It is entirely normal for chronic pain treatments not to work for every patient — but that reality is rarely communicated clearly. This episode unpacks the concept of "number needed to treat" (NNT), explains the ecological fallacy, and walks through how to properly trial medications. Patients learn how to communicate their preferences and set realistic expectations, while clinicians gain tools to navigate therapeutic limitations with evidence-based language and greater transparency.

Resources:

www.iniyh.com

https://www.instagram.com/iniyhpodcast/

Timestamps:

00:00 Official Intro

00:17 Intro - It's normal for treatments not to work

03:07 Number Needed to treat within Neuropathic Pain

05:06 Trial it for 6 weeks

06:07 Context is important in Number needed to treat

10:23 It's an Average - the ecological fallacy

15:00 Why do we do it this way?

16:04 The experienced Clinician can predict

18:15 Develop good communication with your Physician

19:18 Evidence-Based Medicine

20:34 Final Point

21:54 Disclaimer