Mind Your Body

When Pain Gets Worse: Allostatic Load, Nervous System Dysregulation, and Expanding Your Window of Tolerance

Dr. Zev Nevo recounts a 90-minute visit with Emma, 26, who has had chronic pain since childhood but recently developed severe sensory overwhelm, brain fog, dissociation, and functional decline despite largely unchanged imaging after seeing 10 specialists. He reframes her worsening as reduced coping capacity and increased nervous system reactivity, explaining allostatic load, high-functioning freeze, psychophysiological coherence, and the window of tolerance, and noting traits like being a highly sensitive person. He emphasizes a “both/and” approach: structural findings (e.g...

When Grief Meets Pain, Episode 3: A Five-Step Healing Sequence

Dr. Zev Nevo presents episode three of “When Grief Meets Pain,” describing how major loss can rapidly worsen chronic pain by shifting the nervous system (including increased IL-6 inflammation, HPA-axis dysregulation, disrupted sleep, nucleus accumbens craving, and identity loss). He argues grief-informed pain care is essential and offers a five-step sequence: (1) stabilize the nervous system (coherence breathing, Safe and Sound Protocol, gentle somatic movement, grief-adapted sleep support) until feelings can be observed without total overwhelm; (2) name and witness all layers of loss with a sa...

Chronic Pain as Unnamed Grief: Invisible Loss, Ambiguous Loss, and the Selves It Changes

Dr. Zev Nevo argues that chronic pain is an often-unrecognized grief experience, especially when losses are unnamed, unmourned, and unsupported by cultural rituals. Citing a 2026 paper, he outlines four “epistemic barriers” that cause chronic-pain grief to be missed: grief is assumed to be only about death, the loss is invisible, it lacks a clear start date, and it is often misread as depression (distinguishing depression’s hopelessness from grief’s missing what was real). He describes five layered losses c...

Grief and Chronic Pain: Why Loss Amplifies Pain and What to Do About It

Dr. Zev Nevo introduces a three-part series on grief and chronic pain, describing a patient whose longstanding low back pain sharply worsened after her husband’s sudden death despite unchanged imaging, framing it as nervous system grief rather than bodily damage. He explains how grief disrupts the HPA axis and cortisol rhythm, increases inflammatory signaling (including a 2022 study of 111 bereaved spouses showing higher stress-related IL-6 rise in those with high grief symptoms), and activates reward circuitry (UCLA fMRI work showing nucleus ac...

Episode 25: Waking Up

Dr. Zev Nevo explores awareness and alertness as the key to “waking up” in the context of pain and healing, arguing that awareness is the most important thing because nothing has experiential value without it. He explains that pain requires alertness and can diminish with distraction, and that suffering reflects both sensation and our interpretation of threat, shaped by limbic sensitivity, past experiences, and cumulative stress/trauma. The nervous system’s survival responses (fight, flight, cry for help, freeze, shut down) are framed as protective rather than adversarial, and a flashlight metaphor illust...

Episode 24: High Definition Pain

Highly Sensitive Nervous Systems and Chronic Pain: Sensory Processing Sensitivity, Allostatic Load, and What Actually Helps

Dr. Zev Nevo explains how highly sensitive persons (HSPs)—a neurobiological trait affecting about 20–33% of people—may experience chronic pain differently due to heightened sensory processing and insula activity, leading to vivid pain descriptions often misread as catastrophizing. He describes “bidirectional sensitization,” where sensory sensitivity amplifies pain and chronic pain further sensitizes the nervous system, shaped by central sensitization, autonomic dysregulation, and allostatic load. The episode introduces the validated 27-item Highly Sensitive...

Episode 23: The Parts That Hurt - When Protection Becomes Pain

Episode Description

Ever feel like you're at war with yourself when dealing with chronic pain? One part of you wants to push through while another screams "stop!" In this episode, Dr. Zev Nevo explores Internal Family Systems (IFS) and how understanding the different "parts" of yourself can transform your pain experience. Learn why these internal conflicts keep your nervous system in threat mode—and what you can do about it.

00:00 Introduction to Chronic Pain and Internal Conflict

01:21 Un...

Expanding Gratitude Amidst Chronic Pain: Transforming Your Mind-Body Connection

In this Thanksgiving special episode, we explore the complex relationship between gratitude and chronic pain. We examine the neuroscience behind gratitude practices, Polyvagal Theory, the Window of Tolerance, how gratitude affects pain perception and emotional regulation, co-regulation in relationships, and practical ways to cultivate authentic gratitude while living with persistent pain—without falling into toxic positivity. Includes a guided 2-minute gratitude practice.

Episode Length: 41 minutes

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Compassion with Boundaries: Sustainable Support in Caregiving

In the final episode of the 'Partners in Pain' series, Dr. Zev Nevo explores the transformative concept of 'compassion with boundaries' as essential for sustainable caregiving. This episode highlights the role of empathy, the necessity of boundaries, and the impact of co-regulation in relationships affected by chronic pain. Dr. Nevo revisits the key points from earlier episodes, emphasizing the importance of self-care, concrete support actions, and maintaining partnership and intimacy despite the challenges of chronic pain. Practical strategies for both caregivers and chronic pain sufferers...

Mastering Empathy to Support Partners in Chronic Pain

In this episode of Mind Your Body, Dr. Zev Nevo delves into the practice of empathy as a learnable skill, not just an inherent trait, particularly in the context of supporting partners suffering from chronic pain. Dr. Nevo outlines Brene Brown’s four attributes of empathy: perspective taking, staying out of judgment, recognizing emotion, and communicating understanding. He contrasts cognitive empathy, which promotes sustainable compassion and genuine connection, with affective empathy that may lead to burnout and enmeshment. He also discusses practical strategies for caregivers, emphasizing the im...

In this episode of 'Mind Your Body,' Dr. Zev Nevo explores the profound impact of chronic pain on relationships. He highlights how chronic pain can build an invisible wall between partners, creating a shared struggle where both individuals feel isolated. Dr. Nevo introduces a three-part series called 'Partners in Pain' aimed at addressing these challenges. Through personal anecdotes and insights from Brene Brown's research on empathy, sympathy, and compassion, Dr. Nevo distinguishes between responses that drive disconnection and those that foster connection. He discusses the multiple burdens carried by individuals with chronic pain, including the emotional labor of...

Reframing Pain: Understanding Chronic Pain's Messages

In this episode of 'Mind Your Body,' Dr. Zev Nevo, a trauma-informed physician certified in physical and regenerative medicine, explores the complex relationship between pain and mind-body health. Dr. Nevo discusses how chronic pain can become a sensitized signal, not just a warning of physical harm but an attention-grabber that indicates unaddressed needs, boundary challenges, or misalignments with core values. By differentiating between pain as a smoke alarm (danger) and an alarm clock (a call to attention), listeners are guided on recognizing and interpreting pain signals to foster...

Episode 18: Journal Club Series | GLP-1 & GIP in Musculoskeletal Medicine: Hype or Hope?

In this episode of Mind Your Body, Dr. Zev Nevo explores the surprising roles of GLP-1 and GIP beyond blood sugar control. Could these incretin hormones be the next frontier for joint health, bone healing, and musculoskeletal medicine? With engaging analogies, real-world clinical reflections, and a journal club–style review of recent research, listeners will learn what’s hype, what’s hope, and what’s still unknown. Whether you’re a patient curious about new science or a healthcare provider considering implications for your pract...

Understanding Acceptance vs. Learned Helplessness in Pain Management

In this episode of 'Mind Your Body,' Dr. Zev Nevo explores the nuanced differences between acceptance and learned helplessness when dealing with pain and trauma. Using philosophical inquiries, a dystopian novel, and nature analogies, Dr. Nevo delves into how individuals process repeated adversity and trauma. He differentiates true acceptance, which fosters resilience and healing, from learned helplessness, which perpetuates a cycle of despair. He emphasizes the importance of community, introspection, and the mind-body connection in overcoming chronic pain and adversity, and offers practical...

Decoding and Recalibrating Pain Perception for Mind-Body Wellness

In this episode of Mind Your Body, Dr. Zev Nevo delves into the intricate process of how we recognize, interpret, and respond to pain. He discusses the brain's role in making sense of physical sensations and how survival instincts can sometimes misinterpret these signals, leading to chronic pain. Dr. Nevo explains the importance of recalibrating our internal systems through mindfulness and logic to align our pain responses accurately. By understanding and re-training our neural pathways, we can reduce the impact of chronic pain and...

Overcoming Pain: A Holistic Approach to Healing

In this episode of 'Mind Your Body,' Dr. Zev Nevo, a trauma-informed physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, delves into the science behind pain and recovery. Dr. Nevo outlines a comprehensive, phased approach to move from pain to healing by understanding and addressing both physical and emotional aspects. The episode covers the importance of recognizing and respecting pain, progressively restoring movement, building strength, and employing neuroplasticity to create healthier movement patterns. Additionally, it discusses the detrimental impact of negative emotional states on physical recovery and offers...

Breaking Up with Pain: Redefining Your Relationship with Physical Discomfort

In this episode of Mind Your Body, Dr. Zev Nevo delves into the critical distinction between pain as a sensation and suffering as the emotional response we attach to it. Dr. Nevo discusses why our brains resist breaking away from familiar patterns of pain and offers practical advice on how to emotionally and physically detach from pain. He emphasizes the importance of creating a healthy relationship with pain by focusing on activities we enjoy for our own sake, and not out of fear of pain...

Embracing Uncertainty to Heal Chronic Pain: The Power of 'Why Me?'

In this episode of 'Mind Your Body,' Dr. Zev Nevo explores the profound and often distressing question of 'Why me?' that many individuals with chronic pain ponder. Using personal anecdotes and evidence-based insights, Dr. Nevo explains how feelings of lost control and unfairness can trap us in a downward spiral of emotional and physical suffering. He emphasizes the importance of shifting our perspective to embrace uncertainty, practice gratitude, and consciously recognize what hasn't gone wrong. This approach, he argues, can rewire our brains...

In this episode of 'Mind Your Body,' Dr. Zev Nevo explores the profound connection between mind and body in the context of chronic pain and trauma. Through a series of introspective questions such as 'Where are you?', 'Who are you?', and 'What are you?', Dr. Nevo guides listeners to reflect deeply on their pain and its broader implications. He emphasizes the importance of self-inventory, understanding personal values, and aligning one's life with these values for holistic well-being. Drawing on his extensive experience in physical and regenerative medicine, Dr. Nevo provides practical advice and insights into...

Navigating Pain: A Personal Journey with Dr. Zev Nevo

In this deeply personal episode of 'Mind Your Body,' host Dr. Zev Nevo shares his recent struggles with severe pain and an upcoming spine surgery. He discusses the emotional and physical challenges of being both a physician and a patient, offering insights into the mind-body connection and the importance of metacognition. Dr. Nevo also reads a compelling poem he wrote during a moment of intense pain and reflects on the reciprocal compassion he has received from his patients. The episode concludes with...

Rewiring Habits: Overcoming Pain and Redefining Self

In this episode of 'Mind Your Body', Dr. Zev Nevo explores the intricate relationship between habits, pain, and self-identity. He discusses how habitual behavior patterns, particularly those related to movement and posture, can perpetuate physical pain and emotional distress. Dr. Nevo shares insights on the necessity of retraining the body and mind to break free from pain-induced limitations. He emphasizes the importance of self-worth and self-compassion in this journey and encourages listeners to actively engage in life beyond their pain, using the brain's plasticity to cultivate new, empowering...

Understanding Habits: The Science of Mind-Body Patterns

In this episode of 'Mind Your Body,' hosted by Dr. Zev Nevo, we explore the profound impact of habits on our thoughts, actions, and bodily movements. Dr. Nevo delves into the science behind habit formation, explaining how neural pathways in our brains become reinforced through repetition. He discusses how these ingrained habits, whether beneficial or detrimental, influence our physical health, posture, mindset, and emotional well-being. Discussing concepts like habitual hypervigilance and its effect on chronic pain and trauma, Dr. Nevo highlights the importance of...

Exploring the Mind-Body Connection: How Personality Affects Pain Perception

In this episode of 'Mind Your Body,' Dr. Zev Nevo dives into the fascinating interplay between personality and pain perception. Dr. Nevo, a board-certified physician in physical and regenerative medicine, shares his insights on how individual personality traits can shape one's experience of pain. He discusses how cultural messages and personal inclinations, such as high pain tolerance or people-pleasing tendencies, can influence pain management. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's own personality patterns and adopting practices like gentle movement and mindfulness to...

Unlocking Pain Communication: Beyond Words and Numbers

In this episode of 'Mind Your Body,' Dr. Zev Nevo explores the complex relationship between mind and body in the context of pain. He delves into neuroception and the challenges of describing internal pain to others. Drawing on insights from thinkers like Federico Faggin, Dr. Nevo emphasizes the importance of creative language and vivid metaphors in effective pain communication. He offers practical advice for both those experiencing pain and their caregivers, highlighting the crucial role of validation and empathetic listening. By understanding these dynamics, we can enhance...

Exploring Polyvagal Theory: The Power of Co-Regulation in Pain Management

In this episode of Mind Your Body, Dr. Zev Nevo delves into how our nervous system continuously scans for safety or threats, and how this impacts our experience of pain. He introduces the concept of co-regulation, the dynamic process where individuals help each other manage emotional and physiological states, and discusses its profound implications for those suffering from chronic pain. Utilizing Dr. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Nevo explains the three circuits of the autonomic nervous system—ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal—and how these influence our...

Exploring Pain: Understanding Our External Environment

In this episode of 'Mind Your Body,' host Dr. Zev Nevo delves into the complex relationship between our senses and pain perception. Building upon previous discussions on interoception and pain as more than mere sensation, Dr. Nevo explains how our sensory experiences and nervous system responses to our external environment influence our perception of safety and threat. Through vivid examples, such as a child's reaction to a thunderstorm, he illustrates how factors like sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste shape our emotional responses and pain mechanisms. He...

In this episode of Mind Your Body, Dr. Zev Nevo continues exploring the complex world of pain, diving into concepts like homeostasis, allostasis, and the role of the nervous system. Dr. Nevo explains different types of reflexes and how emotional states can manifest physically. Emphasizing the importance of learning the body's language, he discusses the impact of trauma on our nervous system and introduces the idea of interoception. The episode underscores the importance of accurately interpreting physical sensations and building emotional intelligence to manage pain and stress. Future episodes will delve into scanning our external environment and the role...

Understanding the Pain Experience

In this episode of Mind Your Body, Dr. Zev Nevo delves into the complex science of pain perception, explaining how our brains and bodies interpret pain beyond mere physical sensations. He reveals the significance of our emotional and psychological states in shaping our pain experiences and discusses the concept of neuroplastic pain. By understanding the role of our mindset and past experiences, Dr. Nevo emphasizes the power of reappraisal and how it can alter our response to pain. This episode sets the stage for future discussions on how...

Mind Your Body: The Power of Mindfulness with Dr. Zev Nevo

In this episode of 'Mind Your Body,' Dr. Zev Nevo introduces the importance of awareness and mindfulness as fundamental skills for achieving optimal physical health and well-being. He discusses how mindfulness — present moment awareness — allows us to truly experience and observe our thoughts, emotions, and sensations without reacting to them. By recognizing that we are not our thoughts and understanding the difference between emotions, thoughts, and feelings, Dr. Nevo emphasizes the significance of conscious breathing and neutral observation. The episode delves into how mindfulness can help...

Join Dr. Zev Nevo in this insightful episode of "Mind Your Body" as he explores the transformative impact of mindfulness and awareness. 

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