Hope for Chronic Pain: Science Meets Compassion

Chronic pain doesn't just hurt — it changes lives. It affects how we move, work, sleep, connect with others, and see ourselves. And because it's invisible, too many people feel dismissed, doubted, or told to "just live with it." In this episode of UCLA Health's Medically Speaking, Dr. Eve Glazier speaks with psychiatrist and palliative care leader Dr. Tom Strouse about changing the narrative — exploring why chronic pain is real, why language matters, and why relief is possible. Together, they break down emerging non-invasive treatments — TMS, mPNS, and Scrambler Therapy — that retrain pain pathways instead of masking pain.
This conversation blends science and compassion, offering something everyone in pain deserves: to be believed, to be heard, and to know that hope exists.
Podcast Credits for UCLA Health Medically Speaking with Dr. Eve Glazier:
• Host: Dr. Eve Glazier
• Executive Producers: Annie Krasnow, Michael Burke, Suzanne Koudsi Walker
• Producers: Niki Miller, Jessica Alabastro
• Creative Producer: Kanza Shaheen
• Associate Producer: Jennifer Feld
• Technical Directors: Adrian Cardoso, Andrew Stocks
• Editor: Tony Sweet
• Recorded at: Canella Media
Special thanks to our expert guests and the incredible staff across UCLA Health who make this podcast possible. A special thank you to Johnese Spisso, President of UCLA Health and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System, for her visionary leadership and support. We are also grateful to the patients and families whose stories inspire our work every day.
Produced by: UCLA Health Communications & Marketing
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.