With gratitude to Dr. Peter Ubel and Forbes for highlighting the research of neuroscientist Susanne Becker
Source: “A Better Way Of Managing Chronic Pain—Courtesy Of Pavlov” (Forbes, June 10, 2025)
Full article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterubel/2025/06/10/a-better-way-of-managing-chronic-paincourtesy-of-pavlov/
For those of us living with chronic pain, the idea that we can train our brain to experience pain differently may sound like wishful thinking. After all, we’ve been through treatments, surgeries, pills, and promises—and most of us are still in pain. The idea that Pavlov, best known for making dogs salivate to the sound of a bell, might offer insight into pain relief seems far-fetched… until you read what Dr. Peter Ubel has to say.
In his recent Forbes article, Ubel—physician and behavioral scientist—summarizes groundbreaking research led by neuroscientist Susanne Becker. Her team asked a bold question: What if pain and reward could be paired to change how we emotionally and cognitively experience pain—even if the sensation remains?
What They Found
Becker’s team exposed participants to quick bursts of painful heat while using Pavlovian conditioning: some received a reward (money) after each painful stimulus, others did not. Over time, those who were rewarded felt the same pain—but it bothered them less. Surprisingly, they became more sensitive to the sensation (they noticed it more quickly) but felt less distressed by it.
In other words, they didn’t lose the pain—they lost the suffering.
Why This Matters
For those of us who have been told “it’s all in your head,” this research affirms something deeper: pain is real—but so is the power of our brain to reshape its impact.
Becker’s study confirms what many of us who live with pain already suspect: how we feel about pain, and what we think it means, has a profound influence on our quality of life.
It’s not about ignoring pain. It’s about decoupling the pain from the fear, frustration, and hopelessness that often come with it.
Reclaiming Power When Pain Persists
We may not be able to eliminate the sensation of pain. But we can take steps to change how pain affects our emotional and mental state.
Here are a few practical starting points:
- Ask your provider if you can work with a behavioral pain specialist, pain psychologist, or someone trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pain (CBT-P).
- Try reward pairing: When you get through a tough moment of pain, reward yourself with something small—music, a walk, a special snack, or a note of gratitude.
- Start a “pain response” journal: Track moments when pain didn’t upset you as much. What was different? Was your mood better? Did you feel in control? Were you distracted or rewarded in some way?
Let’s Be Clear
This isn’t a silver bullet. And it’s not a cure. But it is a promising direction—one that centers you, not just your diagnosis or medication list.
This approach acknowledges the whole person, not just the pain signals. It says: Your experience matters. Your brain can adapt. And you’re not out of options.
Call to Action: Let’s Reframe Pain Together
If you’re living with pain that just won’t go away, don’t give up hope. Instead, try asking a new question:
What would it take to feel less bothered by this pain—even if it’s still there?
That shift in focus could be the beginning of a better way.
💬 Reflection Prompt (for discussion or journaling):
“Can you think of a time when the pain was still there, but it didn’t take over your whole day? What helped?”
Pain doesn’t always have the final say. And with the right tools, rewards, and mindset—you can start changing your relationship to it. One small win at a time.
Disclaimer: The views, positions, and recommendations expressed in this article are based on my personal experiences and independent research. They are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA).