A fantastic explanation of how the brain processes and responds to pain:

Why do we hurt? Do we actually experience pain, or is it merely illusion?

In this TEDx video, Why Things Hurt, Lorimer Moseley explores these questions, and positions the pain that we feel as our bodies' way of protecting us from damaging tissues further. He also looks at what this might mean for those who suffer from chronic pain.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Check out Chronic Pain Australia for more information.