Author(s): Abdul-Ghaaliq Lalkhen

Psychology

Told through case studies and medical history, this is an enlightening, in-depth book on the fascinating science behind pain and the complexities of its treatment, by one of the leading doctors in this area.

 Pain is part of human existence but we understand very little of the mechanics of it. We damage ourselves, we feel pain, we seek help from a professional or learn not to do that bad thing again. The story of what goes on in our body is not this simple. Even medical practitioners themselves often fail to grasp the complexities of our minds and bodies and how they interact when dealing with pain stimulus. Throughout history we've tried to prevent it and mediate its affects, resulting in the current situation we find ourselves; highly medicated with a booming opiates industry.

Common conception still equates pain with tissue damage but that is only a very small part of the story. A woman who has just undergone a caesarean reports dramatically less pain and recovers quicker than a patient who has had kidney stones removed in a similarly damaging operation. The soldier who drags themselves to safety after being shot deals with pain in a remarkably different way to someone suffering a similar injury on a street. The truth is that pain is a complex mix of nerve endings, psychological state, social preconceptions and situational awareness.

Pain is the first book to explain the current issues and complexities surrounding the treatment of pain and how society deals with those in pain, to explain how our bodies relate to pain as well as explaining how we've come to our current relationship with pain (and why that is problematic) and what the future holds.

Review: Combines a career's worth of expertise with a long history of pain treatment. For anyone concerned with pain treatment, or anyone who has struggled to manage pain of any kind, it's an important read. * GQ *
As timely as it is important. What makes the book so prescient is the fact that Lalkhen understands exactly what is at stake. A life free from pain is a blessing while a life plagued by pain is a curse. * Scientific Inquirer *
This splendid book - informative, empathic, and wise - about a universal experience will surely promote healing. * Booklist (Starred Review) *
Drawing on research and his own experiences as a physician, the author explains that pain is largely misunderstood by both the public and medical professionals... With insights both scientific and personal, Lalkhen's study sheds light on a mysterious corner of physiology and medicine. * Publishers Weekly *
[Lalkhen] illuminates his specialty... [and] takes up pain as experienced by patients and dealt with by doctors. Readers [will find] a sensitive doctor who writes well about an ongoing epidemic. * Kirkus Reviews *

Contents: 0: Introduction: An unexpected journey 1: How does pain work? 2: A brief history of pain 3: Give me something for the pain 4: The line between pleasure and pain - opioids and addiction 5: Pain with no injury 6: Pain management - needles, narcotics and knives 7: A journey of a thousand miles. 8: Torpedo fish 9: Do not go gentle into that good night 10: Show me the money - private pain practice 11: The beginning of the end

Author Biography: Dr Abdul-Ghaaliq Lalken has been working in pain management for more than ten years. He is a member of the Faculty of Pain Medicine affiliated to the Royal College of Anaesthetists and a Visiting Professor at Manchester Metropolitan University. He lives in Manchester.