What Your Pain Symptoms Are Trying to Tell You and How Recovery Begins with Dr. David Clarke
Fri Feb 06 2026
In this episode of "Stepping Into Soul Power," Dr. Elizabeth Ssemanda welcomes Dr. David Clarke, a board-certified physician in internal medicine and gastroenterology, to discuss the chronic pain epidemic in the United States.
With one in four adults affected, Dr. Clarke emphasizes the need to look deeper at what is causing the pain. He introduces the concept of neuroplastic symptoms, where pain is generated by the brain despite the absence of structural damage or disease.
This paradigm shift challenges conventional understandings of illness and encourages listeners to explore the emotional and psychological roots of their symptoms. Dr. Clarke also shares his transformative journey from a traditional medical approach to recognizing the significant impact of stress, trauma, and emotional health on chronic pain. He recounts a pivotal patient experience that led him to integrate mental health strategies into his practice. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing underlying stressors and the potential for healing by reframing one’s narrative.
Dr. Clarke provides practical insights for connecting emotional experiences with physical symptoms, empowering patients to reclaim their health and well-being.
Bio: Dr. David Clarke is the President of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ending the chronic pain epidemic. Dr. Clarke holds an MD from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and is Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He is host of the podcast “The Story Behind the Symptoms.” His organization’s mission is to advance the awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of stress-related, brain-generated medical conditions. Learn more at Symptomatic.Me.
To Connect with the Guest:
https://www.instagram.com/symptomatic.me/
https://www.facebook.com/symptomatic.me
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ppdassociation
https://www.symptomatic.me/
** The information in this episode is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **
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In this episode of "Stepping Into Soul Power," Dr. Elizabeth Ssemanda welcomes Dr. David Clarke, a board-certified physician in internal medicine and gastroenterology, to discuss the chronic pain epidemic in the United States. With one in four adults affected, Dr. Clarke emphasizes the need to look deeper at what is causing the pain. He introduces the concept of neuroplastic symptoms, where pain is generated by the brain despite the absence of structural damage or disease. This paradigm shift challenges conventional understandings of illness and encourages listeners to explore the emotional and psychological roots of their symptoms. Dr. Clarke also shares his transformative journey from a traditional medical approach to recognizing the significant impact of stress, trauma, and emotional health on chronic pain. He recounts a pivotal patient experience that led him to integrate mental health strategies into his practice. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing underlying stressors and the potential for healing by reframing one’s narrative. Dr. Clarke provides practical insights for connecting emotional experiences with physical symptoms, empowering patients to reclaim their health and well-being. Bio: Dr. David Clarke is the President of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ending the chronic pain epidemic. Dr. Clarke holds an MD from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and is Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He is host of the podcast “The Story Behind the Symptoms.” His organization’s mission is to advance the awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of stress-related, brain-generated medical conditions. Learn more at Symptomatic.Me. To Connect with the Guest: https://www.instagram.com/symptomatic.me/ https://www.facebook.com/symptomatic.me https://www.linkedin.com/company/ppdassociation https://www.symptomatic.me/ ** The information in this episode is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **