I like this book, there are a few bits I disagree with, but on the whole I think it offers good advice. This book is not a substitute for a good relationship with your doctor, nor is it supposed to replace your prescribed pain medication. Used in combination, the techniques described in this book along with drugs such as painkillers, muscle relaxants and anti-depressants can help you keep a good quality of life even if you have constant pain.
The book was first written over 10 years ago, the edition I have was updated in 2002 but is still very relevant the author, Neville Shone, has a spinal disease that causes him chronic (long-lasting) pain, he writes about his own experience, but he also gives several case studies with different examples of how people cope with pain.
The book describes different ways you can help yourself including exercises, relaxation, practical hints and tips and coping with set-backs. It also discuss how difficult it can be to change your habits and how pain can affect your whole family.
One part of the book that I don’t really agree with is “Foods that spell danger”. I don’t really agree that the following foods are associated with pain and inflammation, dairy products, corn, meat, fish, wheat, oats, rye, eggs, citrus fruit, potatoes, tomatoes, nuts, coffee, alcohol. Simply because that doesn’t leave you with much left to eat! I do think a healthy diet is important, I think regular excercise is important and maintaining a healthy body weight is important, all these things have been scientifically proven. However there is very little scientific evidence to suggest that any one particular food stuff increases pain.
If you do have chronic pain this book is a good place to start, hopefully you will pick up some hints and tips that will make your life easier.
In the acknowledgments section the author thanks the “Pain Association Scotland“. I haven’t heard of them, but they do run classes in Aberdeen, the next course is on the 7th October 2009. They also run courses all over Scotland, there are details on their “Events” page. They sell relaxation tapes by the books author Neville Shone, he describes a relaxation in the book, but it’s easier to do that sort of thing if you are listening rather than reading, so if you are interested have a look at the “Buy” link.
Have you read this book or been on any pain management courses? What do you think? Was it helpful?
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