It Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life

Neurosurgeon and journalist Gupta (Keep Sharp) shares tips for treating chronic pain without opioids or other addictive substances in this practical guide. He notes that nearly a quarter of adults in the U.S. experience chronic pain—whether it be migraines, back pain, joint pain, nerve pain, or other conditions. Finding treatment can be difficult because of the complex, subjective nature of pain, but “there is hope,” he argues. Drawing on emerging research and patient interviews, Gupta offers a range of physical and psychological strategies for treating chronic pain, like proper sleep, healthy eating, and exercise. For example, he shares how mindfulness meditation helped a woman relieve chronic back pain, and explores the recent uptick in usage of antidepressants to address persistent migraines. “Pain relief isn’t just about physical relief; it is an integral part of a complex, dynamic healing process,” he writes. Refreshingly, Gupta sheds light on “invisible” chronic conditions, which lack obvious symptoms and are difficult to test for, like fibromyalgia, a type of musculoskeletal pain. With an empathetic voice, Gupta presents readers with a broad array of accessible techniques and supportive advice. This will empower readers seeking relief from pain. (Sept.)