Understanding Pain
Pain is complex, and understanding it is an important part of the healing journey.
Many people living with persistent pain have never been given clear explanations about why pain occurs and how the nervous system works to protect us. Learning about modern pain science can help reduce fear, improve understanding, and support a more compassionate relationship with the body.
This page is intended as an informational guide — a place to explore videos, websites, and books that provide insight into pain, the mind-body connection, and approaches to managing persistent pain.
Video Resources
Explain Pain in 5 Minutes
Learn the basics of modern pain science in just five minutes — discover why your body hurts and how pain protects you.
Why Things Hurt — Lorimer Moseley (TEDxAdelaide)
Discover how pain works in the body and brain, why it can sometimes feel overwhelming, and how understanding it can help you respond differently.
Tame the Beast — It’s Time to Rethink Persistent Pain
A clear, animated explanation of chronic pain, showing how the nervous system processes pain and offering insight into why it can feel overwhelming at times.
Educational Resources
Pain Revolution — An Australian initiative dedicated to improving pain education and care.
Tame the Beast — A friendly and easy-to-understand website that explains persistent pain in simple language. It helps you learn how the nervous system can become overprotective and offers practical ideas for retraining the system and building confidence with movement.
NOI Group (Neuro Orthopaedic Institute) — Educational resources and training in modern pain science, particularly valuable for clinicians and those working in the pain field.
Pain Health — Evidence-based pain education created by Australian pain specialists and researchers.
Retrain Pain Foundation — Practical, accessible resources exploring chronic pain and nervous system sensitisation, available in multiple languages.
Reading
Living with chronic pain is a journey, and the right words can make a real difference. These books have informed my approach to pain and healing, and I hope they offer you insight, comfort, and tools for your own path. Wherever possible, I'd encourage you to support your local independent bookstore — you can also find them through retailers like Amazon, Booktopia, or The Nile.
Explain Pain — David Butler & Lorimer Moseley
A gentle guide to understanding why your body feels pain and how it protects you, explained in simple, easy-to-follow language.
(Available in paperback and commonly in Kindle/e‑book editions — in-depth / science-focused; paperback recommended for illustrations.)
The Brain That Changes Itself — Norman Doidge
A fascinating and hopeful look at how the brain can adapt and change. Through real stories of people and researchers, this book explores the concept of neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to rewire itself — in a way that’s engaging and understandable for general readers.
(Available in paperback, Kindle/e‑book, and often audiobook formats — accessible / story‑based.)
Painful Yarns — Lorimer Moseley
Stories and reflections that make the experience of pain relatable and easier to understand, blending real-life examples with gentle explanations of how pain works.
(Available in paperback and often in digital/e‑book formats — accessible / story-based.)
Back Up — Liam Mannix
Explores why back pain can be confusing and frustrating, sharing insights from research and real-life experiences to help make sense of it.
(Available in paperback and often in e‑book/digital formats — accessible / narrative & science mix.)
The Way Out — Alan Gordon
Offers practical ideas for living with persistent pain and easing its impact on daily life, explained in a way that’s easy to understand and apply.
(Available in paperback and digital formats including e‑book and often audiobook — accessible / practical.)
It Doesn’t Have to Hurt — Dr Sanjay Gupta
Guides you through practical ways to reduce pain and care for your body, using everyday strategies and simple explanations.
(Available in paperback and usually in digital/e‑book formats — accessible / practical.)
Truth — Nichole J Sachs
Explores the mind-body connection and psychology of pain, helping readers understand how emotions and thoughts can influence their experience of pain.
(Available in paperback and often in digital/e‑book formats — in-depth / mind-body focus.)
Healing Back Pain & The Divided Mind — John E Sarno
Classic books exploring the connection between stress, emotions, and chronic pain, offering a perspective on how the mind can influence physical symptoms.
(Available in paperback and often in e‑book formats — in-depth / mind-body perspective; more historical context, best paired with modern pain science.)
Pain & Prejudice — Gabrielle Jackson
Explores how social, cultural, and systemic factors shape the way women experience and are treated for pain, offering insight into the broader context of living with pain.
(Available in paperback and often in e‑book formats — in-depth / social & cultural perspective.)
A Gentle Note
The resources shared here are for educational purposes and are not intended to replace medical care. If you have concerns about your health or pain, please consult your healthcare provider.