Publisher's Synopsis
Tens of millions of adults suffer from chronic pain. Many feel overwhelmed by depression and consumed by a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. The entire family can be affected. Most modern day treatments offer only limited relief and can be associated with harmful side effects. There appears to be a need to broaden our view of chronic pain. Chronic pain is most often interpreted as a symptom. This book furthers the notion of chronic pain as a disease process, not unlike diabetes.The factors that contribute to the development of chronic pain and numerous.These factors are outline and discussed in detail. Topics such as the role of grief, acceptance, finding a new normal, and how patients can participate in their own care are reviewed. Many of the treatments currently available are summarized along with their relative advantages and disadvantages. The importance of an integrated and comprehensive approach is emphasized. The clinician-patient relationship is shown to be an important ingredient to treatment success.
