Traci Stein - The Everything Guide to Integrative Pain Management: Conventional and Alternative Therapies for Managing Pain--Discover New Treatments, Regulate Symptoms, Improve Your Mood, Decrease Chronic Stress,

Dear Reader,

As Im sure you know, having chronic pain challenges you on every levelemotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually. All too often, it can take years to find the right combination of therapies to help you find peace and comfort in the body you actually have, even if it is not working perfectly. The trial and error can be frustrating, but the sense of mastery you gain from taking an active role in your health will be liberating, even if the symptoms dont completely go away.

One thing to remember is that your body-mind has some very powerful built-in mechanisms to help you manage pain and feel better in general. Each persons journey is differentthere is no one-size-fits-all approach. But, with a little practice and the best of conventional and complementary medicine, you can change your pain experience, and your life, in general, for the better. You may not get rid of your symptoms completely, but you can take the reins from pain and live a life that has meaning for youjust as you are, right noweven as you continue to work toward change. Please feel free to use this book in combination with other tools you already find helpful.

Be well!

Traci Stein

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Avon, Massachusetts

Dedication

To my patients, who continue to teach me so much. And in memory of Dr. Samantha Boris Karpel, a beautiful soul and tireless advocate for those in pain.

Copyright 2015 by F+W Media, Inc.

All rights reserved.

This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.

An Everything Series Book.

Everything and everything.com are registered trademarks of F+W Media, Inc.

Published by

Adams Media, a division of F+W Media, Inc.

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ISBN 10: 1-4405-8970-4

ISBN 13: 978-1-4405-8970-6

eISBN 10: 1-4405-8971-2

eISBN 13: 978-1-4405-8971-3

Printed in the United States of America.

10987654321

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Stein, Traci.

The everything guide to integrative pain management / Traci Stein, PhD, MPH.

pages cm

Includes index.

ISBN 978-1-4405-8970-6 (pb) -- ISBN 1-4405-8970-4 (pb) -- ISBN 978-1-4405-8971-3 (ebook) -- ISBN 1-4405-8971-2 (ebook)

1. Integrative medicine. 2. Chronic pain--Alternative treatment. I. Title.

R733.S74 2015

616'.0472--dc23

2015022670

The information in this book should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health problem. Not all diet and exercise plans suit everyone. You should always consult a trained medical professional before starting a diet, taking any form of medication, or embarking on any fitness or weight-training program. The author and publisher disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of this book.

This book is intended as general information only, and should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. In light of the complex, individual, and specific nature of health problems, this book is not intended to replace professional medical advice. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions in this book are intended to supplement, not replace, the advice of a trained medical professional. Consult your physician before adopting any of the suggestions in this book, as well as about any condition that may require diagnosis or medical attention. The author and publisher disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of this book.

Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and F+W Media, Inc. was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters.

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My continued gratitude to those Columbia University mentors and colleagues, past and present, who have shared their wisdom, including but not limited to Dr. Nomita Sonty, Dr. Michael Weinberger, and Dr. James Dillard. Dr. Roni Beth Tower, many thanks for encouraging me to think outside the box and supporting my love for and use of mind-body therapies, especially imagery. Thanks to Judy Kurzer, LCSW, who helped me formalize my training in clinical hypnosis and who continues to provide valuable feedback and support about this, one of my favorite tools for a range of conditions. My thanks to Dr. Mehmet Oz for giving me my formal start in Integrative Medicine all those years ago. A very special thank you to my former Columbia mentor and now colleague, Dr. John Saroyan, for his friendship, encouragement, and invaluable feedback on this manuscript. And finally, to my husband Jason and our little familyMorty, Mitzi, Petie, and Sebastianfor your unwavering support, patience, and good humor.