StanfordPain
@stanfordpain.bsky.social
Predicting, preventing, and alleviating pain—while reshaping how the world understands it. Follow for pro-patient insights and research that matters.
Believe people living with pain.
November 24, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Believe people living with pain.
As adults age, it is normal for sleep architecture to shift. Patients may report lighter, more fragmented sleep, earlier morning awakenings, or prolonged sleep latency. Additionally, older adults generally spend less time in deep (slow-wave) and REM sleep, which can reduce subjective sleep quality.
November 21, 2025 at 5:36 PM
As adults age, it is normal for sleep architecture to shift. Patients may report lighter, more fragmented sleep, earlier morning awakenings, or prolonged sleep latency. Additionally, older adults generally spend less time in deep (slow-wave) and REM sleep, which can reduce subjective sleep quality.
Some used to think fibromyalgia was closely linked to anxiety and depression. But the latest research shows that’s not really the case.
Recent data suggests that people with fibromyalgia don’t have higher rates of depression or anxiety than people with other pain problems.
Recent data suggests that people with fibromyalgia don’t have higher rates of depression or anxiety than people with other pain problems.
November 18, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Some used to think fibromyalgia was closely linked to anxiety and depression. But the latest research shows that’s not really the case.
Recent data suggests that people with fibromyalgia don’t have higher rates of depression or anxiety than people with other pain problems.
Recent data suggests that people with fibromyalgia don’t have higher rates of depression or anxiety than people with other pain problems.
Fibromyalgia affects approximately 4 million adults in the US (about 2% of the adult population)
November 7, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Fibromyalgia affects approximately 4 million adults in the US (about 2% of the adult population)
What if your doctors could try out treatments on your digital twin before you even take them?
November 6, 2025 at 10:24 PM
What if your doctors could try out treatments on your digital twin before you even take them?
Hurt vs Harm: Knowing the difference between them is critical in pain management.
November 4, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Hurt vs Harm: Knowing the difference between them is critical in pain management.
Three pain types and what they mean
1. Nociceptive Pain
This is the most common type of physical pain and refers to harmful or noxious stimuli (an injury) which activate receptors (nociceptors) in the body that send a warning signal of potential or actual harm.
1. Nociceptive Pain
This is the most common type of physical pain and refers to harmful or noxious stimuli (an injury) which activate receptors (nociceptors) in the body that send a warning signal of potential or actual harm.
November 1, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Three pain types and what they mean
1. Nociceptive Pain
This is the most common type of physical pain and refers to harmful or noxious stimuli (an injury) which activate receptors (nociceptors) in the body that send a warning signal of potential or actual harm.
1. Nociceptive Pain
This is the most common type of physical pain and refers to harmful or noxious stimuli (an injury) which activate receptors (nociceptors) in the body that send a warning signal of potential or actual harm.
Heat and Cold for Pain
Cold
-Reduces inflammation & slows nerve firing → less pain
-Numbs an area effectively
-Use carefully to avoid frostbite
-Regular, safe exposure can increase pain thresholds over time
Heat
-Boosts blood flow
-Relaxes muscles
-Feels good & can reduce perceived pain
Cold
-Reduces inflammation & slows nerve firing → less pain
-Numbs an area effectively
-Use carefully to avoid frostbite
-Regular, safe exposure can increase pain thresholds over time
Heat
-Boosts blood flow
-Relaxes muscles
-Feels good & can reduce perceived pain
October 29, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Heat and Cold for Pain
Cold
-Reduces inflammation & slows nerve firing → less pain
-Numbs an area effectively
-Use carefully to avoid frostbite
-Regular, safe exposure can increase pain thresholds over time
Heat
-Boosts blood flow
-Relaxes muscles
-Feels good & can reduce perceived pain
Cold
-Reduces inflammation & slows nerve firing → less pain
-Numbs an area effectively
-Use carefully to avoid frostbite
-Regular, safe exposure can increase pain thresholds over time
Heat
-Boosts blood flow
-Relaxes muscles
-Feels good & can reduce perceived pain
Patients deserve the truth. If a procedure is painful, they should be told upfront—and offered options for pain relief.
October 29, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Patients deserve the truth. If a procedure is painful, they should be told upfront—and offered options for pain relief.