Arthritis Life

Climbing the Mountain of Chronic Pain: Dr Furlan on Pain

Episode Summary

Host Cheryl Crow, OT and Dr. Andrea Furlan, MD discuss the latest in pain science and help you understand how lifestyle factors like sleep and exercise can reduce chronic pain. They reflect on how the words we use about pain can make a difference, and Dr Furlan explains what “conquering” means in the context of her new book: “8 Steps to Conquer Chronic Pain a Doctor’s Guide to Lifelong Relief.” Dr. Furlan reminds listeners that while some people might question the severity of your pain, what you say is pain IS pain. She also shares her best advice for newly diagnosed patients: as you navigate the winding road of autoimmune arthritis, find support from those who've traveled it before - they can be your guide.

Episode Notes

Episode at a glance:

• Relation to autoimmune arthritis: Dr. Furlan is a physician at a pain clinic, a scientist at the rehab institute, and assistant faculty at the University of Toronto. She is a physiatrist who specializes in pain.
• Understanding Pain: Dr. Furlan explains how pain science is continually advancing and more information about how the brain processes pain is being discovered. There are different types of pain, and multiple systems in the body involved with the sensation/perception of pain.
• Your pain is valid: Some people might not see your pain, and you may be stigmatized, but what you say is pain, IS pain. If other people say you’re not in pain, it’s because they don’t understand the pain system.
• Language around pain: The words we use about pain can make a difference too. Cheryl and Dr. Furlan discusses different ways of approaching words like “conquer” or “defeat” in the context of living with a painful autoimmune condition.
• 8 steps for living better with pain: Dr Furlan explains strategies for exercise, sleep and more. For example, she recommends breaking up exercise into smaller “snacks” or movement breaks. She also shares the importance of quality sleep is important too, since it gives you energy for other lifestyle factors. Investigate if you have a treatable sleep condition (like sleep apnea), and then address your sleep hygiene/routines - including making sure you’re not sleeping too little or too much. Lifestyle factors are often interconnected, and taking care of your mental health and nutrition can also support sleep and exercise.
• Dr. Furlan’s best advice for newly diagnosed: Doing it alone is HARD. Find support, someone knowledgeable who’s climbed their mountain or helped others do it, who’ve traveled this road before - they can be your guide.

Medical disclaimer: 

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Episode Sponsors

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and group support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Full Episode Details plus Audio Transcription: 

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