Where We Live: On Pain

Last week we explored the glorious world of pleasure. This week we’re turning the tables.  How does our brain process pain? 

Why do we sometimes hurt even when we have no apparent injury?  And why can we sometimes put up with physical extremes – and feel no pain?

Today, we’ll talk about pain thresholds, and the history of treating our aches.

Join us as we chronicle the science of suffering with author Melanie Thernstrom, author of “The Pain Chronicles.”

We’ll also hear an excerpt from “Radio Lab”, our favorite public radio science show, about the limits of the human body.  We hear from two Ironman competitors who tell us how they do what they do,  and a Physiologist who tells us how to trick the voice in your head that tells you you're exhausted. 

Take two advil – and join the conversation – on pain.