Brain Loops & Backaches: A New Understanding of Chronic Pain

What if chronic pain isn't always what it seems?

Inspired by The Way Out by Alan Gordon, let’s take a fresh look at the surprising role the brain can play in long-term pain—and how shifting our relationship with pain might create room for real change. The book explains how fear, stress, and past experiences can keep the brain “stuck” in protective patterns, even after the body has healed.

No pressure to read the full book—just check out the short article and video below for context.

• Article: A personal and insightful review of The Way Out, including key takeaways and real-life examples of how pain can shift when we change how we relate to it.
  Read the article

• Video: In this episode of Mayim Bialik's Breakdown, Alan Gordon breaks down the connection between pain, fear, and the brain—and shares simple tools that can make a big difference.
  Watch on YouTube

Possible Discussion Starters

• Did anything in the article or video surprise you or shift how you think about pain?
• Have you ever noticed a connection between stress, fear, or tension and physical discomfort?
• What do you think it means for the brain to “get stuck” in pain—and does that idea resonate with any of your experiences?