I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations on books dealing with understanding and coping with chronic pain......

I know there is plenty written on pain but I was hoping to get some input directly from others with CRPS.

I've read lots of papers and articles; I'm looking for something more in-depth that can possibly give me a deeper understanding of chronic pain and more coping mechanisms.

Thanks!

Well, I don't have CRPS, but my fiancee does... We got and worked through the Graded Motor Imagery Handbook, which contained a lot of information about CRPS and chronic pain. A predecessor of sorts to this book is called "Explain Pain" and "Painful Yarns." We've read through Explain Pain which is more broadly related to pain in general... Haven't read Painful Yarns, but I've heard its very good as well...

Interestingly, I've read some research that indicates that education about pain itself can help reduce pain. This has certainly been the case for my fiancee. She is more or less in remission now, but every now and again she'll have a little bout of pain. Her ability to understand what her body is doing gives her a sense of control that prevents catastrophization and really helps her get through those pain times, which, thankfully, are becoming less and less frequent.

Here are some links to these books:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Graded-Mot.../dp/0987246755

http://www.amazon.com/Explain-Pain-D...ref=pd_sim_b_1

http://www.amazon.com/Painful-Yarns-...ref=pd_sim_b_1

Hope they help!

Thanks for those links and recommendations!

I strongly agree with you that educating ourselves about pain can help reduce pain. You bring up a very interesting point with this. The importance of the mind/body connection cannot be overstated......

If you go to Amazon and do a search of "reflex sympathetic dystrophy" you will find several books. I own a few of them and they helped me and my family to understand this monster.

I'm sure you can find these at Barnes and Noble too.

I wish you annd yours the best!!!!
If you jave anny questions please don't hesitate to ask!!! Someone will always be around soon to help in any way that we are able.

Abbie

There are also a number of good video presentations by the guy who wrote the books that cja1 mentioned. Here is a link to one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwd-wLdIHjs

It's not too long (15 min), informative, and as a side benefit, entertaining!