Summary
CNN's medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta discusses pain management in his new book, "It Doesn't Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life." Gupta shares personal experiences and explains how the brain processes pain, and how it can be managed through techniques like meditation and distraction.
Key Facts
- Sanjay Gupta is a neurosurgeon and CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent.
- Gupta describes a personal injury where he felt little pain at the time, which he credits to the body's natural pain relief.
- His book explores different causes of pain and treatments, including medication and mental techniques.
- Techniques like distraction and meditation can help reduce the perception of pain.
- The book highlights how the brain sometimes makes mistakes in processing pain, like with phantom limb pain.
- Gupta explains the body's endogenous opioid system, which can naturally ease pain.
- The book suggests that mental training can reduce pain perception.
- Gupta also touches on how the brain can misinterpret pain signals, leading to chronic pain.
