain

What to know

Why does it hurt? Back pain, headaches, and stomachaches are something most people are familiar with. Usually, the pain goes away on its own. But for about one in five Danish adults, pain becomes a chronic condition that interferes with daily life, quality of life, and mental well-being. In this interview, a professor of pain science Thomas Graven-Nielsenfrom Aalborg University and host Christian Cherrya closer look at the fascinating biology of pain. Why is pain both a vital warning system and a deeply personal experience that can vary significantly from person to person? And why does the alarm keep going off for some people long after the danger should have passed? Along the way, we’ll explore what happens in the nervous system when we experience pain, how new technology can help us measure and understand pain better, and what treatment options are available today. What will pain treatment look like in the future? Could brain stimulation be a way to relieve chronic pain?