Chronic pain is most widely defined as “any pain that persists for three months or more.” Millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain every day, and some of the current treatments available may actually be causing additional harm or prolonged suffering. One of the most common treatment methods, the prescribing of opioid medications such as Vicodin and OxyContin, can have undesirable side effects and lead to addiction. In his book CONQUER CHRONIC PAIN: An Innovative Mind-Body Approach (Hazelden; November 3, 2015; $15.95; Original Trade Paperback), Peter Przekop, DO, PhD, provides healthy alternatives to treating chronic pain.
Dr. Przekop suggests that chronic pain is actually a disease in the brain and not only affects the brain, mind, and body but actually becomes part of the individual. Through his research, he discovered that people who could not cope with stress and who internalized emotions had an increased risk of becoming chronically ill. In addition, Dr. Przekop reveals that past negative experiences can hinder the healing process. The author also offers important information regarding the structure of the brain, how the mind is different from the brain, how the mind works, and how chronic pain alters brain functions.
This groundbreaking book also includes eighteen exercises specifically designed to help conquer chronic pain, including mindful movement–a schema exercise that helps us understand how our mind processes information—and clearing adversity, which helps us to clear negative energy that is locked inside, creating adversity.
CONQUER CHRONIC PAIN helps us to better understand chronic pain by explaining its causes and effects on the mind and body, reveals how a person’s coping strategies determine his or her ability to handle pain, and provides the exercises and information to assist in conquering chronic pain.
The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is a force of healing and hope for individuals, families and communities affected by addiction to alcohol and other drugs. It is the nation’s largest nonprofit treatment provider, with a legacy that began in 1949 and includes the 1982 founding of the Betty Ford Center. With 16 sites in California, Minnesota, Oregon, Illinois, New York, Florida, Massachusetts, Colorado and Texas, the Foundation offers prevention and recovery solutions nationwide and across the entire continuum of care for youth and adults.