Health Psychology
MANAGING PAIN BEFORE IT MANAGES YOU, 3rd Edition
Margaret Caudill
Guilford Publications, 2008
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES The reader will be able to:
• Describe current theories of pain mechanisms and specific pain disorders
• Describe programs and approaches to pain management and techniques to minimize the effects of pain
• Describe ways to deal with emotional distress caused by pain
• Explore medications and nutritional therapies and their best usage
• Describe how to help patients to communicate effectly and to set realistic goals
Margaret Caudill, M.D., Ph.D., is an internist specializing in pain management. She has been the Co-Director of the Arnold Pain Center, Deaconess Hospital, Boston, and Hitchcock Clinic, Nashua, New Hampshire. She has been an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard and is currently with the Quality Scholars Program, VA Hospital, White River Junction, VT, and an adjunct Associate Professor at Dartmouth Medical School.
Imagine finding a way to spend less time in doctors’ offices, and to decrease the discomfort, depression, and anxiety associated with chronic pain. "Managing Pain Before It Manages You" offers just that--a program to help you reduce your pain and learn coping skills to get your life back. Developed over the author’s many years of working with chronic pain sufferers, this program has been proven effective. Program participants report that they have been able to take control of their pain and cut their doctor visits by more than one third! Straightforward and compassionate, this hands-on guide provides detailed information plus step-by-step techniques and activities that help you: Understand the causes of chronic pain; Recognize what increases and decreases your pain symptoms; Reduce your pain and emotional distress; Learn effective problem solving; Make informed decisions about medications and nutritional therapieS; Incorporate relaxation, meditation, and gentle exercise into your daily routine; Communicate effectively about your pain; Set realistic goals
Editorial Reviews
A wellspring of wisdom and practical approaches that can help transform your life as well as your pain. Caudill is one of the original pioneers in the holistic approach to pain management.--Joan Borysenko, PhD, author of Minding the Body, Mending the Mind
Focusing on what people can do on their own to manage persistent pain, this is a truly special book. It is packed with important information and practical tips from one of the leading international authorities in the field.--Francis J. Keefe, PhD, Associate Director for Research, Duke University Pain and Palliative Care Program
Dr. Caudill's book and program gave me back my life after I was involved in an automobile accident. The pain that became chronic was untreatable, and it felt as though my life was lost. Then my doctor referred me to Dr. Caudill's 10-week pain management program, which provided me with the tools to put my life back together. Gradually, I was able to return to work full time and manage the pain and stress on a daily basis. Now I use Dr. Caudill's book to run periodical pain management programs at the clinic where I am employed. It's amazing how clients can be transformed.--Nancy L. Hale, MEd, LMHC
Dr. Caudill's book helped me deal with the debilitating pain that accompanied one stage of my cancer treatment. I found it easy to respond to the book's logical approach and actionable suggestions. Before long I had a set of tools that not only helped me manage my pain but also helped me manage other side effects I was experiencing. This is truly an empowering resource!--Brenda Isaacs, Lyme, New Hampshire
This wonderful book is responsible for helping thousands of our patients manage their chronic pain. Offering tested, up-to-date advice, Dr. Caudill helps the reader have a happier, more productive life--with less pain.--Gilbert J. Fanciullo, MD, Director, Section of Pain Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
If there were a course called 'Living Your Life 101' for people with chronic pain, this wonderful guide would be the textbook. I can attest that the program in this book, over time, leads to a sense of peace, a deeper ability to cope, and the possibility of enjoying life again.--Ann S., Brookline, New Hampshire
This book continues to be the gold standard for the self-management of pain. It is informative, easy to read, and encouraging. An invaluable guide for anyone who wishes to take charge of his or her life despite persistent pain.--Dennis C. Turk, PhD, coauthor of The Pain Survival Guide; John and Emma Bonica Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Research, University of Washington