The Gut-Brain Axis: Does it Have Relevance for Pain Management?

1-hour webinar from the Chronic Pain Symposium 2026, presented by Dr. Kathy Murphy.
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1 hour cpd

12 months' access
to the recording

what's included...

  • 1-hour Presentation
  • Downloadable Lecture Notes
  • Multiple-choice Quiz
  • CPD Certificate

presentation overview

This presentation explores the gut–brain axis as it relates to pain, drawing on fundamental neuroscience, immunology, and microbiome research, alongside the emerging—though still limited—veterinary-specific evidence. Pain is increasingly recognised as a whole-system experience rather than a purely peripheral or structural problem, and the gut–brain axis provides a biologically plausible framework linking inflammation, immune signalling, neural sensitisation, stress physiology, and behaviour. The aim of this talk is to critically examine what is known, what remains speculative, and how gut-related processes may influence pain perception and modulation.

Using an evidence-based and clinically pragmatic approach, the talk will focus on mechanisms rather than prescriptions. It will review how factors such as microbial metabolites, immune activation, vagal signalling, and central sensitisation interact within pain states, and where this knowledge may help practitioners think more holistically about patient comfort, resilience, and quality of life. Emphasis will be placed on realistic expectations, low-risk interventions, or how informed client conversations may complement existing pain management strategies.

meet the presenter

dr. kathy murphy

Dr Kathy Murphy BVetMed, DPhil, CVA, CLAS, MRCVS is a clinical-academic veterinary surgeon and neuroscientist with a special interest in anaesthesia and analgesia. She holds post graduate clinical qualifications, PhD and is residency
trained in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia. She is Founder and Director of Barking Brains Ltd which provides clinical, educational and business consultancy services Internationally. She is co-founder of EthicsFirst.org with an interest in clinical ethics; holds teaching and examiner positions in the UK and abroad, is past Trustee and veterinary advisor of 16 years for the Rottweiler Welfare Association,
and is active within the clinical behaviour community.

Passionate about the provision of high quality, affordable, first opinion veterinary care within the local community, she also takes an active interest in veterinary politics, and nudge factors influencing our choice of treatment and care options.
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BVetMed, DPhil, CVA, CLAS, MRCVS

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