Summary

A holistic approach to pain management from a recognized leader in the field.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help everyone whose days are filled with chronic pain--the kind of pain that truly is a disease unto itself. Where does chronic pain come from, and why doesn't it go away? Dr. Steven H. Richeimer, an eminent voice in the field of pain management, answers these and other fundamental questions about chronic pain. Board certified in pain medicine, anesthesiology, and psychiatry, he knows that the stress of persistent pain quickly takes a toll on the body and the mind. And he has helped thousands of people reduce their pain and reclaim their lives.

In Confronting Chronic Pain, Dr. Richeimer discusses what causes pain in such disorders as arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, chronic headache, and back pain--and describes how to get relief. He provides clear and up-to-date information about pain medications, exercise and nutrition, injections and neurostimulators, and complementary therapies. He also explains the many approaches to managing the social and emotional aspects of pain.

Understanding that chronic pain affects the spirit, he offers seven spiritual tools for moving beyond pain; understanding that chronic pain affects the whole family, he has created an action plan for family harmony; understanding the emotional component of people in pain, he helps them solve the chronic pain puzzle.

"Just learn to live with it" is not a satisfactory response to someone living with chronic pain. Dr. Richeimer's compassionate and holistic approach can help soften the harsh edges of pain and provide hope for the future.

Library Journal Review

Richeimer (anesthesiology and psychiatry, chief, Division of Pain Medicine, Univ. of Southern California) provides an engaging, holistic, and up-to-date overview of the treatment of chronic pain, a debilitating condition that affects millions of Americans each year. The book begins with a scientific overview of what pain actually is from a biological perspective, then examines the most common sources of chronic pain: arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, headaches, low-back pain, and general neuropathy. These descriptions are accessible but scientifically informed. From the biological accounts of the conditions, the author then discusses pain medications, and how they work. He moves on to other treatment options for pain and considers the impact of emotional and psychological well-being on chronic pain in line with current research. Further expanding this holistic approach, he addresses the role of spirituality in making meaning and coping with pain before turning to a chapter on chronic pain's effect on sufferers and their families. Finally, the author looks at the future of pain control. The book contains many helpful illustrations and diagrams. VERDICT Those who suffer from chronic pain will find this readable, sophisticated yet approachable treatment of its causes and treatment a helpful read. Aaron Klink, Duke Univ., Durham, NC (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.