Most everyday pain isn't “just aging”, and it's not permanent. This week, chiropractic physician Dr. Ya-Ling joins the show to talk about why so much everyday pain — stiff necks, cranky backs, tight shoulders — is actually retrainable.

We get into:

• The real difference between everyday pain and true chronic pain
• Why ignoring pain trains your nervous system to expect more of it
• The nocebo/placebo effect and how belief shapes what you feel
• Your “pain personality” and what your first pain memory reveals about it
• Why painkillers need an exit strategy, not an open-ended commitment
• The graded movement approach: release, retrain, strengthen
• Why slouching isn't the enemy (and “sit up straight” might be hurting you)
• Whether zero-drop shoes or heels are better for your back (spoiler: it depends)

Dr. Ya-Ling practices in Seattle and is the author of Fix the Fire Damage and What's Your Pain Personality? Find her books, her free Pocket Pain Relief app, and more at ya-ling.com.

Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review — it helps other rebellious spirits find the show.