Watch The Mayo Clinic Guide to Pain Relief

Barbara K. Bruce, a pain management specialist at the Mayo Clinic, presents The Mayo Clinic Guide to Pain Relief, a course available from The Great Courses Signature Collection. In this educational series, viewers learn about the sources of pain, the effects of chronic pain on the body and mind, and pain treatments and management strategies.

The importance of recognizing pain as a physical and emotional experience is emphasized in the first several lectures. Pain signals are sent through the nervous system to the brain, but pain perception can be influenced by psychological and emotional factors. The course explains how pain relief can involve a combination of physical treatments and mental health therapies.

Next, viewers are given an overview of different types of pain, including nociceptive pain (arising from damage to tissue or organs), neuropathic pain (caused by damage to nerves), and psychogenic pain (originating in the mind). Conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines are discussed in detail, along with common symptoms and the latest research on potential causes.

The course addresses the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications, including opioids, for pain management. Bruce provides guidance on how to use medications safely and effectively, with an emphasis on the importance of following dosing instructions and communicating openly with healthcare providers.

Non-medication treatments for pain are also explored. These include physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, and other complementary and alternative therapies. The course provides a balanced view of these treatments, weighing the potential benefits against any known risks or limitations.

Finally, viewers are given practical advice on managing pain in everyday life. This includes tips on exercise, sleep, nutrition, and stress reduction, as well as strategies for coping with pain flare-ups and avoiding situations that can worsen pain. Family and caregivers are encouraged to take an active role in supporting loved ones with chronic pain.

Throughout the course, Bruce emphasizes the importance of taking a multi-disciplinary approach to pain management. Rather than relying solely on medications or a single therapy, she encourages viewers to consider an array of treatments that address the complex, multidimensional aspects of pain. Pain relief is not always possible, but by working with healthcare providers and making lifestyle changes, individuals with chronic pain can improve their quality of life and find ways to minimize its impact.

Overall, The Mayo Clinic Guide to Pain Relief is an informative and comprehensive course that is accessible to both medical professionals and laypeople. Bruce's clear and engaging presentation style makes the material easy to understand, even for those without a background in pain management. Those who suffer from chronic pain or work with those who do will find valuable information and practical guidance in this course.

The Mayo Clinic Guide to Pain Relief is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between March 3, 2017 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection