Dolorology (PAIN) Encore with Rachel Zoffness

In this encore episode of Ologies, host Alie Ward revisits her conversation with pain psychologist Dr. Rachel Zoffness, whose new book *Tell Me Where It Hurts* offers a transformative look at dolorology—the science of pain. The episode dismantles the myth that pain is solely a sign of physical injury, emphasizing instead that pain is a biopsychosocial experience constructed by the brain. Drawing from personal experience with chronic pain and her neuroscience training, Zoffness shares powerful case studies, including a teenager who overcame four years of bedridden suffering through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), illustrating how small, incremental changes can rewire the brain’s pain response. Key concepts like central sensitization, the pain dial metaphor, and neuroplasticity underscore the brain’s ability to amplify or reduce pain based on psychological and social factors. The discussion explores empathy-induced pain, the role of touch in pain modulation via gate control theory, and why intense pain—like childbirth—can be forgotten due to neurochemical flooding. Zoffness passionately critiques the lack of pain education in medical and psychological training, noting that 96% of U.S. and Canadian medical schools offer no mandatory pain education, fueling the opioid crisis and leaving patients isolated. She champions non-pharmacological tools like CBT, mindfulness, social support, and affordable resources such as her pain management workbook and upcoming book as essential for healing. The episode concludes with a call to action: seek support, challenge stigma, and recognize that chronic pain is treatable with the right tools and community. Alie Ward celebrates Zoffness as the 'Brene Brown of pain,' encouraging listeners to ask 'doofy' questions to foster connection and learning. The tone remains deeply empathetic, hopeful, and scientifically rigorous, blending personal stories with evidence-based strategies. From the science of phantom limb pain to the surprising pleasure found in masochistic experiences, the episode redefines pain not as a flaw, but as a complex, context-dependent signal shaped by the mind. The closing reflection on the comforting scent of Papier d'Arménie incense adds a sensory layer of emotional warmth, symbolizing how small, intentional pleasures can anchor us during suffering. Together, the conversation builds a compelling case for systemic change in healthcare and a more compassionate, holistic understanding of pain.