The Pain Epidemic

October 1, 2020
One out of every three Americans lives with chronic pain, which accounts for four in 10 doctor visits. Pain decreases quality of life, shortens lifespan, increases the risk of depression and suicide, causes social isolation, and even lowers income. Goldenberg, a rheumatologist, grew interested in this area after his wife, hit in the left eye with a tennis ball, developed neck, back, and muscle pain and exhaustion. Stumped, he stumbled on a medical report on fibromyalgia. Bingo. Like his wife, Goldenberg also experienced chronic pain, which began with severe headaches nearly three decades ago. Armed with first-hand knowledge from his personal and professional lives, he covers the pitfalls of addictive opioids and the promise of cannabis-related products. Overall, he advocates for an interdisciplinary approach that can include yoga, meditation, and exercise. After all, he writes, chronic pain always involves both the mind and the body. Exercise, seemingly the cheapest, most effective elixir, decreases pain and improves cognitive and psychological health. Goldenberg assures readers that sufferers may understandably feel helpless and hopeless, but they can be reassured that chronic pain can be managed.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)