Synopses & Reviews
Review
"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
"Too often, people with chronic pain feel that they are on a lonely and isolated journey. This book is a 'must-have' companion that can point the way to many new possibilities. With step-by-step guidance, it empowers readers to take back their lives from pain."--Scott Fishman, MD, author of The War on Pain
"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
Review
"A clinically tested program recognized throughout the world. [Caudill's] program for chronic pain has been scientifically proven to significantly lessen anxiety and depression, as well as anger and hostility....The publication of Managing Pain Before It Manages You allows those who are not participating in a formally structured program to make use of its approach."--The Pain Clinic
Review
"Caudill has developed a clinically tested program recognized throughout the world. Her program for chronic pain has been scientifically proven to significantly lessen anxiety and depression, as well as anger and hostility....The book is user-friendly, providing practical advice in an engaging fashion. Those who have used this approach report that in addition to lessening their suffering from pain, they have learned how to apply its principles to other aspects of their lives. They communicate better, have a more positive attitude, and frequently achieve other elusive health goals. Overall, they report having gained more control over their lives."--The Pain Clinic (on the revised edition)
Review
"This very complete manual on how to manage one's own chronic pain will be a very useful adjunct to psychotherapy whenever a patient is struggling with long-term pain despite a physician's care....I would recommend this book to anyone whose practice will find them in relationship to others with chronic pain, be they physicians, psychologists, counselors, nurses, or other practitioners. It would be very useful as an adjunct text in a graduate clinical psychology course on the treatment of chronic pain, cognitive behavioral therapy, or rational emotive therapy, among others."--Psychological Reports (on the revised edition)
Review
"This book does not just provide excellent content; it is also structured to motivate people and is written in a manner that seems to invite learning....I recommend this volume without hesitation both as a self-help book for chronic pain sufferers and as an important source of treatment information for professionals who may wish to become more knowledgeable about chronic pain and its treatment."--Journal of Pharmaceutical Care in Pain and Symptom Control (on the first edition)
Review
"The reader gets the sense that the author has great understanding of the experience of living with chronic pain....Very practical suggestions are given."--Disabilities Studies Quarterly (on the first edition)
Review
"This book presents a well-defined and clearly articulated program designed to teach persons who live with pain how to manage pain and feel more in control of their lives....Occupational therapy practitioners who work with this population should find this book appealing and useful. It is practical and offers clear materials to reproduce and use in group and individual sessions....This book should fit nicely as a valuable resource in any occupational therapy department." --American Occupational Therapy Association (on the first edition)
Review
"For over 20 years, this book has been the premier guide for managing pain. Now in its fourth edition, it is by far the best and most up-to-date step-by-step pain management manual on the market. Dr. Caudill’s time-tested program really works. Chock full of practical advice and tools drawn from years of clinical experience, this is an invaluable resource for everyone who wants to take back control of their life."--Robert N. Jamison, PhD, Departments of Anesthesia and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Pain Management Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital
"With wisdom and compassion, the fourth edition of Managing Pain builds on its timeless core with new insights from emerging research. I have been referring to and highly recommending this book for years. It can help you feel and do better, thrive despite the persistence of pain, and harness the power of the human spirit to restore joy and hope."--Paul Arnstein, RN, PhD, clinical nurse specialist for pain relief, Massachusetts General Hospital
"If you suffer from chronic pain, this book is an absolute must! It not only addresses practical issues, but also respectfully acknowledges and addresses the heavy emotional burden. Dr. Caudill's book is our most powerful tool for clients with chronic pain."--Maureen Theberge, RPsych, and Diana Gudim, RPsych, Viewpoint Counselling Psychology, Calgary, Canada
"When I first began using the program described in this compassionate book more than 20 years ago, I was suffering from migraine headaches that left me incapacitated--barely able to care for my family or myself. The program alleviated my anxiety and emotional stress and taught me ways to decrease my symptoms and function better. I continue to use the skills to this day."--Gerry R., Methuen, Massachusetts
"This book is a gem that has endured the test of time. Dr. Caudill doesn't promise a cure, but delivers a powerful message about how to reclaim a life interrupted by pain. She is the consummate clinician who lends a compassionate perspective to a very challenging medical problem."--Eileen Stuart-Shor, PhD, APRN, FAAN, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston; nurse practitioner, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
"Anyone who applies the principles in this unique book will have improved function and quality of life. The updated fourth edition is now even better. I recommend this book to almost all of my patients with chronic pain."--Gilbert J. Fanciullo, MD, MS, Director, Pain Management Center, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
"I appreciated the tangible tools in this workbook. It was so positive and productive for me to learn how to track my symptoms and identify patterns, and to try the effective techniques Dr. Caudill explains."--Dawna C., Hanover, New Hampshire
Synopsis
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 authors 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, activities, and worksheets (perforated for easy removal and photocopying). Dr. Margaret Caudill helps 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
New to the Third Edition
Thoroughly revised and updated, the third edition includes the latest information on medications and other clinically proven treatment strategies, expanded coverage of specific pain disorders, and a new appendix featuring Internet resources. Plus, readers can download free MP3 audio files of three of the guided relaxation exercises in the book (one hour total).
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Self-Help Book of Merit
Synopsis
Hundreds of thousands of readers have found help and hope for getting their lives back from chronic pain in this empowering workbook. Top pain specialist and physician Margaret A. Caudill spells out 10 steps that can radically change the way pain sufferers feel--both physically and emotionally. From finding the best treatments to coping with flareups, solving everyday problems, and harnessing the power of relaxation techniques, the book is packed with tested solutions that users can tailor to their own needs. The fully updated fourth edition incorporates important advances in pain management and mind-body medicine. It features new content on mindfulness, a "Quick Skill" section in each chapter with simple exercises that can have an immediate impact, updated supplementary reading and resources (including smart phone apps), and more. Practical tools include MP3 audio downloads and easy-to-use worksheets that purchasers can now download and print.
About the Author
Margaret A. Caudill, MD, PhD, MPH, is a board-certified internist and a Diplomate of Pain Medicine. For more than 30 years, Dr. Caudill has worked to improve the lives of people with chronic illness through medical treatments that address both mind and body. She has researched and written extensively on mind-body medicine and lectures internationally on the biopsychosocial treatment of pain. She is Instructor of Anesthesiology at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center's Pain Management Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, and Clinical Associate Professor of Community and Family Medicine at Dartmouth Medical School and The Dartmouth Institute.
Table of Contents
Foreword, Herbert Benson
Preface
Before You Begin: How This Book Can Help You
1. Beginning to Take Control of Your Pain
2. Understanding Pain
3. The MindBody Connection
4. The BodyMind Connection
5. The Power of the Mind
6. Adopting Healthy Attitudes
7. Nutrition and Pain
8. Effective Communication
9. Effective Problem Solving
10. The End of the Beginning
Appendix A. Common Chronic Pain Conditions
Appendix B. Complementary Alternative Medicine
Appendix C. Working Comfortably
Appendix D. Choosing Pain Medicine for Osteoarthritis
Appendix E. Worksheets and Other Materials
Internet Resources
Bibliography
MP3 Audio Downloads:
1. Ocean Sounds: Coupling Breathing with Imagination (20 minutes)
2. Creating a Safe Place (22 minutes)
3. Pain Control Visualization (21 minutes)