Shows
What a PainUnderstanding Diagnostic Uncertainty in Chronic PainIn this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Abbie Jordan, a psychologist and researcher from Bath University, who has made significant contributions to the field of chronic pain research, particularly in paediatric settings. Abbie’s work is highly regarded for its originality and its close link to clinical practice, making it both impactful and relevant.A key topic of discussion is diagnostic uncertainty, a situation where there is a lack of a clear diagnosis or explanation for pain, or where the provided diagnosis is not accepted by the patient or their family. Abbie explains th...2025-03-2157 min
What a PainChronic Pain in the ClassroomPodcast Notes: Chronic pain in the classroomHosted by Glyn Williams and Konrad JacobsIn the introduction, Glyn and Konrad discuss Jonathan Haidt’s book ‘The Anxious Generation’.In this episode, we welcome Dr. Deirdre Logan, a pediatric psychologist from Boston Children's Hospital as our special guest, to discuss the impact of chronic pain on school functioning in children and adolescents. Here are the key points from our conversation:Background and CareerImpact of Chronic Pain on School FunctioningDevelopmental DifferencesPredictors of School FunctioningPain-Related FactorsSchool AccommodationsHow parents and schools can help pa...2025-01-2951 min
What a PainAutism and Pain: Breaking Down Barriers to Understanding and TreatmentPodcast Notes: Autism and Pain: Breaking Down Barriers to Understanding and TreatmentHosted by Glyn Williams and Konrad JacobsGuests: Bethany Donahue and David Moore from Liverpool John Moores UniversityIn the podcast introduction, Glyn discusses Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), an immunological condition. He notes that MCAS has gained attention from a pain perspective, particularly with a noticeable rise in young patients presenting with this syndrome in our clinics. It is postulated that the syndrome is associated with pain diagnoses such as headache, abdominal pain and neuropathic pain. Glyn raises co...2024-11-081h 00
What a PainUnderstanding Chronic Post-Surgical Pain in Children: A Multidimensional ApproachUnderstanding Chronic Post-Surgical Pain in Children: A Multidimensional ApproachChronic pain after surgery is a significant issue that can profoundly impact the lives of children and their families. In this insightful episode of the "What a Pain" podcast, Dr. Fiona Campbell, an anesthesiologist and pain specialist from The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, shares her expertise on persistent post-surgical pain in pediatric patients.Through engaging discussions, Dr. Campbell explores the prevalence and risk factors associated with chronic post-surgical pain, shedding light on the often-overlooked psychological aspects of this condition. She emphasizes the...2024-09-1948 min
What a PainChronic Pelvic Pain in Teenagers and Young PeopleUnraveling the Mystery of Chronic Pelvic Pain in TeenagersKonrad starts the podcast by discussing an article that was published recently that discussed how artificial intelligence may be used in pain management.Chronic pelvic pain is a debilitating condition that affects a significant number of adolescent girls, often leading to missed school days, social isolation, and a profound impact on their quality of life. In this insightful podcast, Dr. Katie Vincent, a leading gynecologist with expertise in adolescent gynecology, sheds light on this complex issue.Dr. Vincent delves into the...2024-06-1753 min
What a PainSeason 1 FinaleThis is the season-ending 12th episode of the What a Pain Podcast. Glyn and Konrad are each other's special guests! They discuss their favourite place on earth, their pet hates (for Glyn this is people who say 'my bad', for Konrad it is the term 'medically unexplained symptoms'), their favourite articles/books, how they got into working in pain, and what they enjoy about their work. They also discuss some of the themes from the previous episodes, and their plans for the next season. Join us for this last episode of the season!Authors:...2024-02-2639 min
What a PainMake pain matter, make it understood, make it visible and make it betterIn this episode of the What a Pain podcast, we are pleased to introduce Professor Chris Eccleston, an academic from Bath University and a key contributor to the groundbreaking Lancet Commission published in 2021. With a substantial body of work, including 3 books and more than 280 research papers, he has solidified his reputation as a leading expert in health research, particularly in pain (management) and healthcare policy. His significant contributions to the Lancet Commission reflect his dedication to advancing global health initiatives. For those interested in delving deeper into his work, we recommend exploring his extensive bibliography. We will be referencing...2024-01-0848 min
What a PainChronic pain and mental healthIn this episode, Konrad initially explains why he is an idiot. He then talks about a symposium he attended at the ISPP conference in Halifax about the use of virtual reality in chronic pain. He explains why he remains to be convinced.The main guest is Dr Jane McNicholas, a clinical psychologist at Great Ormond Street hospital in London who has experience working in a mental health unit as well as the pain service at Great Ormond Street. She talks about her favourite book (by Russ Harris), mental health issues in chronic pain and the way she...2023-12-1446 min
What a PainInterdisciplinary pain programmesIn this episode, Glyn and Konrad initially discuss a symposium in Halifax, Canada they both attended about readiness for change prior to attending a pain management programme. Many young people find it difficult to make the transition from thinking about their chronic pain as an acute problem to a chronic problem. The strategies for dealing with either are very different. Not all young people are ready to make such a change in their thinking. The question is how we prepare young people better for their intensive rehabilitation programmes. Glyn talks about one of the studies that has one of...2023-11-1544 min
What a PainWhat happens to young people with chronic pain when they are adults?Glyn and Konrad are at an international conference about pain in children and adolescents in Halifax, Canada. First, they discuss some of the talks they found interesting. Their main guest is Dr Susmita Kashikar-Zuck, from Cincinnatti Children's Hospital and the university of Cincinnatti. They talk about 3 of the most interesting findings from her own research, and then discuss what happens to children and young people with chronic pain when they are adults. At the end, Glyn and Konrad argue about who is paying for beers.Dr Kashikar-Zuck's publication about the long-term outcomes of chronic...2023-10-1941 min
What a PainNeuropathic painIn this episode, Glyn and Konrad initially discuss an animation that was made by Verena Hinze, researcher at the University of Oxford. This animation is about teenagers with chronic pain giving advice to other teenagers with chronic pain. The link to the animation on Youtube can be found below.Next, they talk to Professor Suellen Walker. She is regarded as a world-wide expert on neuropathic pain in children and adolescents.She is a Reader and Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine and has worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) since 2002. She has...2023-09-0740 min
What a PainA patient experience - an interview with Sofia Fateh PART 2In this episode, Glyn and Konrad talk to Sofi Fateh. Sofi is now 18, but developed chronic widespread pain when she was 12. Having seen many doctors, having had many tests and scans and different treatments which did not work, she finally entered a pain rehabilitation programme. Sofi explains her pain journey. Sofi's story is interesting, fascinating, emotional and tells us much about the journeys pain patients take. Hopefully it will be helpful for pain patients, those around them and healthcare professionals.You can find Sofi's book here::https://static1.squarespace.com/static/635c953701...2023-08-0335 minWhat a PainA patient experience - an interview with Sofia Fateh PART 1In this episode, Glyn and Konrad talk to Sofi Fateh. Sofi is now 18, but developed chronic widespread pain when she was 12. Having seen many doctors, having had many tests and scans and different treatments which did not work, she finally entered a pain rehabilitation programme. Sofi explains her pain journey. Sofi's story is interesting, fascinating, emotional and tells us much about the journeys pain patients take. Hopefully it will be helpful for pain patients, those around them and healthcare professionals.You can find Sofi's book here::https://static1.squarespace.com/static/635c953701...2023-08-0338 min
What a PainThe role of physiotherapy and occupational therapy in pain management - PART 2In this episode, Glyn and Konrad continue to talk to Julia Smith, specialist physiotherapist, and Anne Marie van Es, specialist occupational therapist. Both of them work at the Oxford Centre for Children and Young People in Pain (OXCYPP). They discuss the evidence base for their work, pacing in some depth, when to stop seeing patients, the difference between functional and biomechanical outcomes and dealing with complex patients. They also explain why they enjoy working with pain patients. This is the article Anne Marie discusses:Suder R, DeBoth KK, Carrick A, Davis J...2023-07-0430 minWhat a PainThe role of physiotherapy and occupational therapy in pain management - PART 1In this episode, Glyn and Konrad talk to Julia Smith, specialist physiotherapist, and Anne Marie van Es, specialist occupational therapist. Both of them work at the Oxford Centre for Children and Young People in Pain (OXCYPP). They discuss how they perceive their roles within a pain management programme, how it differs from the way they were trained and from the way OTs and PTs in other areas may work. They also give advice to OTs and PTs who work with pain patients but not within the context of a pain management programme. Julia and Anne Marie tell us their...2023-06-1639 min
What a PainChronic pain and autismIn this podcast, Glyn and Konrad discuss a book Glyn has been reading about the Sackler family. They are then joined by Dr Jeremy Gauntlett-Gilbert from the Bath Centre for Pain Services to talk about chronic pain and autism. We discussed the relationship between chronic pain and autism, pain management with young people with ASD, what is nice about working with young people with ASD, but also Lapland, how Jeremy relaxes and his biggest irritation.Books mentioned in the podcast:Patrick Radden Keefe. Empire of painTravis Rieder. In pain...2023-05-1149 min
What a PainPilot episode - What a PainIn this pilot episode we will be discussing why we started doing this podcast. We will also have a discussion with Dr Alison Bliss, consultant paediatric anaesthetist at Leeds General Hospital and lead for the paediatric pain management service in Leeds. We had a fascinating discussion about her journey into pain, her service, barbecues on fire, and complex patients. Glyn and Konrad also found themselves flummoxed by the problem of pocket-less trousers!Authors:Dr Glyn Williams is a Consultant paediatric anaesthetist and lead for the pain management service at...2023-05-0738 min