138. Why Your "Empty Nest" Aches Might Be Emotional: Dr. David Clarke on Neuroplastic Pain

138. Why Your "Empty Nest" Aches Might Be Emotional: Dr. David Clarke on Neuroplastic Pain

From This Empty Nest Life by Jay Ramsden

April 5, 2026 · 28 min · Episode 138

About this episode

Dr. David Clarke discusses the connection between emotional health and physical pain in the context of empty nest syndrome.

Send Jay comments via text "The body keeps the score." We’ve all heard that phrase, but what does it actually mean when you’re 55 and dealing with back pain, migraines, or digestive issues that no doctor seems to be able to explain? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. David Clarke, President of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms. Dr. Clarke shares the incredible story of an "elevator ride" that shifted his entire medical career—taking him from a traditional gastroent...

People in this episode

Host: Jay Ramsden

Guest: Dr. David Clarke

Topics covered

  • empty nest
  • neuroplastic pain
  • emotional health
  • chronic pain
  • medical career
  • mental health

Keywords

  • empty nest
  • neuroplastic pain
  • chronic pain
  • emotional health
  • Dr. David Clarke
  • back pain
  • migraines
  • digestive issues

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms

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