How the Brain + Pain Work

Chronic pain isn’t just about what’s happening in the body, it’s about what’s happening in the brain, too. In this episode, Lyndsay Soprano is joined by Dr. Mark Olson for a conversation that unpacks the deeper layers of pain—where neuroscience, trauma, and lived experience all intersect. Dr. Olson brings a trauma-informed lens to the table, helping us understand how pain is shaped not only by physical injury but by emotion, memory, and the nervous system’s learned responses. Together, they explore why chronic pain is so often misunderstood, and how a deeper understanding—by both patients and practitioners—can shift everything. They talk about the brain’s incredible ability to adapt, how coping mechanisms develop as survival tools, and why compassion and connection are just as critical as treatment plans. This episode offers more than information—it offers validation for those who’ve been told their pain is “all in their head,” and clarity for those still trying to make sense of it all. Tune in if you’re ready to rethink what pain really is, and how healing might start with being truly seen. Find Dr. Mark Olson Online Here: Website: dr-olson.com Instagram: @dr.markolson Facebook: Dr. Olson LinkedIn: Mark Olson Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here: Website: thepaingamepodcast.com Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Neuroscience (01:47) Understanding Pain: The Science Behind It (08:48) The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care (12:23) Navigating the Pain Game: Personal Experiences (19:47) The Complexity of Pain Perception (25:35) The Duality of Existence: Living with Pain (31:29) Educating Practitioners and Patients (42:33) Conclusion and Resources for Chronic Pain Management