Pain is universal. It is complex as well as unique. The degree of pain experienced and how you react to it are the results of your own biological, psychological, and cultural makeup.
Stop pain : inflammation relief for an active life
Vijay Vad, with Peter Occhiogrosso.
Carlsbad, Calif. : Hay House, c2010.
Do you feel trapped by chronic pain? Do you avoid going places and doing things you once loved, because getting there simply hurts too much? If you are one of the estimated 50 million people who suffer with chronic pain, you know the impact it has on your life. But now, with advances in our understanding of pain, relief is possible with self-care options that will minimize your dependence on narcotics or medical procedures. InStop Pain,Vijay Vad, M.D.,teaches you the ins and outs of pain-bringing to light the links between inflammation and other factors that increase pain. Covering everything from stress relief techniques to an anti-inflammatory diet, Dr. Vad shows you the thingsyoucan do to alleviate pain. Dr. Vad lays out concrete strategies for dealing with the most common pain problems. He then addresses the possible risks and rewards of various treatments for other types of chronic pain. His analysis of conventional and complementary options-including everything from prescription medications and surgical intervention to physical therapy, acupuncture, and breathing exercises-will open your eyes to the many ways you can take back control of your life.
Take charge of your chronic pain : the latest research, cutting-edge tools, and alternative treatments for feeling better
Peter Abaci.
Guilford, Conn. : GPP Life, c2010.
In Take Charge of Your Chronic Pain, Dr. Abaci sets forth a comprehensive approach to chronic pain, one rooted in cutting-edge research and case studies. He empowers readers by teaching them how they can take control of their pain by pairing traditional medicine with unconventional treatments - such as meditation, tai chi, art therapy, diet, supplements, acupuncture, and yoga. Writing in a reassuring tone throughout, he also reveals groundbreaking new information about how functional MRIs can now measure pain for the first time before and after treatments, as well as startling information about the pharmaceutical industry and the surprising new discovery that narcotic pain medications can actually worsen the pain.
The language of pain : finding words, compassion, and relief
David Biro.
New York : W.W. Norton, c2010.
The wall of silence is broken in this impassioned, hopeful work. After dealing with his own bone marrow treatment, Biro found himself unable to speak about the depths of his pain to those closest to him. This work shows what he learned--and how it can help others.
Healing back and joint injuries : a proven approach to ending chronic pain and avoiding unnecessary surgery
Joseph Valdez ; with contributions by Miguel Pappolla.
Austin, Tex. : Greenleaf Book Group, c2009.
If you have a soft tissue injury, you face a confusing array of choices for your treatment, including the possibility of surgery. By carefully analyzing the treatments available to you, Healing Joint and Back Injuries offers hope for permanent healing. This book will guide you through the process of understanding your inquiries, your pain, and your options. And if you've tried a variety of treatments and haven't found relief, prolotherapy may be your best choice. With its balances, integrative approach, Healing Back and Joint Injuries will help you explore the most promising new therapies in your search for true healing and lasting relief from chronic pain.
Yoga for pain relief : simple practices to calm your mind & heal your chronic pain
Kelly McGonigal.
Oakland, CA : New Harbinger Publications, c2009.
It's no secret that yoga increases muscular flexibility and strength, but you may not know that yoga is a proven treatment for back pain, knee pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other chronic pain conditions. Yoga also helps to ease the stress, anxiety, and depression that can create and reinforce pain, making you feel more comfortable in both your mind and your body.
For persistent pain, called chronic pain, medication alone may not be the best form of treatment. Instead, a comprehensive approach that includes exercise, relaxation skills, and behavioral changes can help to control the pain. These usually can be practiced without the risk of serious side effects.
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Pain can be classified as "acute" or "chronic." Acute pain lasts a short time and should end soon. Chronic pain lasts beyond the healing of an injury and continues for several months. |
Struggling with chronic pain can be especially difficult for someone who is used to being in control. This type of person must first admit to being in pain, and then learn to adjust life goals. It is important to not compare current activities to how things used to be. Instead, learn to adjust and enjoy life as it is now.
Pain medication taken regularly may actually make the pain worse instead of better. This is called rebound pain. Any type of pain reliever may cause rebound pain. When medication wears off, the pain can return with a vengeance. A cycle of taking more pain medication, and severe pain, can be never ending. A physician can provide alternatives.
Living with chronic pain makes it uncomfortable to get a good night's sleep. In order to attempt getting to sleep better, try to:
- Establish regular sleep hours.
- Don't "try" to sleep, instead read or watch television.
- Limit bedroom activities.
- Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
- Minimize interruptions.
- Schedule a "worry time."
- Check your medications to see with your doctor if they contribute to your difficulty in sleeping.
- Don't substitute a nap for a full night's sleep.
Those living with chronic pain need to learn new skills, have a positive attitude, and give themselves realistic expectations. To gain a better understanding of what can be done to manage chronic pain, many join a support group. Here coping techniques may be shared with others who live daily with chronic pain.
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Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff
