Resources for People Living With Pain
(Selected portions from the American Chronic Pain Association)
Most books are available at major bookstores throughout the country. If you prefer, you can order directly through
www.amazon.com.
Chronic Pain
Take Charge of Your Chronic Pain, Peter Abaci, MD, Globe Pequot Press Publishing: Guilford, CT, $16.95 (800243-0495)
This book offers the latest research, cutting-edge tools, and alternative treatments for feeling better.
Healing the Body Betrayed, Robert Klein, Ph.D., Marcia Goodman Landau, Ph.D., DCI/Chronimed Publishing:
Minneapolis, $12.95 (1-612-541-0239)
A self-paced, self-help guide to regaining psychological control of your chronic illness.
Managing Pain Before It Manages You, Margaret A. Caudill, M.D., Ph.D., Guilford Publications, Inc.: New
York, NY, $18.95 (1-800-365-7006)
Offers more practical knowledge and strategies for people suffering with chronic pain (and their
caregivers).
Addiction-Free Pain Management, Stephen Grinstead, M.A., ACRPS, CADC, Terence Gorski, M.A., NACA II,
Herald House/Independence Press: Independence, MO, $9.95 (1-800-767-8181)
This workbook is based on an innovative way of managing chronic pain for people who want to avoid
becoming addicted to pain medication.
Living with Pain: A New Approach to the Management of Chronic Pain, Richard Reilly, D.O., Deaconess
Press: Minneapolis, 1993, $9.95 (1-800-544-8207)
This book is written by a doctor of osteopath who has experience in working with both chronic pain
patients and people with addictive disorders. He combines this knowledge into a twelve-step type
program for the management of pain.
Coping With Illness, Helen Garvy, Shire Press, 1995. ISBN 091882818. Available in paperback
Chronic illness creates new problems, accentuates already existing problems and upsets the balance in our
lives and relationships, this tackling what lies ahead.
Living Creatively with Chronic Illness: Developing Skills for Transcending the Loss, Pain and Frustration,
Eugenic E. Wheeler and Joyce Doce-Lombard, Pathfinder Publishing, 1989. ISBN 0934793174. Available in
paperback
This book reinforces many of the concepts in American Chronic Pain Association literature. The quotations
sprinkled add a personal touch to the book.
Mastering Pain: A Twelve Step Program for Coping With Chronic Pain, Richard A. Sternbach, G.P. Putnam,
1987. Available in paperback
This is not a 12-step "recovery" program but a book about twelve specific behaviors and attitudes a person
needs to cultivate in order to manage chronic pain and live well despite the pain.
Meeting the Challenge: Living With Chronic Illness, Audrey Kron, 1996. ISBN 0963387715. Available in
paperback
In this question and answer book, the author's own chronic illness gives her the perspective for making
suggestions about balancing a normal life style with chronic illness.
The Culture of Pain, David B. Morris University of California Press, 1991. ISBN 0520082761. Available in
paperback
This book is a scholarly exploration of the history of pain in Western culture, literature, and fine arts. If you
want to deeply explore the meaning of pain throughout the centuries and in today's culture, this is a good
resource.
We Are Not Alone: Living With Chronic Illness, Sefra Kobrin Pitzels, Workman Publications, 1986. ISBN
0894801392. Available in paperback
The book begins with a description of the author's life when chronic illness, Lupus, overwhelmed her and
concludes when her illness is manageable. Especially noteworthy are the chapters that discuss the impact of
chronic illness on the family, talking to children about illness, keeping friendships, and dealing with health
care providers.
Specific Diagnoses
Coping with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Nine Things You Can Do, Fred Friedburg, Ph.D., Oakland,
CA : New Harbinger Publications, 1995, $12.95 (1-800-748-6273)
Few titles provide concrete advice on this syndrome from such a viewpoint: the author is a sufferer plus a
psychologist and researcher, and his fifteen years of experience with the syndrome lends to a fine reflection
on the latest research and its applications for self-help physical and emotional changes.
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Survival Manual, Devin Starlanyl, MD & Mary Ellen
Copeland, MS, New Harbinger Publications, 1996, Oakland, $19.95 (1-800-748-6273)
Complete guide to symptoms of these two commonly-diagnosed conditions and current research
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findings on the latest treatment.
Fibromyalgia: a Comprehensive Approach, Miryam Williamson
This is a good source for information and practical advice about fibromyalgia. Each chapter includes a case
history that helps the reader understand the topic being discussed. Of special interest are the chapters that
cover related illnesses, pain medicines, sleep deprivation, and fibromyalgia in children.
Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Repetitive Strain Injuries, Sharon Butler &
Jacqueline Freeman, Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications , 1996, $17.95 (1-800-748-6273)
A self-care program for anyone who uses their hands in repetitive or work situations. This presents new
ideas and techniques for understanding, preventing and overcoming carpal tunnel, from detecting early
symptoms and understanding their causes to learning about repetitive strain injuries in other parts of the
body. Packed with strengthening and healing exercises, this book is 'must' for any sufferer.
The Headache and Neck Pain Workbook, Douglas DeGood . Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications,
1997, $14.95 (1-800-748-6273)
This guide explains the causes of head and neck pain and presents a variety of methods that provide relief,
including relaxation techniques, step-by-step exercises, conventional medical advice, and alternative
therapies.
Numb Toes and Aching Soles: Coping with Peripheral Neuropathy
The author, a peripheral neuropathy (PN) patient, explains the causes, symptoms, tests, and treatments- both
conventional and alternative-for PN. Over 200 patients reveal which treatments work for them and which
didn't. Experimental drugs are covered and there are special sections dealing with diabetic and HIV-related
neuropathies.
Relief From Back Pain: The Tollison Program, C. David Tollison
The book provides information about the anatomy of pain, theories of back pain, and psychological factors
related to pain. The author presents a clear explanation of conservative treatments and provides a guide for
reconditioning the body.
The Arthritis Helpbook, Kate Loring, R.N., Ph.D. Available in paperback
Because no one arthritis treatment is right for everyone, this book explains a variety of techniques that may
help relieve pain, maintain or increase mobility, and prevent deformity. The book has an excellent chapter
on relaxation.
Inspiration and Humor
Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal, Rachel Naomi Remen, Riverhead Books, 1997, $12.50
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Remen is active in the mind-body health movement. She offers a view of medicine that doesn't contradict
tradition but asks for consideration of the many factors involved in health. Remen's presentation is matter of
fact, simple, unadorned. But as she speaks about healing, her family, health and personal beliefs, her magic
becomes apparent. She doesn't draw conclusions but relates anecdotes, allowing listeners to find their own
way.
Carnal Acts: Essays, Nancy Mairs, Beacon Press, 1996
The author, who has multiple sclerosis, skillfully writes about how to transcend chronic illness. One of the
more provocative essays is "Challenge: An Exploration," in which she explains why she prefers the term
"cripple" to phrases such as "physically challenged."
Man's Search for Meaning, Viktor E. Frankl, Washington Square
This is an international best selling book about suffering and the power of hope and meaning. Viktor Frankl,
a physician and scholar, writes about his philosophy of life, a philosophy that enabled him to survive three
years in Auschwitz. Frankl's teaching is that when we find meaning in our suffering, we are transformed.
Patient or Person: Living With Chronic Pain, Penney Cowan
Penney Cowan is the founder of the American Chronic Pain Association. In this book, she opens her heart
and tells the story of how she turned her life around while in a pain management clinic. Penney shares her
deeply personal struggle to change herself from a confused and angry patient to the self-aware person who
founded the international ACPA.
When Bad Things Happen to Good People, Harold S. Kushner
The author teaches us how to turn terrible situations into positive experiences. While telling of the tragic
illness and death of his son, he teaches the reader his philosophy of life: take time to love each other and
enjoy every moment.
Psychology and Self-Help
Self-Esteem, Second Edition, Matthew McKay, Ph.D. and Patrick Fanning, New Harbinger Publications, Oakland,
$12.95 (1-800-748-6273)
For people who have feelings of low self-worth either after developing chronic pain or as a life-long
problem. Provides specific ways of eliminating negative thinking and feeling better about yourself.
Angry All the Time: An Emergency Guide to Anger Control, Ronald Potter-Efron, New Harbinger Publications:
1996, Oakland, $12.95 (1-800-748-6273)
Guide to dealing with anger that may be keeping you tense and affecting your relationships
negatively.
Anger: The Misunderstood Emotion, Carol Tavris, Touchstone
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Drawing on research, Tavris dispels common myths about the causes and expression of anger, telling us that
when it comes to anger, we have the capacity for choice and control. Read this book to learn strategies for
coping with common anger problems and getting beyond anger.
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, David Burns, Wholecare
Burns observed that his depressed patients had distorted thinking patterns and when they learned how to
change their distorted thoughts, their depression lifted. Using forms and charts Burns helps the reader learn
to overcome negative, depressive thinking. The companion book, The Feeling Good Workbook, expands on
the author's program.
Healing the Child Within, Charles L. Whitefield, M.D.
The "Child Within" is that part of us that is alive, energetic, creative and fulfilled-it is our real self-who we
really are. This book tells how growing up in a troubled environment can stifle this Child Within, and how
we can recover what was damaged or lost. This is one of the best books about the inner child.
The Angry Book, Theodore I. Rubin, Touchstone Books, 1998. ISBN 0684842017. Available in paperback
Rubin describes different types of anger and explains a variety of appropriate responses. Anger that is not
handled constructively can lead to further problems. Dr. Rubin assures us that we all get angry because we
are all human.
When I Say "No" I Feel Guilty, Dr. Manual J. Smith, Bantam, 1988. ISBN 0553263900. Available in paperback
Have you ever felt you lacked the skills to achieve what you wanted without losing your temper or selfrespect? If so, this book is certainly worth reading. It discusses how to cope with people-especially difficult
ones.
Journal Keeping
Recovering: A Journal, May Sarton, W.W. Norton, 1980
May Sarton, a poet and writer, kept this journal while recuperating from loss and illness. This is a book of
beautiful language and wonderful insights.
The New Diary, Tristine Rainer, J.P. Tarcher, Inc., 1979
Keeping a journal or diary can be much more than a rigid calendar with entries about the day's events. Read
this book to learn how to tap inner resources, solve problems, bring joy into your life, and to clarify goals.
This is still one of the best books about journal keeping that you'll find.
Mind And Body
Hypnosis for Change: A Manual of Proven Techniques, 3 rd Ed., Josie Hadley & Carol Staudacher,
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Oakland, CA, New Harbinger Publications: 1996, $15.95 (1-800-748-6273)
Hypnosis is a highly effective tool for behavior modification -- and this practical and inspiring handbook
will show you how to begin today to use hypnosis to change your life. Step-by-step explanations and casehistories will teach you about the different trance states, the effective use of treatment scripts, and the best
use of these and other techniques to bring you success.
Courage to Heal, Ellen Bass & Laura Davis, Harper Collins, 1994, $22.50
Courage to Heal Workbook, Laura Davis, Harper Perennial, 1994, $20.00 (1-800-331-3761)
Classic text for adults who were sexually abused as children. Accompanying workbook also
available by Laura Davis with specific exercises.
What to Say When You Talk to Your Self, Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1982, $6.99
Keys to optimizing your outlook by adopting simple techniques of self-talk and making them a permanent
habit.
Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain and Illness, Jon
Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., Dell Publishing: New York, 1990, $13.95 (1-800-258-4233)
The program of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.
The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook, Fifth Edition, Martha Davis, Ph.D., Elizabeth Eshelman,
M.S.W., and Matthew McKay, Ph.D., New Harbinger Publications, Oakland, $19.95 (1-800-748-6273)
While this book does not specifically address pain, it does offer many ways of managing stress,
tension and anxiety. Probably one of the most comprehensive self-help guides of its type.
Above and Beyond: 365 Meditations for Transcending Chronic Pain and Illness, J.S. Dorian, Diane Publishing
Company, ISBN 0788198173, $12.00.
A collection of 365 inspirational messages and inspirations offers a compassionate, supportive and insightful
resource for those suffering from chronic illness, helping them overcome the obstacles of long-term pain to
find acceptance, serenity and spiritual healing.
Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient, Norman Cousins, Doubleday, 1981. ISBN 05533443653.
Available in paperback
The book tells the story of how Cousins rallied all his inner resources and used humor and laughter to
overcome what was supposed to an "incurable" disease.
Getting Unstuck: Breaking Through Your Barriers to Change, Dr.Sidney B. Simon, Warner Books, 1989. ISBN
0446390240. Available in paperback
If life with chronic pain is holding you back from a positive rewarding life, this book may help. Here you
can learn techniques to identify what is important to you and how to identify all of your options.
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Healers on Healing, edited by Richard Carlson, Ph.D.
Here you will find essays and articles by today's leaders in healing and alternative medicine. Each writer,
including Bernie Siegel, Gerald Jampolsky, Hugh Prather, and Lynn Andrews, try to find "the golden
thread" that ties divergent ideas together.
Health and Healing, Andrew Weil, M.D., Houghton Mifflin, 1998
This is an excellent resource for learning about alternative medicine. Dr.Weil explains the history, theory,
and treatments of practices like osteopathy, holistic medicine, Chinese medicine, homeopathy, and a myriad
of other types of medical treatments and philosophies.
Minding the Body, Mending the Mind, Joan Borsenko, Ph.D., Bantam Books, 1993. ISBN: 0553345567.
Available in paperback and audiocassette
It is important to learn to relax-and this book tells you how. With easy to understand explanations and plenty
of reassurance, Borsenko describes how to evoke the relaxation response, a state of mind and body that helps
the body overcome the physical and emotional effects of stress.
Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Things
Since much of pain management is about simplifying our lives, this is a handy little book. St. James' shows
how to identify priorities and act accordingly. The essays are short and to the point, as in her other books on
the topic.
The Stop Smoking Workbook, Lori Stevic-Rust, Ph.D. & Anita Maximin, Psy.D. 1996. Oakland, CA: New
Harbinger Publications, $17.95, www.amazon.com or www.newharbinger.com.
The 22 (Non-Negotiable) Laws of Wellness, Greg Anderson
The author, who once had life-threatening cancer, has gleaned ideas from Bernie Siegel and others and
distilled them into these 22 simple insights. Personal success stories that tell how individuals overcame
seemingly impossible odds to achieve goals illustrate his laws.
Daring to Be Yourself, Alexandra Stoddard, Doubleday, 1992. ISBN 0380715783. Available in paperback
Does chronic pain confine you to your home more than you like? This book's message is to identify what is
positive and life enhancing for you, then put these things into your life, your home, and your heart. Stoddard
calls this a treasure hunt.
Exercise
Chronic Fatigue: Your Complete Exercise Guide, Neil F. Gordon, M.D., Ph.D., MPH Human Kinetics
Publishers, 1993. ISBN 0673223934. Available in paperback
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This is a book that can teach those with chronic fatigue how to judge what is the appropriate level of
physical exertion for them. Next, it provides the reader with diagrams and illustrations that explain how each
exercise should be done.
Stretching: The 20th Anniversary, Bob Anderson, Shelter Publications, 2000. ISBN 0936070226. Available in
paperback and video
This is probably one of the best books about stretching on the market. It shows you how to stretch and
strengthen the muscles in every part of the body and for every level of physical ability.
Diet
Food & Mood: The Complete Guide to Eating Well and Feeling Your Best, Elizabeth Somer, Henry Holt and
Company, Inc., 1996, New York, $15.95 (1-800-488-5233)
Discusses the effect of your diet on your moods, fatigue levels, etc. and how to eat to feel better.
Jane Brody's Good Food Book, Jane Brody, Doubleday, 1987
Jane Brody, who writes thePersonal Health column for The New York Times begins with nutrition basics
and concludes with cooking tips and recipes based on nutritionally sound principles.
Eating Well for Optimum Health: The Essential Guide to Food, Diet, and Nutrition, Andrew Weil, M.D.,
Alfred A. Knopf, 2000. ISBN 0375407545. Available in paperback and audiocassette
Although trained in traditional medicine, Weil is also a proponent of alternative treatments. Here he reviews
today's dietary fads and trends, indicating the problems inherent to them. He goes on to promote an eating
plan, which includes fruit, vegetables, and olive oil. The book includes suggested menus and recipes.
Foods That Fight Pain: Revolutionary New Strategies for Maximum Pain Relief, Neal Barnard, M.D.,
Harmony Books, 1998. ISBN0375407162. Available in paperback and cassette
The book examines the connection between health and diet. The author claims that eating a nutritionally
balanced diet can strengthen the immune system thereby reducing or even eliminating uncomfortable
symptoms. Each chapter investigates an issue such as trigger foods and hidden allergies.
Relationships
Helping Yourself Help Others: A Book for Caregiver, Rosalynn Carter
A survey of caregivers helped Ms. Carter, the wife of former President Jimmy Carter, identify and describe
their needs and feelings. The survey revealed, among other things, that caregivers credit this role for
providing them with personal growth, satisfaction, and greater insight into people. The book includes
resources for caregivers.
Mainstay: For the Well Spouse of the Chronically Ill, Maggie Strong, Bradford Books, 1997. ISBN 0965717909
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To gain insight into what it is like to be the well spouse of a person with a chronic illness, read this book.
Woven through the story of her life are issues such as sex, guilt, and feeling trapped.
Sexuality
Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, Lorig, Kate, et al. Bull Publishing Co. c2000
Living, Loving and Laughing with Pain, Pliskin, Jacqueline J. (publisher unknown) c1995
Sex, Love and Chronic Illness, Carlton, Lucille. National Parkinson Foundation. c1994
Sexuality and Chronic Illness, A Comprehensive Approach. Schover, Leslie R. and Jensen, Soren B. Guilford
Publications. c1988
Sex and Back Pain: Advice on Restoring Comfortable Sex That Has Been Lost to Back Pain, Lauren Hebert,
PT, IMPACC Publishing: Bangor, ME, 1987 (1-800-762-7720)
Provides instructions and illustrations on specific and safe sexual positions for men and women with back
pain.
Injured Workers
Take Charge of Your Worker’s Compensation Claim: An A to Z Guide, 1998. Christopher Ball, Nolo Press,
(ISBN 0-87337-393-6)
Written by an attorney, this book provides information to help you understand more about the Worker’s
Compensation system, your rights and responsibilities.
The Work Injury Handbook: A Simple Guide to California Workers' Comp. Law for the Injured Worker ,
Peter Goldberger, Goldberger & Associates, 1997
The author, Peter Goldberger is a licensed attorney who has represented injured workers for over 20 years
throughout Southern California. He is a graduate of the University of California and the University of San
Diego School of Law. He has lectured to doctors, employers and employees on workers' compensation
issues, been featured in newspaper articles on the subject and served as a Workers' Compensation Judge Pro
Temp.
Facts Every Injured Worker Should Know. Ava Gavilan, Luz Consulting, 2000
An easy to read book for workers injured in the state of California, written in simple terms, filled with over
100 pages of important facts, helpful tips, and simple explanations of the law to help you take control of
your claim and receive all the benefits that you are entitled to. Written by an experienced claim specialist
with an inside perspective to how a worker's compensation insurance company operates-what they do, and
why they do what they do. Includes all the official forms and instructions necessary to file a claim, settle a
claim and to file a petition to have a hearing before a worker's compensation judge.
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Videotapes
The Joy of Stress with Loretta LaRoche, WGBH Boston Video, P.O. Box 2284, South Burlington, VT 054072284, $19.95. (1-800-255-9424 or www.wgbh.org)
Humor Your Stress with Loretta LaRoche, WGBH Boston Video, P.O. Box 2284, South Burlington, VT 054072284, $19.95. (1-800-255-9424 or www.wgbh.org)
How Serious Is This with Loretta LaRoche, WGBH Boston Video, P.O. Box 2284, South Burlington, VT 054072284, $19.95. (1-800-255-9424 or www.wgbh.org)
Relax! You Only Live Once with Loretta LaRoche, WGBH Boston Video, P.O. Box 2284, South Burlington, VT
05407-2284, $19.95. (1-800-255-9424 or www.wgbh.org)
Support/Educational Organizations and Web Sites for People With Pain
Allies for Change
www.allies4change.com
We support individuals in breaking free from the hold of pain that diminishes the quality of their life.
Anyone whose quality of life has been diminished by their pain will benefit from working with Allies for
Change. Here at Allies, we look at healing from pain as a process of change.
When our clients come for their first visit, we believe they have made a conscious decision to change the
way pain has been affecting their lives. We begin to guide them around the Change Model looking at all
of the reasons they have not been able to heal.
American Chronic Pain Association
www.theacpa.org
P.O. Box 850
Rocklin, CA 95677
Phone Number: (916) 632-0922.
Fax: (916) 632-3208
This self-help, mutual aid organization, established in 1980, is aimed at providing help and hope to those suffering
from chronic pain. The ACPA is a non-profit organization with over 800 chapters in the U.S., Canada, and other
countries of the world. They publish a newsletter called The ACPA Chronicle, relaxation tapes, and a 115 page
workbook aimed at helping persons understand and cope with their pain more effectively. The web site provides
links to considerable information regarding chronic pain.
American Pain Foundation
www.painfoundation.org
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36 S. Charles St., Suite 7-12
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 468-4101
This non-profit patient information, education and advocacy organization was established in 1997. It is dedicated to
the cause of pain prevention and effective pain management.
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National Chronic Pain Outreach Association
www.chronicpain.org
P.O. Box 274
Millboro, VA 24460
(540) 862-9437
This is another non-profit organization aimed at lessening the suffering of people with chronic pain by educating
pain sufferers, health care professionals, and the public about chronic pain and its management. NCPOA helps
people with chronic pain regain control of their lives, spreading the message, "You can lead a fulfilling life despite
pain." They publish a newsletter called Lifeline along with a number of pamphlets and articles about pain
management.
National Headache Foundation
www.headaches.org
428 W. St. James Pl., 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60614-2450
(800) 843-2256
This non-profit organization, established in 1970, is dedicated to helping headache sufferers, their families and
healthcare providers keep informed about headache prevention and new treatments.
American Pain Society
www.ampainsoc.org
5700 Old Orchard Road, First Floor
Skokie, IL 60077-1057
Phone Number: (708) 966-5595
The American Pain Society (APS), which is the national chapter of the International Association for the Study of
Pain (IASP), is a multidisciplinary, non-profit, educational and scientific organization comprising pain treatment
clinicians and pain researchers throughout the United States. This organization was founded in 1978, and has grown
to include more than 2,800 members.
The APS publishes a quarterly journal known as the APS Journal and a bimonthly APS Bulletin which includes
articles and research reports dealing with various aspects of pain. The APS also publishes a Membership Directory
and a Pain Facilities Directory listing pain specialists and treatment programs all over the country.
American Academy of Pain Management
www.aapainmanage.org
13947 Mono Way #A
Sonora CA 95370
(209) 533-9744
This is a nonprofit multidisciplinary credentialing society providing credentialing to practitioners in the area of pain
management. Their web site also contains information and resources for pain patients.
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