Episode 41: The Truth About Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia & The Brain | Dr Barbara Phipps
Healthily | 06/26/26
What if chronic pain isn't simply a problem with the body, but a protective response from the brain that has become overactive?
In this episode of Healthily, I’m joined by GP, pain specialist and educator Dr Barbara Phipps for a compassionate and eye-opening conversation about the science of chronic pain. Together, we explore why persistent pain is very real, why it's never "just in your head," and why recovery is possible.
Barbara explains how our understanding of pain has evolved, helping us see that the brain and nervous system play a central role in how pain is experienced. We discuss why stress, poor sleep, emotions, social isolation and previous life experiences can all influence pain, and how addressing these factors can help calm an overprotective nervous system.
Whether you're living with fibromyalgia, chronic primary pain, persistent pain after an injury, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers reassurance, practical strategies and genuine hope.
TAKEAWAYs
✔️ Chronic pain is real, even when scans or tests don't show ongoing damage.
✔️ Pain is always produced by the brain as a protective response, not simply a reflection of tissue injury.
✔️ Acute pain and chronic pain are different. While acute pain helps protect us from harm, chronic pain can persist long after the body has healed.
✔️ Conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic primary pain involve changes in how the nervous system processes pain, rather than ongoing injury.
✔️ Stress, poor sleep, trauma, emotions, social isolation and other life experiences can all increase the brain's sensitivity to pain.
✔️ Chronic pain is never "just in your head" or a sign that someone is imagining their symptoms.
✔️ The brain and nervous system are adaptable (neuroplastic), meaning pain patterns can change and improve over time.
✔️ Learning about pain neuroscience can reduce fear and become an important part of recovery.
✔️ Practices such as somatic tracking, gentle movement, improving sleep, spending time in nature and building social connection can help calm an overprotective nervous system.
✔️ Recovery is often gradual, but with the right approach, many people can reduce their pain and improve their quality of life.
✔️ Self-compassion is a powerful part of healing—chronic pain is not your fault, and you deserve support rather than blame.
✔️ Understanding pain differently can replace fear with hope and empower people to take positive steps towards recovery.
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