Living With Chronic Pain? There is Hope! With Dr. Ming WangLiving With Chronic Pain? There is Hope! With Dr. Ming Wang
Recovery Recharged with Ellen Stewart Pushy Broad from the Bronx
Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention in the U.S. Defined as pain that persists for six months or more, chronic pain typically involves the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. We talk to...
56:01•10 Jan 2024
Living With Chronic Pain and Finding Hope: Dr. Ming Wang on Recovery Recharged
Episode Overview
- Chronic pain is defined by duration and can include biological, psychological, and social factors, with emotions strongly influencing pain perception.
- Full agonist opioids like morphine and oxycodone may worsen pain over time and often lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal.
- Safe detox from opioids is best done with medical support, frequently using buprenorphine to ease withdrawal symptoms and improve comfort.
- Effective chronic pain care addresses trauma, depression, anxiety, and overall emotional health alongside physical treatment.
- The primary goals of chronic pain management are improved function and quality of life, rather than chasing a zero pain score.
“There’s hope for people with chronic pain conditions. It’s not a hopeless situation.”
What drives someone to seek a life without relentless, chronic pain? This conversation between host Ellen Stewart and addiction medicine physician Dr. Ming Wang looks at that question from every angle – physical, emotional, and practical. You’ll hear Dr. Wang break down what pain actually is, how acute pain differs from chronic pain, and why someone can still hurt long after an injury or surgery “should” have healed.
He explains that chronic pain isn’t just about damaged tissue; the brain’s limbic system and emotions play a huge part, meaning stress, trauma, depression, and anxiety can all turn the pain dial up. A big focus here is the link between chronic pain and opioids. Dr. Wang talks through how commonly prescribed full agonist opioids like morphine and oxycodone can, over time, worsen pain perception and lead to dependence.
He describes how his team at a treatment centre safely detoxes people from these medications, often using buprenorphine, and why trying to go “cold turkey” at home can be both miserable and risky for those with serious health issues.
You’ll also get a clear sense of his approach to recovery: chronic pain treatment isn’t just about reducing a pain score, it’s about “improv[ing] their function and quality of life.” He shares an example of an older patient who arrived barely able to walk and left walking unaided, spending his remaining years more active and present with his family.
Alongside medication strategies, the episode touches on non-drug supports such as physical therapy, medical massage, acupuncture, movement, and healthier eating, all framed as realistic tools rather than magic fixes. If you or someone you care about is caught between pain and painkillers, this chat offers clarity, reassurance, and a simple but powerful message: chronic pain may be complex, but there is genuine hope for feeling better and living more fully.
How might your life change if pain stopped making all the decisions?
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