Does It Still Hurt? Using knowledge to overcome chronic pain

The journalist, academic and former specialist physician in emergency medicine describes chronic pain as the single biggest cause of human suffering.

Yet pain that persists for three months or more is often unrelated to any physical injury. So why does it still hurt?

Biegler, who has been on his own pain journey, investigates what he says is the true source of chronic pain - our brain's so-called neuroplasticity - in his new book Why Does It Still Hurt?

He also looks at emerging therapies, including cognitive therapy and graded exercise exposure, that take advantage of that same neuroplasticity to rewire the brain and end the suffering.

Through conversations with scientists, doctors and people who have overcome chronic pain, Biegler shines a light on rigorous new studies - and emotional personal stories - that are changing the way we understand and treat pain.

Along the way, readers will meet a policewoman who found the key to her recovery after hearing just two words; a Harvard neuroscientist who discovered something strange the body does to keep people in pain; and a pain scientist who felt nothing when bitten by one of the world's deadliest snakes but was in agony when scratched by a twig.

Chapters look at how the past prompts your brain to protect you; how new beliefs can rewire your brain; the importance of regular exercise; questions about surgery; the role of hypnosis; and the neurological reality of chronic pain.

Most importantly, Biegler shows how to take control over persistent pain and truly heal.

Knowledge is key: become a bowerbird of "pain things", he urges, "by collecting snippets here and there from experts and people who've been through it, and feather your nest with them to become comfortable again".

Why Does It Still Hurt? How the power of knowledge can overcome chronic pain by Paul Biegler (Scribe, RRP $35).