Book Review of Chronic Pain for Dummies

By Jill Sullivan

Chronic Pain for Dummies

By Stuart S. Kassan, MD.FACP, Charles J.Vierck Jr. PhD, Elizabeth Vierck MS

For those familiar with the 'For Dummies' series this one will come with no surprises. It is a great reference book taking the reader through the many and varied causes of chronic pain, what constitutes chronic as opposed to acute pain, whilst also describing in detail how pain works, all written using plain language making it easy to understand, even for those of us not versed in the sciences.

The authors also use a variety of symbols throughout to signify practical suggestions, important facts you need to know, things that can harm and a 'jargon alert' -the latter warning that this part of the text contains medical terminology.

The book is set out in such a manner allowing for dipping in and out, as every good reference book should be. Simply look up the specific topic and area of the body and go from there, although it is written in such a way as to make it attractive to read from beginning to end.

The main premise seems to me to be education founded on the belief that sufferers and those around them should be knowledgeable about their pain, the triggers and what works best for them. In short, empowerment of the patient. I would wholeheartedly endorse this book for achieving that goal - it is up to the individual to take control of their own health and this book could be an invaluable aid.

The only downside is that for us in the UK the medical management section is based on the US medical system. I am not sure how achievable it would be here to "put together an anti-pain team". However, having said that, the information and advice/suggestions contained therein does focus a lot of attention on choosing/finding a good doctor which relates to us all as we can always change GPs if we are not satisfied.

It also addresses self-help in terms of lifestyle, including useful basic exercises, dietry and supplement advice, logs to help identify and subsequently deal with and/or avoid pain triggers, with warnings about bogus treatments included.

All in all a very good and extremely useful book, one I shall certainly be investing in.