Chronic Pain Explained | Central Sensitization, Mind-Body Healing and Psychology of Pain

In this episode, Dr. Ryan Peebles, Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of Core Balance Training, explores one of the most misunderstood aspects of recovery, the psychology of pain. He breaks down how pain is not just a signal from the body, but an experience created in the brain, influenced by beliefs, emotions, and learned neural patterns. Drawing from neuroscience and the work of Dr. John Sarno and Lorimer Moseley, he explains central sensitization and how learning, awareness, and gentle movement can rewire your brain to reduce pain sensitivity. You’ll learn why chronic pain isn’t always a sign of damage, how to “de-threaten” pain through understanding, and how to use knowledge as medicine. This episode covers: How the brain creates and amplifies pain signals Central sensitization: why chronic pain persists after healing The difference between acute pain and learned pain Why pain does not always mean tissue damage How emotions, beliefs, and stress influence pain sensitivity Learning as therapy: how understanding pain changes the brain The power of awareness and knowledge to calm the nervous system Practical steps to move safely despite pain Q&A: hamstring cramping during the bridge exercise Q&A: cycling posture and back pain prevention Q&A: driving ergonomics and gentle core activation Q&A: best sleeping positions for spinal alignment Watch the free Core Balance Masterclass and start your 7-day free trial to experience the Back Anchor lesson firsthand and begin retraining your movement patterns from the inside out: https://www.corebalancetraining.com/masterclass Disclaimer: All content is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any exercise or rehabilitation program. Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 – What is pain really? The brain’s role in perception 00:02:30 – Pain as protection: why it’s created to prevent harm 00:05:00 – Non-tissue factors: emotions, beliefs, personality, and learning 00:07:00 – Central sensitization: how pain pathways become hypersensitive 00:09:00 – When pain persists after healing — and why it spreads 00:11:00 – Learning changes the brain: neuroplasticity and hope for recovery 00:13:00 – Chronic pain vs acute pain: why old signals keep firing 00:15:00 – Empowerment through knowledge: how understanding reduces fear 00:16:30 – Q&A: hamstring cramping during the bridge — what it really means 00:19:00 – Q&A: cycling posture, hip flexors, and “core cycling” tips 00:24:00 – Q&A: driving posture, subtle core activation, and breathing 00:30:00 – Q&A: sleeping positions — what actually matters 00:32:00 – Final thoughts: when pain is real but not harmful 00:35:00 – How to take power back from chronic pain