Episode Summary

In this milestone episode, we celebrate the completion of the book and the upcoming launch, while reflecting on the journey of writing and sharing the pain management strategies. The episode dives into the goal of providing a resource that can help guide readers and patients through the complex world of pain, with a focus on practical tools, professional advice, and ongoing support. There’s a look back at how far the book has come, the exciting future ahead with workshops and online courses, and the importance of community and collaboration in making this work possible.

Key Topics Covered

· The Book is Complete!: Celebrating the completion of the book and the official launch, marking a huge milestone in the journey to help others manage pain.

· The Purpose of the Book: A reminder that the book offers observations, facts, and suggestions as a guide to pain management but doesn’t claim to have all the answers. It encourages individuals to seek personalized, one-on-one professional care.

· Playbook and Interviews with Providers: Highlighting the playbook that accompanies the book, featuring interviews with 16 healthcare professionals who share their unique perspectives on pain care from various clinical specialties.

· Personal Experience with Pain: The host shares their own personal journey with neck pain, offering insights into what works and what doesn’t, and how they manage their own pain triggers—biomechanics, biochemistry, and stress biology.

· The Future: Plans for upcoming online courses, events, and workshops to continue spreading the information in the book and connect with a broader audience. Also, a special invitation to join the Substack community for exclusive bonus content.

· Acknowledging the Community: A heartfelt thank you to the contributors and supporters who made the book possible, emphasizing that this is a community-driven effort.

Preview to Next Episode

With the book launch underway, don’t miss the upcoming online courses, workshops, and community events designed to bring this work to life. We’ll be diving deeper into the methods outlined in the book and exploring real-world applications with special bonus material on Substack—more details coming soon!

Connect and Subscribe

Subscribe to Better Pain Coping on Substack for insights, community discussions, and practical tips to support your body-machine. Claim your free yearlong subscription today!

· Join Better Pain Coping on Substack: For your free yearlong subscription use: dryalingliou.stubstack.com/listener

A community space to share reactions, questions, and experiences.

• Bonus Content & Illustrations: Access exclusive material on Substack to deepen your understanding of the concepts discussed.

Workshop link: https://signup.yalingliou.com/

Keywords

Pain management, book launch, health resources, neck pain, pain relief strategies, stress biology, biochemistry, biomechanics, professional guidance, online courses, workshops, Substack, healthcare providers, personalized pain care.

#PainManagement #BookLaunch #NeckPainRelief #HealthResources #StressBiology #Biochemistry #Biomechanics #SubstackCommunity #PainCareJourney #PainReliefTools

From the book series: The Everyday Pain Guide

• Volume 1: Put Out the Fire

• Volume 2: Fix the Fire Damage

Episode Summary

In today’s episode, we dive into Billie’s experience with disabling neck pain, exploring how stress biology plays a significant role in their recurring symptoms. Despite taking action with various recovery plans, Billie’s ongoing emotional stress and physical symptoms, such as chronic neck tension and headaches, persist. We examine how Billie’s emotional stress, hormonal shifts, and coping mechanisms contribute to their pain and explore steps to regain control and reduce flare-ups over time.

Key Topics Covered

· Workplace Stress and Chronic Pain: Billie’s neck stiffness and headaches have worsened over time, with ongoing workplace stress playing a central role in these flare-ups.

· Headache Management and NSAID Use: Billie’s overuse of ibuprofen for pain relief is contributing to a cycle of rebound headaches. We discuss strategies to break this cycle and alternative pain management.

· Emotional Coping Strategies: Billie’s tendency toward toxic avoidance and difficulty with setting boundaries is amplifying their stress. As they navigate perimenopause, new emotional strategies are needed.

· Sleep Disturbances and Perimenopause: Billie’s difficulty with sleep, hot flashes, and racing thoughts are exacerbated by hormonal changes. The importance of consulting a healthcare provider for possible hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is discussed.

· Grief and Aging Concerns: The recent death of a close friend triggers Billie’s fears about aging and health, contributing to heightened pain perceptions.

· Sensory Memories for Stress Relief: We explore the power of sensory memories from Billie’s carefree past to help counteract anxiety and emotional stress.

Conversation Starter

Do you have any sensory memories from your past that bring back feelings of joy or relaxation? What scents, sounds, or sights could you use to help ease stress and shift your mindset? Share your favorite ways to tap into joyful memories when you’re feeling overwhelmed!

Preview to Next Episode

Next time, we’re wrapping up the entire book with a special afterword. Don’t miss it as we reflect on the journey of healing, growth, and pain management throughout the series!

Connect and Subscribe

Subscribe to Better Pain Coping on Substack for insights, community discussions, and practical tips to support your body-machine. Claim your free yearlong subscription today!

· Join Better Pain Coping on Substack: For your free yearlong subscription use: dryalingliou.stubstack.com/listener

A community space to share reactions, questions, and experiences.

• Bonus Content & Illustrations: Access exclusive material on Substack to deepen your understanding of the concepts discussed.

Keywords

Stress biology, chronic neck pain, emotional stress, headache relief, perimenopause, toxic avoidance, pain management, sleep issues, hormone replacement therapy, grief and pain, sensory memories, musculoskeletal pain, self-care strategies, neck stiffness.

#StressBiology #ChronicPain #NeckPain #PainRelief #Perimenopause #EmotionalHealth #Headaches #SelfCare #HormoneTherapy #GriefAndHealth #SensoryHealing

From the book series: The Everyday Pain Guide

• Volume 1: Put Out the Fire

• Volume 2: Fix the Fire Damage

Episode Summary

In today’s episode, we continue following Charlene’s recovery journey and the role of stress biology in managing her mid-back and chest pain. After implementing strategies from the Body Mechanics and Body Chemistry Action Plans, Charlene still faces new challenges, including muscle tension, anxiety, and the physical toll of caregiving for her aging mother. We explore how her stress biology plays a crucial role in her pain management, and what steps she can take to address underlying issues like emotional stress, poor sleep, and physical tension.

Key Topics Covered

· Charlene’s work with a functional medicine doctor has helped improve her digestion and hydration, leading to less pain and greater stability in her torso.

· Stress biology and autonomic nervous system responses: Charlene experiences symptoms linked to unresolved emotional stress, like rising shoulders, neck tension, and muscle tightness.

· The connection between panic attacks, caffeine, and epinephrine inhalers: How Charlene’s anxiety symptoms are contributing to her physical pain.

· The significance of deep breathing, rest, and self-care: Practical steps Charlene can take to soothe her sympathetic nervous system and reduce her embodied stress.

· The embodied stress response: Charlene’s posture reflects her stress, and understanding this link can help her manage pain better.

· Caregiver stress and role reversal: Charlene’s emotional strain from her mother’s dementia is influencing her physical symptoms, including short-temperedness and difficulty with sleep.

Conversation Starter

How do you handle stress when life feels overwhelming? Are you aware of how your stress might be affecting your body? Share your experiences and let’s discuss how emotional stress can sometimes be the hidden trigger for chronic pain.

Preview to Next Episode

Next time, we’ll dive into Billie’s ongoing battle with neck pain and stiffness, exploring the role of stress biology in her pain patterns and what steps she’s taking to find relief.

Connect and Subscribe

Subscribe to Better Pain Coping on Substack for insights, community discussions, and practical tips to support your body-machine. Claim your free yearlong subscription today!

· Join Better Pain Coping on Substack: For your free yearlong subscription use: dryalingliou.stubstack.com/listener

A community space to share reactions, questions, and experiences.

• Bonus Content & Illustrations: Access exclusive material on Substack to deepen your understanding of the concepts discussed.

Keywords

Stress biology, chronic pain, back pain, stress management, autonomic nervous system, caregiver stress, emotional health, anxiety and pain, self-care, body mechanics, functional medicine, neck tension, muscle tension relief, panic attacks, caregiving support.

#StressBiology #PainRelief #ChronicPain #SelfCare #BodyMechanics #FunctionalMedicine #AnxietyAndPain #BackPain #CaregiverStress #NervousSystemHealing #HealingJourney

From the book series: The Everyday Pain Guide

• Volume 1: Put Out the Fire

• Volume 2: Fix the Fire Damage