Welcome to the Division of Pain Medicine
Predict, prevent, and alleviate pain through science, education, and compassion
Stanford Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab
The Stanford Systems Neuroscience and Pain Laboratory is focused on using strong research methods and state of the art neuroimaging tools to investigate the emotional and cognitive factors that influence pain as well as the neural plastic changes that occur in chronic pain. We use neuropsychology, pharmacology, clinical research, and/or neuroimaging approaches to investigate normal pain processing, pain disorders, and treatment options.
Explore Our Fellowship Opportunities
The Division of Pain Medicine offers several fellowships to provide educational opportunities for physicians, psychologists, nurses, and physical and occupational therapists interested in specializing in pain medicine. In addition, seminars, webinars, symposia, and journal clubs are conducted throughout the year so that all members of the Division of Pain Medicine can keep abreast of research breakthroughs and other developments in the field of pain medicine.
Collaborative Health Outcomes Information Registry (CHOIR)
In response to the Institute of Medicine’s Report Relieving Pain in America, Stanford has developed and implemented the Collaborative Health Outcomes Information Registry (CHOIR) system. This open source, open standard, free data-collection software was created in partnership with the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Latest Stories
– ScopeOuch: The psychology of pain - Part 2 - Scope
Stanford specialists discuss how the source of a person's pain can affect what they feel, and the connection between chronic pain and psychological factors.
– ScopeOuch: Understanding pain - Part 1 - Scope
How does a backache translate into such an uncomfortable sensation? And why does some pain go on and on? Stanford pain medicine specialists provide answers.
– Beth Darnall, PhDEmpowered Relief: Expanding Rapid Access to Low-Cost, Evidence-Based Pain Care - Beth Darnall, PhD
Poor access to comprehensive pain care remains a major problem worldwide. To help address this problem, at Stanford University, I developed a 2-hour skills-based pain treatment class that rapidly equips people to self-manage pain and symptoms. It’s called "Empowered Relief™".
– Beth Darnall, PhDNPR 'Morning Edition' show on the brain, emotion, and pain - Beth Darnall, PhD
Today National Public Radio featured pain psychology on its "Morning Edition" show. I was pleased to be included among the guests discussing the critical role of thoughts, emotions, and other psychological factors have on our experience of pain.
– Beth Darnall, PhDDigital Health Intervention Associated with Less Need for Opioids After Surgery - Beth Darnall, PhD
A low-cost, scalable, digital treatment may help patients effectively self-manage symptoms and enhance recovery after surgery.
Make a Gift
Your gifts help us help you and others. You keep us on the cutting edge of clinical care and reseasrch. No gift is too small. Click the link below to make a gift.