Conquering Chronic Pain After Injury: An Integrative Approach to Treating Post-Traumatic Pain

by William H. Simon, George E. Ehrilich and Arnold Sadwin (eds and contrib)

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New York: Penguin 2002 300pp Varied suggested readings $15.95

Simon, Ehrlich and Sadwin have edited a good basic introductory reference for the public on pain management with a variety of complementary/alternative medicine approaches. Each of the editors has written sections of the book as well. Various tables summarize relevant material and nicely supplement the text, which is divided into easily digested portions.

The reviewer, who is familiar with a spectrum of approaches to relieve pain and emotional traumas, found items of particular interest:

A discussion on 40 symptoms of hidden brain concussion (p. 51)

A discussion on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), aka Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), its assessment and treatments

A table differentiating between physical and psychological pain syndromes (p. 92-93)

The discussion on CAM approaches highlights a broad spectrum of approaches, with a few suggested readings for most. Surprising significant omissions: EMDR, Energy Psychology approaches *L(WHEE; Emotinal Freedom Technique), both of which are the most potent of the available treatments for psychological trauma, and the latter of which is very helpful in treatment of physical pain as well.

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