Where It Hurts and Why: How to gain control of your pain
by Angela Sehgal, Ed., A.T.C./L and Kim Ortloff, L.M.T.
Published by Basic Health Publications, Inc.
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Reviewed by Connie Anderson
"Pain is the No. 1 reason for doctor visits. If you live with pain, you are not alone--it is estimated that 100 million Americans live with chronic pain."
These various pains, the authors say, leads to $60 billion in lost productivity and missed workdays.
This is a book that will be handy reference for me as it contains stretches, self-massage and exercise, as well as hundreds of pages of sound advice.
The two expert authors have written an excellent guide to help you and me achieve a life that is active, healthy and free of pain and learn to regain control over our health.
When we are in pain, we are not ourselves, and usually are crabby, can't see or think clearly and get stressed out. Our productivity and personal relationships are affected.
Did you know? The human head weighs 7 to 12 pounds, depending on the individual. No wonder neck and shoulder muscles get tired and weak.
Computers, couches and reclining chairs contribute to poor posture and pain. Sitting--which most of us do a lot at work, and then again at home watching TV or on the computer--places eight times more pressure on the lower back than standing does.
Of the two basic types of pain, acute is when you have an immediate pain from injuring yourself. Chronic, such as arthritis, hangs around and sometimes never goes away.
Several of their chapters deal with specific areas of pain. Those particular chapters make sense if first you read, "Why the Body Hurts," and "How to Manage your Pain." Each section helps us become advocates for our own health and pain-free living.
The last chapter, "If Your Pain Doesn't Go Away" includes questions for when you should see a doctor; what to ask; how to work with your doctor; and how to prevent your doctor from putting you off.
Armchair Interviews says: Even if you get one tiny helpful hint toward your pain control, this book is worth it. Their simple-to-do exercises and strategies have proven to be effective in relieving aches and pains in others. Whose body is it anyway?