The Mayo Clinic Guide to Pain Relief

Course Overview

A Mayo Clinic professor shows you science-based lifestyle choices that can help you manage chronic pain.

This 12-lecture course by Dr. Barbara K. Bruce provides:

• Neuroscience-based understanding of chronic pain

• Alternatives to opioid medications

• Strategies for exercise, stress reduction, and sleep improvement

• Tools to build a personalized pain management plan

Video Lectures

01: Why Pain Matters (30 min)

Understanding chronic pain’s impact through real patient case studies.

02: What Is Pain? (29 min)

How brain centers process pain signals and why holistic approaches work best.

03: Common Causes of Chronic Pain (32 min)

Exploring central sensitization syndrome and conditions like fibromyalgia.

04: Medication for Chronic Pain (31 min)

Evaluating risks/benefits of opioids, anti-inflammatories, and other drugs.

05: How Exercise Helps with Chronic Pain (33 min)

Why moderate movement reduces pain through endorphins and blood flow.

06: Manage Your Stress to Manage Your Pain (32 min)

Breaking the cortisol-pain cycle with behavioral changes.

07: Social Support for Pain Management (30 min)

How relationships improve health outcomes for chronic pain sufferers.

08: How to Sleep When You Have Pain (30 min)

Science-backed solutions for pain-related sleep disorders.

09: The Vicious Cycle of Pain and Mood (31 min)

Addressing the bidirectional relationship between pain and emotions.

10: Building a Pain Management Team (32 min)

Why your primary care physician should coordinate your care plan.

11: Creating a Pain Management Plan (29 min)

Developing personalized SMART goals for lifestyle interventions.

12: Active Sessions: Exercise and Relaxation (33 min)

Guided physical and meditation practices to begin your journey.