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Feel Better Now: Neurosurgeon Reveals the New Science of Healing Your Body & Stopping Pain Today

2025-10-16 People & Blogs
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Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins
5.7m subscribers

Neuroplasticity and Lifestyle: Groundbreaking Science for Managing Chronic Pain

Stop treating pain only as a physical symptom; learn how optimizing your lifestyle and understanding your brain's role unlocks innovative, non-pharmacological pathways to lasting relief.

Short Summary

  • Chronic pain affects over 50 million adults in the US and is the fastest-growing condition nationally.
  • Pain perception is highly integrated, meaning lifestyle factors (sleep, stress, mood) profoundly affect pain intensity for the exact same injury.
  • New research confirms the brain can actively rewire pain pathways (neuroplasticity), offering hope beyond traditional methods.
  • Aggressive use of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) might paradoxically increase the likelihood of developing chronic pain after acute injury.

This episode maps the groundbreaking science connecting mental state and physical sensation, featuring neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Readers gain insights into why pain persists (the "baggage attached" phenomenon) and receive practical, evidence-based protocols, like the MeAT strategy, designed to activate the body's natural pain-relief system.

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Description

Order your copy of The Let Them Theory 👉 https://melrob.co/let-them-theory 👈 The #1 Best Selling Book of 2025 🔥 Discover how much power you truly have. It all begins with two simple words. Let Them. — In today’s episode, you’re going to learn the new science of healing your body, stopping pain, and feeling better now. One of the world’s most respected neurosurgeons and medical experts alive is here to reveal the new frontiers in pain management and how you can feel better in your body starting today. Whether you’ve been living with a chronic condition, you’re dealing with an injury that just happened, or you’re listening for a loved one, you’re going to learn so much from our expert. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, MD is a world-renowned neurosurgeon, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, and author of the New York Times bestselling book, “It Doesn't Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life.” In this conversation, you’ll learn: -The new science of chronic pain -Why your pain is real, even when doctors can’t find the cause -The groundbreaking pain management options that are available to you that work with your body's natural intelligent systems of healing -How to prevent acute injuries from turning into chronic pain -How your nervous system stores pain -The 5 steps to start feeling better -The biggest myths about healing (and what you should never do right after an injury) -Specific interventions you can try, without medication or surgery, to start feeling better now -How to support a loved one who is in pain or dealing with a chronic illness You’ll walk away with a new understanding of pain and a real path to relief – starting today. For more resources related to today’s episode, click here for the podcast episode page: https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-334/ Follow The Mel Robbins Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themelrobbinspodcast I’m just your friend. I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. Got it? Good. I’ll see you in the next episode. In this episode: 00:00 Meet the Guest 03:08 What is Chronic Pain? 09:30 How to Use Your Mind to Control Pain 16:59 The Future of Pain Medicine 23:38 Why Meditation is a Powerful Tool in Managing Pain 29:23 The Incredible Rubber Hand Research Study That Proves We Can Fake Pain 37:12 Why Physical Activity is Important for Pain Management 44:58 Train Your Brain to Manage Pain 53:43 Why Does My Jaw Hurt? 56:46 How to Reduce Pain — Follow Mel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melrobbins/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@melrobbins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melrobbins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melrobbins Website: http://melrobbins.com​ — Sign up for Mel’s newsletter: https://melrob.co/sign-up-newsletter A note from Mel to you, twice a week, sharing simple, practical ways to build the life you want. — Subscribe to Mel’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/melrobbins​?sub_confirmation=1 — Listen to The Mel Robbins Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop every Monday & Thursday! https://melrob.co/spotify https://melrob.co/applepodcasts https://melrob.co/amazonmusic — Looking for Mel’s books on Amazon? Find them here: The Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/3IQ21Oe The Let Them Theory Audiobook: https://amzn.to/413SObp The High 5 Habit: https://amzn.to/3fMvfPQ The 5 Second Rule: https://amzn.to/4l54fah

Top Comments (10)

@publicmetals5213 2025-10-16

After reading some of the contents I decided to add mine. I had serious knee pain for over 1.5 years. Some doctors told me there is no cure. Some doctors told me need an operation. In the last year I did UPW with Tony Robins then got a life coach and also listen to Mel Robins at least 3 times a week. My mindset and beautiful state has changed everything. No more knee pain. No more anxiety and no more depression. I was able to change my whole life around. I love everyone and everything. I enjoy the tiny things like sunrise in the morning or walk in the nature. I have created exercises like empty the dishwasher is giving me love. Each item I pull and put away gives me love. I love my life now and love everything around me. I want to thank to my wife to be patient and my kids. I’m meditating every morning. Usually 10 minutes but sometimes just 5 when running out of time. My favorite exercise to stack all the love and great fullness on top of each other in my mind and then double it and double it again and double some more then go 10x times… I hope this helps someone! I’m sending the love to everyone. I will think of you in my meditation tomorrow…

189 8 replies
@DeemMalicious 2025-10-16

When I stopped drinking and changed my life 10 months ago, I began to pay attention to what I eat and how much exercise I get. I went from 210 lbs to just under 170 lbs. I'm a 5'10", 43 year old male who put his body through hell during the course of my life. I feel more energized and stronger than I have felt in my 20s. Thank you, Mel for being a part of my wellness journey.

102 6 replies
@InfinityHealthPilates 2025-10-16

Physical therapist 40 years here. Read Sarnos book when it first came out. Pain is in the brain. I’ve always treated that way. The sooner you can get people out of the pain loop the better they heal and recover. Pain reprocessing is the treatment I use now along with my treatments. Meditation regularly helps break the repetitive thought of “I hurt”. It takes regular practice and it works. Because your issues are in your tissues. And movement heals. The sooner you move the better your recovery

55 8 replies
@SarahMullins-n5b 2025-10-16

I'm an occupational therapist working in the NHS and it's a huge issue for patients in England too. I'm loving this Mel. 🥰

36 3 replies
@sheilanorton3816 2025-10-16

To wake up without pain like when I was younger would be so very wonderful. I can remember literally hopping outta bed to go play.

34 1 replies
@TheLrg2121 2025-10-23

I just recently experienced this.... I'm in my late 40s... I started to develop lower back and hip pain... I did not want to live my life with this pain... so I started walking, which turned into jogging 4-6 miles. I stretched frequently, which has developed into yoga once a week and I stopped drinking and cleaned up my diet and took vitamins, which has led to 15 lbs weight loss! 5 months later... my lower back and hip pain is gone!!! 🎉

11
@mokshaknittings1555 2025-10-16

PsycoTherapy, meditation, psilocybin micro doses, contact with nature and real friends ❤❤❤

10
@blisssyyyyy 2025-10-16

The fact this was uploaded in the middle of the night. Someone putting in work. I am so fkn tired. I looked up Mel robins needing some inspiration this morning. Wishing you all a happy life.

9
@joanshaw1520 2025-11-04

If you believe that what he says won't work, you're right - it wont work for you. If you believe that what he says will work, you're right - it will work for you. E-med Physician Assistant here, "retired" by Fibromyalgia. Kept a journal, for a year, of everything I ate, drank, thought, did, felt. Used Sarno's books and experts ( mostly online)with personal experience in FMS/CFS/ME. It took 8 years, but I went from fistfuls of marginally helpful meds to nearly zero pain on no meds. Hang in there. Don't quit. You owe it to yourself. You deserve it.

4
@elisabethdriscoll2711 2025-10-18

I have lower back pain for 5 years, i was always working hard as a single mother, lots of stress, always worry about my life, kids, bills, moving from a home in the US to a bedroom at my parents for 3 years... no help from anyone, then corano came, my life was stopped and my lower back started to be very painfull, lots of visits to the doctors, back specialist, therapy, yoga etc..no relief, one therapist said it was. psychosomatic.... Thank you Mel for having him on!❤

4

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