Laura Simons is a clinical psychologist and an authority on pain, particularly chronic pain in childhood, which is much more common than widely understood. Most people don't even think chronic pain happens in children, says Simons. The consequences, however, are serious, ranging from learning gaps from missed school to social isolation and even depression. Better treatment begins with a better understanding of the science of pain, as Simons tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Laura Simons | Stanford Medicine
• International Association for the Study of Pain | IASP  (Website for the association Laura mentions)
• Beth Darnall  (Beth Darnall’s website, founder of Empowered Relief)
• Empowered Relief  (Program Laura works with for pain management)
• TrainPain  (Program Laura is working with on virtual realities studies for pain relief)

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction 

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Laura Simons and her research on chronic childhood pain.

(00:02:34) Understanding the Scope and Causes of Childhood Chronic Pain

Common forms of childhood pain, its underlying causes, and the impact of unrecognized chronic conditions.

(00:05:08) Diagnostic Challenges and Family Dynamics

The difficulties in diagnosing chronic pain in children and adolescents, and the role of family in recognizing and managing a child's chronic pain.

(00:07:38) The Impact of Chronic Pain on Children's Lives

How chronic pain affects children's daily lives, from school attendance and social interactions to the broader family impact.

(00:10:15) Transitioning from Adolescent to Adult Pain Management

The challenges young people face as they move from pediatric to adult pain management systems and the importance of tailored transitional programs.

(00:12:07) Treatment Approaches and Innovations

Treatment strategies for childhood chronic pain, emphasizing non-pharmacological approaches such as behavioral interventions and physical therapy.

(00:19:14) Empowered Relief Program and Its Adaptation for Teens

The Empowered Relief program, adapted for teens, focusing on pain science education and the development of coping strategies. 

(00:23:48) Exploring Virtual Reality and Sensory Retraining Techniques

Advanced treatment methods, including the use of virtual reality to enhance physical therapy and sensory retraining techniques to manage pain sensitivity.

(00:28:57) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook