Chronic pain is a serious problem in the United States and is among the most common reasons that people seek medical care. In 2023, according to statistics from the CDC, about 24 percent of Americans r...
Expert Q&A
Chronic Pain: A Hidden Epidemic
Dr. Sean Mackey, a pain medicine expert, explains its origins and how to find relief
In 1994, Sean Mackey received his medical degree and a doctorate in electrical engineering, from the University of Arizona. A past president of the American Academy of Pain, he has authored more than 200 journal articles and book chapters and currently leads Stanford Medicine’s Division of Pain Medicine. “I did some rotations as an anesthesiology resident, and I saw how people’s lives could be changed with effective pain management,” he explains when asked why he chose to specialize in this particular area. “I felt that it was an important field to go into, with tremendous opportunity to make advances and improve people’s lives.”
Related Articles
February 21, 2025For Stubborn Sciatica, Acupuncture May Be Worth a ShotIf you’ve been laid low by sciatica pain for months, acupuncture might bring some lasting relief, according to a recent…
- March 7, 2024Can Stepping Up Your Exercise Tamp Down Your Pain?
Exercise has a long list of health benefits, and a study published in PLOS One suggests there might be another, rather…
- February 26, 2024Gua Sha: An Ancient Healing Technique
Gua sha—also known as skin scraping, scraping therapy, or press-stroking—is a traditional ancient healing therapy…
- December 25, 2023Muscle Relaxants for Back Pain?
I have on- and off-again low back pain. Would a prescription muscle relaxant be a good idea during a flare-up? It…
Related Articles
How Fruit Lost Its Flavor
I remember as a child, biting into a peach or a slice of melon and practically swooning over the sweet, juicy taste. These days...
A Mediterranean Makeover for Dodging Diabetes
The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, legumes, fish, and “good” fats, has a well-earned reputation for its potential health benefits—including a lower risk of...
