What If Pain Could Be Made Optional? | The Future With Hannah Fry
Scientists are studying pain to understand how our brains process it and how we can better manage it. Pain signals travel from the body to the brain, but the brain doesn't just add them up; it also considers memories, expectations, and even emotions. This means pain is a very personal experience. Some people, like Amy, suffer from constant, severe pain, while others, due to a rare genetic condition, cannot feel pain at all. Researchers are looking at how a single protein can stop pain signals, hoping to create new medicines to control pain. They are also learning that our thoughts and feelings, like anxiety or happiness, can change how much pain we feel. This suggests that traditional methods, which focus on the whole person, might be very helpful alongside modern medicine for managing long-term pain.
Key Vocabulary
To manage multiple activities or responsibilities simultaneously, often implying a delicate balance or skillful handling. In the context, it refers to the brain processing various inputs to form a perception of pain.
Examples:
- The project manager juggles several deadlines, ensuring each task is completed on time.
- As a parent, she constantly juggles work, childcare, and household chores.
- The software is designed to juggle data from various sources, presenting it in a unified dashboard.
To be diverted from the main topic, task, or course of action. It suggests a temporary deviation that might prevent progress on the primary objective.
Examples:
- During the meeting, we got sidetracked by a discussion about office decorations, delaying the agenda.
- He tends to get sidetracked by minor details, which can slow down his writing process.
- The detective was careful not to get sidetracked by false leads in the complex investigation.
Including or covering a wide range of things; comprehensive. As used, it describes how pain can feel like it affects every part of one's being.
Examples:
- The new curriculum is encompassing, covering subjects from science to the arts.
- His research provides an encompassing view of the historical period, touching on political, social, and economic aspects.
- The company's new policy is encompassing, applying to all employees regardless of their department.
A person who has faith or confidence in the existence or truth of something. In the video, it refers to someone who trusts in a particular approach or philosophy.
Examples:
- She is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking to achieve goals.
- He became a firm believer in renewable energy after witnessing its effectiveness.
- Despite initial doubts, the athlete became a believer in the new training regimen.
The sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences. In a broader sense, it can refer to the idea that one's actions determine their future outcomes.
Examples:
- Many people believe that good deeds lead to good karma, bringing positive experiences.
- She felt that her recent success was a result of good karma from her past generosity.
- According to the concept of karma, every action has a corresponding reaction.
A medical practitioner specializing in children and their diseases. In the context, it is the type of doctor who examined an infant.
Examples:
- The parents took their newborn to the pediatrician for a routine check-up.
- A pediatrician can provide guidance on childhood vaccinations and developmental milestones.
- She decided to become a pediatrician because of her love for working with children.
Characterized by comprehension of the parts of something as intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole. In the context of medicine, it refers to treating the whole person, including mind, body, and spirit, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.
Examples:
- The nutritionist recommended a holistic approach to wellness, focusing on diet, exercise, and mental well-being.
- Many traditional healing practices adopt a holistic view of health.
- The architect designed the building with a holistic perspective, integrating natural light and sustainable materials.
A lack of proportion or correlation between corresponding things. In the context of traditional Chinese medicine, it refers to a disruption in the body's natural equilibrium that can lead to illness or discomfort.
Examples:
- An imbalance in the ecosystem can lead to a decline in certain species.
- The economist noted an imbalance between supply and demand in the housing market.
- Stress can create an imbalance in the body's hormonal system.
A practitioner of acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing.
Examples:
- She consulted an acupuncturist to help manage her chronic migraines.
- The acupuncturist explained how the treatment could help alleviate muscle tension.
- Many athletes visit an acupuncturist for injury recovery and pain relief.
A shapeless mass or drop of something. In the context, it refers to the illuminated areas on an MRI scan that indicate brain activity.
Examples:
- The artist used large blobs of paint to create a textured background.
- He saw dark blobs moving in the distance, which turned out to be a flock of birds.
- The child's drawing featured colorful blobs representing flowers.
Easily influenced; pliable. In the context of the brain's response to pain, it suggests that perception can be shaped and changed.
Examples:
- The clay was very malleable, allowing the sculptor to create intricate details.
- Children's minds are often more malleable, making them receptive to new ideas.
- The company's strategy remained malleable, adapting to changing market conditions.
Tending to make someone very weak and infirm. It describes pain that is severe enough to significantly impair a person's physical or mental strength and ability.
Examples:
- The debilitating illness left her unable to perform daily tasks.
- Chronic fatigue can be a debilitating condition, affecting one's quality of life.
- The company faced a debilitating financial crisis after the market crash.
A device or substance that causes a physiological or psychological effect. In the context, it refers to a machine that sends signals to help manage chronic pain.
Examples:
- The doctor recommended a nerve stimulator to alleviate his back pain.
- Coffee acts as a natural stimulator, increasing alertness and energy.
- The new electronic stimulator helps muscles recover faster after exercise.
A system of complementary medicine in which fine needles are inserted in the skin at specific points along lines of energy (meridians), used in the treatment of various physical and mental conditions.
Examples:
- Many people turn to acupuncture for relief from chronic pain and stress.
- She decided to try acupuncture after other treatments for her migraines were unsuccessful.
- The practice of acupuncture has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
A set of tools, especially one kept in a bag or box. Metaphorically, it refers to a range of resources, strategies, or techniques available for a particular purpose.
Examples:
- The software engineer always carries a toolkit of diagnostic programs on his laptop.
- Developing strong communication skills is an essential part of a leader's toolkit.
- The workshop provided participants with a toolkit of practical strategies for conflict resolution.
To jab or prod with something pointed. In the context, it describes a specific action used to induce pain in a controlled scientific experiment.
Examples:
- He gave the fire a gentle poke with a stick to stir the embers.
- The doctor gave my knee a quick poke to test my reflexes.
- She felt a sudden poke on her shoulder and turned around.
A class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine. They are used to reduce pain but can be highly addictive.
Examples:
- The doctor prescribed opioids for severe post-operative pain, but with strict instructions on dosage and duration.
- Misuse of prescription opioids can lead to addiction and other serious health problems.
- Researchers are exploring non-opioid alternatives for pain management to reduce dependency.
Relieving pain. It describes medications or substances that reduce or eliminate the sensation of pain.
Examples:
- She took a painkilling tablet to alleviate her headache.
- The clinic offers various painkilling treatments for chronic conditions.
- The topical cream provided a painkilling effect on the sore muscle.
Relating to the anatomy, functions, and organic diseases of the nerves and nervous system. It describes conditions or processes that involve the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Examples:
- The patient was referred to a specialist for a neurological evaluation.
- Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder.
- Researchers are studying the neurological basis of memory and learning.
In a way that relates to the normal functions of living organisms and their parts. It refers to processes or changes that occur within the body's systems.
Examples:
- Exercise affects the body physiologically by increasing heart rate and metabolism.
- Fear can physiologically alter the body's response to stress.
- The drug works by physiologically blocking certain receptors in the brain.