Why Does It Still Hurt?: how the power of knowledge can overcome chronic pain

Almost half of adults in the UK suffer from chronic pain. Yet this is often unrelated to any physical injury. So why does it still hurt? Research over the last few decades shows that many of us are victims of a devilish trick of the nervous system: our brains prolong pain long after our bodies have healed from injury. This leads to hundreds of billions of pounds being spent each year on treatments that sometimes do nothing and sometimes make matters worse. Paul Biegler, a science journalist and former doctor who has been on his own pain journey, investigates the true source of chronic pain — our brain’s so-called neuroplasticity — and emerging therapies that can rewire the brain and end suffering. As he knows only too well, this doesn’t mean pain is all in a person’s head. Pain is real, but its meaning is often misunderstood. Through conversations with scientists, doctors, and people who have overcome chronic pain, Biegler shines a light on the rigorous new studies — and emotional personal stories — that are changing the way we understand and treat pain. Most importantly, he shows how to take control over persistent pain and truly heal.

About the Author :
Paul Biegler is a journalist, academic, and former specialist physician in emergency medicine. He is the author of The Ethical Treatment of Depression, which won the Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Research in Ethics.

Review :
‘As someone who lived with chronic pain for decades, I can’t recommend this book highly enough.’ ‘Why Does It Still Hurt? convincingly asks us to look beyond the usual offerings for pain — painkillers, surgeries, even replacement body parts — to psychological methods that challenge how we usually respond to physical suffering. By book’s end, Biegler says it’s up to us what we do with this new arsenal of knowledge. Profound possibilities are out there for treating pain that are now impossible to ignore.’ ‘Paul Biegler shines a light on the way we understand and treat chronic pain. Most importantly, he shows how to take control over persistent pain and truly heal.’ ‘Through research and conversations with scientists, Biegler shines new light on our understanding of pain and discusses how to take control over pain and truly heal. A fascinating and important book.’ ‘Biegler’s book is for those who want to understand the history of pain as well as the most recent breakthroughs in treatment … This is an inherently optimistic book: the author delves deep into the positive effect that mental strategies such as hypnosis can have on pain and quality of life. Accordingly, it will be an invaluable resource for people suffering with chronic pain, and will hopefully open up alternative strategies and ultimately give readers hope. People who appreciated Karra Eloff’s The Chronic Pain Couple might find value in Why Does it Still Hurt?.’ ‘Science journalist and former doctor Paul Biegler investigates the true source of chronic pain. Having suffered himself, he needs to know why pain persists well after an injury is healed. He interviews scientists, doctors and people who have overcome chronic pain, sharing the latest studies and personal stories. Ultimately, he asks whether the brain really can change the nervous system. If the answer to that is “yes” and the result is pain, can thinking change it back again? An interesting read for anyone with chronic, ongoing pain, or anyone interested in the power of the mind.’ ‘Paul Biegler does a magnificent job of drawing together science and personal stories. Biegler is a beautiful writer with a keen interest in the humans behind the statistics, but he’s also clearly deeply researched. Particular high points for me were a clear description of gate control theory − perhaps the pivotal theory for understanding pain − and a fascinating chapter on the problematic power of placebo surgery. Highly recommended for anyone interested in pain − or science in general.’ ‘The main takeaway from Biegler’s book is clear from its subtitle: “How the power of knowledge can overcome chronic pain”. Understanding how pain works can reduce its severity and information can empower patients to seek out treatment options. Knowledge can lead to better-quality conversations with health professionals … The pain paradigm might be shifting, but it’s up to us to accelerate it. We can only do that fully armed with facts and evidence.’ Praise for The Ethical Treatment of Depression: ‘Biegler’s wonderful book sheds new light on autonomy, depression, and the moral purposes of medicine, making a strong case for preferring psychotherapeutic over drug treatments for depression. His clearly written, scientifically well-informed book is essential reading for all interested in medical ethics or mental disorders.’ Praise for The Ethical Treatment of Depression: ‘No other book combines philosophy with so much empirical information to critique overreliance on drugs in the treatment of a mental illness. Biegler’s message is both sobering and clear. His book is a significant contribution to the philosophy of psychiatry as well as to the key role that maximising patient autonomy should play in the choice of therapies for depression.’ Praise for The Ethical Treatment of Depression: ‘This book is long overdue. Biegler gives a compelling analysis of the impact depression has on autonomous decision making — a factor which, he argues, has important implications for its treatment. Given how many people suffer from this debilitating disease worldwide, his insight has the potential to transform the medical, moral, and social wellbeing of a substantial portion of the world’s population. The Ethical Treatment of Depression is essential for clinicians, bioethicists, lawyers, and policy practitioners.