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Living beyond Pain: A Holistic Approach to Manage Pain and Get Your Life Back
Our national attention is firmly focused on the growing opioid crises. We know the problem. But what is the solution for the 100 million Americans living with chronic pain?
In Living beyond Pain , a physician and a therapist offer a whole person approach to pain management, addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of pain and providing alternative strategies that don't rely on opioids. Through education, pain triumph stories, daily guided cognitive activity, and as-needed pain rescue techniques, readers will reprogram their neurologic pathways, increase functioning, and experience improvement in their symptoms. For anyone suffering from pain or suffering alongside someone who is, this book offers real, research-based hope that there are better days ahead.
In Living beyond Pain , a physician and a therapist offer a whole person approach to pain management, addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of pain and providing alternative strategies that don't rely on opioids. Through education, pain triumph stories, daily guided cognitive activity, and as-needed pain rescue techniques, readers will reprogram their neurologic pathways, increase functioning, and experience improvement in their symptoms. For anyone suffering from pain or suffering alongside someone who is, this book offers real, research-based hope that there are better days ahead.
- GenresNonfictionHealth
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 18, 2022
They accidentally wrote “Holistic” in the subtitle when they meant “Christian” and that’ll pretty much tell you everything you need to know about this book.
The book started off ok and then about halfway through, it pivoted to religion, where, in the words of the immortal George Carlin, I start to have BIG PROBLEMS. I was looking for science-backed, neurological approaches to pain management and all I got was this lousy heaping pile of dogma, which triggered my childhood religious trauma and made my blood boil (oh, and negative emotions are not helpful for pain, according to these quacks). It’s bait and switch religious propaganda. The back jacket of the book has quotes from Ben Carson and Mike Huckabee for crying out loud. If only I’d known that when requesting books on pain management from the library, I would have passed.
If you’re a rational human being suffering from chronic pain and looking for practical and unbiased tips to manage said pain and “get your life back”, skip this Bible-thumping nonsense. Some choice nuggets include passages from scripture about mythological people overcoming pain due to their strong faith in God and laughable warnings about whether or not it’s spiritually safe for Christians to practice yoga or tai chi. Linda thinks that all you need to do to deal with pain is pray and think positive thoughts. She shares a story of an ice-skating injury that left her in pain and seeking a variety of treatment modalities. She observes that pain gets to be pretty depressing when you have to give up a lot of activities you formerly enjoyed (yeah, it tends to do that). When an acupuncturist recommends she get an MRI, which reveals a slipped disc, Linda gets surgery and is fortunate enough to have a positive outcome that solves the problem and eliminates her pain. But she has the audacity to claim that if she had only maintained a positive attitude and thought pleasant thoughts, her pain would have been a lot easier to manage. Are you fucking kidding me with this shit? This book abounds with such tone-deaf leaps of logic and flimsy anecdotal arguments that don’t even make the case she’s trying to make.
Eye-rolling, huffing and throwing this book across the room are acceptable responses to the pain of reading it.
The book started off ok and then about halfway through, it pivoted to religion, where, in the words of the immortal George Carlin, I start to have BIG PROBLEMS. I was looking for science-backed, neurological approaches to pain management and all I got was this lousy heaping pile of dogma, which triggered my childhood religious trauma and made my blood boil (oh, and negative emotions are not helpful for pain, according to these quacks). It’s bait and switch religious propaganda. The back jacket of the book has quotes from Ben Carson and Mike Huckabee for crying out loud. If only I’d known that when requesting books on pain management from the library, I would have passed.
If you’re a rational human being suffering from chronic pain and looking for practical and unbiased tips to manage said pain and “get your life back”, skip this Bible-thumping nonsense. Some choice nuggets include passages from scripture about mythological people overcoming pain due to their strong faith in God and laughable warnings about whether or not it’s spiritually safe for Christians to practice yoga or tai chi. Linda thinks that all you need to do to deal with pain is pray and think positive thoughts. She shares a story of an ice-skating injury that left her in pain and seeking a variety of treatment modalities. She observes that pain gets to be pretty depressing when you have to give up a lot of activities you formerly enjoyed (yeah, it tends to do that). When an acupuncturist recommends she get an MRI, which reveals a slipped disc, Linda gets surgery and is fortunate enough to have a positive outcome that solves the problem and eliminates her pain. But she has the audacity to claim that if she had only maintained a positive attitude and thought pleasant thoughts, her pain would have been a lot easier to manage. Are you fucking kidding me with this shit? This book abounds with such tone-deaf leaps of logic and flimsy anecdotal arguments that don’t even make the case she’s trying to make.
Eye-rolling, huffing and throwing this book across the room are acceptable responses to the pain of reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2021
I listened to an audio version of this book (Scribd) and enjoyed it so much that I purchased a hardcopy of the text. There was a lot of very good information in this book. I would recommend it to any people who have chronic pain that have a good understanding of the meaning of psychosomatic pain and how it works (as I know some people find this idea as dismissive).
While there were some areas of the book that I found to be lacking some depth, and some topics that were not covered that I thought should have been, I was mostly quite happy with the depth and breadth of the information in the book. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the types of pain, as I'd never read anything about this before. But there were also many other very good areas of information. Some of the information was known to me - and many techniques/methods/treatments were ones that I have tried and use regularly. But I learned a great deal and I was also glad to see that many of the things I find to be great resources & information are present in this volume - as I am not sure I've seen a book on chronic pain that has covered so much in one book.
I look forward to reading the text soon as a refresher and so that I can do some highlighting!
While there were some areas of the book that I found to be lacking some depth, and some topics that were not covered that I thought should have been, I was mostly quite happy with the depth and breadth of the information in the book. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the types of pain, as I'd never read anything about this before. But there were also many other very good areas of information. Some of the information was known to me - and many techniques/methods/treatments were ones that I have tried and use regularly. But I learned a great deal and I was also glad to see that many of the things I find to be great resources & information are present in this volume - as I am not sure I've seen a book on chronic pain that has covered so much in one book.
I look forward to reading the text soon as a refresher and so that I can do some highlighting!
December 28, 2019
Many people live in some sort of pain every day. Unfortunately, people often don't know what to do to help themselves live a better life either free of pain or with reduced pain. In Living Beyond Pain by Linda S. Mintle and James W. Kribs, the authors guide the reader ways they may reduce or eliminate pain holistically.
Living Beyond Pain is co-authored by a psychologist and practicing physician. It is divided in to 3 parts: Understanding Pain, Tools for Pain Management, and Hope and Resilience. Because Opioids are a real problem in the United States, the authors address that subject in the first section. They also share the five most common types of pain. In the second section, the authors address various factors that may be contributing to your pain and discuss various ways to help reduce pain with/or alongside medication. In the last section, the authors offer hope and encourage readers to look for good things around them and maintain a positive mindset amidst the challenges.
As a whole, I thought Living Beyond Pain was interesting. While the authors do write in such a way that a layperson can understand the pain issue, I still found parts of the book to be more of a textbook style in the way it read. Other parts, were quite interesting in learning how various people had pain and learned to handle it. The authors do address a variety of issues from migraine headaches, back pain, arthritis and other issues. I like that the authors give ideas on how to change your focus. I also like how they encourage readers to find a doctor they can work with and offer advice on how to talk to the doctor. Much of Living Beyond Pain was interesting to me, but it wasn't an easy book to read straight through. I think I would rather break it up and read it in portions as there is a lot of information to take in.
I received this book from Baker Books through the Baker Publishing Group Blogger Program. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Living Beyond Pain is co-authored by a psychologist and practicing physician. It is divided in to 3 parts: Understanding Pain, Tools for Pain Management, and Hope and Resilience. Because Opioids are a real problem in the United States, the authors address that subject in the first section. They also share the five most common types of pain. In the second section, the authors address various factors that may be contributing to your pain and discuss various ways to help reduce pain with/or alongside medication. In the last section, the authors offer hope and encourage readers to look for good things around them and maintain a positive mindset amidst the challenges.
As a whole, I thought Living Beyond Pain was interesting. While the authors do write in such a way that a layperson can understand the pain issue, I still found parts of the book to be more of a textbook style in the way it read. Other parts, were quite interesting in learning how various people had pain and learned to handle it. The authors do address a variety of issues from migraine headaches, back pain, arthritis and other issues. I like that the authors give ideas on how to change your focus. I also like how they encourage readers to find a doctor they can work with and offer advice on how to talk to the doctor. Much of Living Beyond Pain was interesting to me, but it wasn't an easy book to read straight through. I think I would rather break it up and read it in portions as there is a lot of information to take in.
I received this book from Baker Books through the Baker Publishing Group Blogger Program. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 11, 2019
Living Beyond Pain is broken into three sections: (1) Understanding the Pain, (2) Pain Management and (3) Hope and Resilience. This book goes extremely in-depth, reading more like a textbook for people that are serious about understanding and overcoming the pain they or a loved one experience. It could even potentially be used as light reading for a med student interested in opening a pain clinic. There is a lot of research baked into this book, with brief respites in the form of clients’ personal stories and experiences with pain and recovery.
This book is a great resource for learning about the different types of pain, some of the most common causes of pain, and treatment options available. Undoubtedly you will learn a lot, such as holistic treatment options like palates and yoga, to more traditional treatments via medications. However, the most important lesson within is the NEED to maintain a positive mentality, as depression and suicide is common in those that experience chronic pain.
This is a rough read for anyone not serious in making changes to pain management, or family members trying to gain an understanding of their options and treatment. But, it is a necessary read for those serious.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This book is a great resource for learning about the different types of pain, some of the most common causes of pain, and treatment options available. Undoubtedly you will learn a lot, such as holistic treatment options like palates and yoga, to more traditional treatments via medications. However, the most important lesson within is the NEED to maintain a positive mentality, as depression and suicide is common in those that experience chronic pain.
This is a rough read for anyone not serious in making changes to pain management, or family members trying to gain an understanding of their options and treatment. But, it is a necessary read for those serious.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
December 18, 2020
I'm always on the look out for books such as this one. My run of the mill arthritis is slowly destroying my life. As I get older the idea of just lying down and not moving sounds better every day. But this isn't realistic and there are things I want to do, or have to do. So any helpful books on pain- I'll grab them! Sometimes it's like grabbing at straws... Lots of good ideas in this book and useful info such as dealing with doctors (I sometimes think maybe I need older doctors, the young ones are clueless....) I understand the issue with opioids, I just feel for the folks who are truly in need of this painkiller and sympathize with the difficulties they are experiencing due to the epidemic of abusers. if you suffer from chronic pain, this book might be of help.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
December 24, 2019
This book had such wonderful information! The authors started out with a section on understanding pain, from explaining how pain works to the toll it can take to the types of pain. They talk about the impact our thoughts can have on our pain and how connected our mind and body are. They're incredibly encouraging and point out that improvement can be made, even if you might not be able to get rid of the pain completely. The next section gives tools to improve your pain. They talk about traditional and nontraditional methods to pain management, such as medication and retraining your brain. They also point out it could be a structural issue that needs addressing and that the underlying issue needs to be addressed, if at at all possible, rather than just treating the symptoms. It was especially interesting to read how much our thinking and beliefs affect our bodies. We need to understand what our beliefs are about pain, the negative thoughts running through our heads about it and learn to reframe those thoughts in a positive way. They talk about stress and ways to minimize it and point out lifestyle changes that can have a positive impact as well, such as losing weight, eating well and getting enough sleep. Making sure we exercise or get some movement in is also helpful. I especially liked the chapter where they pointed out it's helpful to find meaning in our suffering with a wonderful real-life example, which they had many of throughout the book. In the end, they encourage us to make a plan, set realistic goals and never give up. There were a lot of great tips in this book that I'm going to implement as this is an issue I've struggled with for years. I'm also going to recommend it to a lot of people I know. I highly recommend this book if you struggle with pain or know someone who does!
I received this book from Baker Books. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
I received this book from Baker Books. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
April 27, 2020
In Mintle and Kribs’ book, Living Beyond Pain the authors’ purpose is to help people with chronic pain live a fuller life – a life beyond one totally dominated or constricted by pain. They help people learn how to understand pain medically and psychologically, reframe it, and change the brain pathways associated with it. As their subtitle says: they provide a holistic approach to manage pain and get your life back. That approach weaves together a medical, scientific, spiritual and counseling approach so people can better manage their emotions and attitudes brought on by pain. They note that “too often, pain is treated purely from the pharmaceutical side of the equation” (Linda Mintle and James Kribs, Living Beyond Pain, a Holistic Approach to Manage Pain and Get Your Life Back, Baker Books, 2019, p. 23). Although they thoroughly discuss medical approaches to pain, they equally address the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of pain. They say, “Your pain experience can be explained and you can better manage your pain. The goal is to help you reestablish control in your battle against pain – one strategic step and one strategic change at a time” (p. 52). This balanced multi-layered approach is a great strength of the book and makes the authors’ advice accessible for people from many different disciplines and perspectives. This is an excellent book of hope and help for chronic pain sufferers.
January 27, 2020
4.5 stars
This is a highly informative book for those dealing with chronic pain. The authors have expertise for what they're saying, and there are a lot of details on ways to help deal with pain without solely relying on prescription medication. Physical and emotional issues pertaining to the impact pain has on someone are addressed. While there is technical, medical terms used, the book, in general, is written in a manner that the average person can read, understand, and apply the material. Holistic treatment options are mentioned, and the authors point out the importance of a positive mind-set and working closely with your provider.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
This is a highly informative book for those dealing with chronic pain. The authors have expertise for what they're saying, and there are a lot of details on ways to help deal with pain without solely relying on prescription medication. Physical and emotional issues pertaining to the impact pain has on someone are addressed. While there is technical, medical terms used, the book, in general, is written in a manner that the average person can read, understand, and apply the material. Holistic treatment options are mentioned, and the authors point out the importance of a positive mind-set and working closely with your provider.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
November 12, 2019
This book was very intelligent writing and compelling with that also had a knowledge us to see and better to understanding of how to handle in a simple and easy way when you have a chronic pain because that it also can cost of everything that you had in your life as it happen with the most of Americans and also with people around the world too. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers for this review”.
November 15, 2019
Living beyond Pain: A Holistic Approach to Manage Pain and Get Your Life Back by Linda S. PhD Mintle and James W. DO Kribs is a new non-fiction book for those suffering from chronic pain. I have been suffering from chronic pain for over 2 years and have a background in nursing so I found this book very informative and useful. The book covers physical and emotional issues related to pain and ways to manage the pain. The authors did a great job in explaining these pain management options and gave the reader a good resource to discuss options with their doctor. I would recommend that those suffering through pain to read this book to be encouraged and hopefully find relief from pain. Thank you to Baker Books for this review book.
January 9, 2020
This is very detailed book on how to utilize resources and seek out the help of a doctor to manage chronic pain. It gives clear information on the opioid crisis in the United States today and how to find ways to cope and overcome the ailments that are impacting your quality of life. I found this book to be a very interesting read. I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
February 28, 2020
As someone who has lived with chronic pain for several years, it was good to read about someone who understood the mentality of living with physical pain and the distress it causes. I am hoping this book will help me become mentally stronger and in turn more physically able to do the activities I am wary of.
November 13, 2022
3.5 stars. The book start off very well, but suddenly turns into Christianity. Some broadly used non-westerner techniques such as yoga are abarely mentioned (twice the space is given to Pilates). This religious turn make me question the interpretation of the science and, therefore, the validity of the content.
December 26, 2019
Won this on goodreads. Will be passing on this book to my mind who suffers from chronic pain. Great advice in here. Definitely a book to read if you want to try alternatives to modern prescriptions that do nothing after a while.
October 31, 2023
Was not expecting it to be so heavy on the religion. There are better pain books out there like “Manage your pain” by Michael K Nicholas
August 30, 2023
If you’re looking for a book to help, give you non-drug ways of managing and coping with chronic pain, this is a very good book. It gives you concrete methods and ideas to try to slowly implement them into your lifestyle. And the biggest one it gives you hope that you can manage this chronic pain.
August 21, 2024
Excellent
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews