Making Peace With Chronic Pain

Download Making Peace With Chronic Pain PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1135062722
Total Pages : 194 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (35 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Making Peace With Chronic Pain by : Marlene E. Hunter

Download or read book Making Peace With Chronic Pain written by Marlene E. Hunter and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-10-28 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Published in 1996, Making Peace With Chronic Pain is a valuable contribution to the field of Psychiatry/Clinical Psychology.

Super Sick

Download Super Sick PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Phoenix Quill Press
ISBN 13 : 9781777087845
Total Pages : 252 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (878 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Super Sick by : Allison Alexander

Download or read book Super Sick written by Allison Alexander and published by Phoenix Quill Press. This book was released on 2021-05-31 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Superheroes aren't sick. They certainly don't have chronic pain, sexual dysfunction, or diarrhea. After all, spandex suits and sudden bowel movements don't mix. Do they? With raw sincerity and tongue-in-cheek humour, Alexander holds nothing back while discussing how to navigate doctors, dating, sex, friendships, faith, and embarrassing symptoms. Part memoir, part research, part pop culture analysis, Super Sick offers a friendly hand to anyone with chronic illness, a reminder that they aren't alone and have much to offer the world. With a new foreword, updated information, and bonus materials, this second edition is a must-read for anyone who has-or knows someone who has-a chronic illness.

How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness

Download How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
ISBN 13 : 1614292639
Total Pages : 352 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (142 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness by : Toni Bernhard

Download or read book How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness written by Toni Bernhard and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2015-10-06 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Comfort, understanding, and advice for those who are suffering--and those who care for them. Chronic illness creates many challenges, from career crises and relationship issues to struggles with self-blame, personal identity, and isolation. Beloved author Toni Bernhard addresses these challenges and many more, using practical examples to illustrate how mindfulness, equanimity, and compassion can help readers make peace with a life turned upside down. In her characteristic conversational style, Bernhard shows how to cope and make the most of life despite the challenges of chronic illness. Benefit from: • Mindfulness exercises to mitigate physical and emotional pain • Concrete advice for negotiating the everyday hurdles of medical appointments, household chores, and social obligations • Tools for navigating the strains illness can place on relationships Several chapters are directed toward family and friends of the chronically ill, helping them to understand what their loved one is going through and how they can help. Humorous and empathetic, Bernhard shares her own struggles and setbacks with unflinching honesty, offering invaluable support in the search to find peace and well-being.

Truce

Download Truce PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781981611324
Total Pages : 198 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (113 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Truce by : H. Moody

Download or read book Truce written by H. Moody and published by . This book was released on 2018-02-25 with total page 198 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Beyond the actual hurting, the worst thing about chronic pain is the complete inability of spouses, family, friends and care providers to commiserate and empathize with the true ghastliness of the diagnosis. Unless they've lived it, they just don't get it. I, the author of this book, have lived with chronic pain for over a decade. I've had four spine surgeries and tried every conceivable medication and procedure looking for relief. I get it. I know chronic pain, and write from this knowing perspective. The second worst thing (again, besides the hurting) is the total debacle patients encounter from the medical community treating their pain. If you can get beyond the skepticism and drug-seeking presumption, you'll slam into a wall of incorrect diagnosis and ineffective treatments. An M.D. who specialized in Anesthesiology, I trained and worked in chronic pain clinics. I've prescribed Neurontin, Oxycontin and Lyrica. I've performed facet injections, epidural steroid shots and dealt with intrathecal pumps and spinal cord stimulators. I know the approach and strategy chronic pain clinics use to treat you, and include this behind-the-scene thinking to educate you and better equip you as you move along the treatment regimen of pill, procedure and surgery.I unite these two rare perspectives into this missing manual to fill a void: a book on pain, by a pain doctor, still in pain. I mix anecdotes with proven medical evidence in plain English. And I devote five chapters to Tue philosophical side of pain, and outline my roadmap to a happy ending: acceptance of pain. I remain in pain, but no longer suffer from pain. And I devote five chapters to the philosophical side of pain, and outline my roadmap to a happy ending: acceptance of pain. I remain in pain, but no longer suffer from pain.

Peace with Pain

Download Peace with Pain PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9780692305935
Total Pages : 308 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (59 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Peace with Pain by : Jenna Sundell

Download or read book Peace with Pain written by Jenna Sundell and published by . This book was released on 2015-01-09 with total page 308 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In a body that HURTS... In a body that's EXHAUSTED... There is JOY... There is FULFILLMENT... There is PEACE. Can you be happy and at peace when your body is screaming in pain? YES! There may not be a cure for your physical condition, but there is a way out of the anguish and misery. With the tools in Peace with Pain, you'll discover how to create a joyful and productive life despite the malfunctions of the body. This simple path of focused meditation, mindfulness, and pacing can be followed by anyone who is suffering. Meditation is the foundation of the practice; mindfulness allows you to gain control of your time and life; and pacing all of life's activities keeps you moving forward on the path to peace. Rather than propose a cure for pain and illness, Peace with Pain opens a doorway into the beauty and ecstasy found only in full awareness of the present moment. This book for people with chronic pain is about living with and using your body efficiently as it is, right now.

Living Beyond Your Pain

Download Living Beyond Your Pain PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : New Harbinger Publications
ISBN 13 : 1572244097
Total Pages : 184 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (722 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Living Beyond Your Pain by : JoAnne Dahl

Download or read book Living Beyond Your Pain written by JoAnne Dahl and published by New Harbinger Publications. This book was released on 2006 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Using mindfulness-based techniques and cognitive behavioral tools, a leading expert on the use of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) teaches readers to transcend the experience of chronic pain by reconnecting with other, more valued aspects of their lives.

How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness

Download How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
ISBN 13 : 1614292485
Total Pages : 355 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (142 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness by : Toni Bernhard

Download or read book How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness written by Toni Bernhard and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2015-10-06 with total page 355 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Comfort, understanding, and advice for those who are suffering--and those who care for them. Chronic illness creates many challenges, from career crises and relationship issues to struggles with self-blame, personal identity, and isolation. Beloved author Toni Bernhard addresses these challenges and many more, using practical examples to illustrate how mindfulness, equanimity, and compassion can help readers make peace with a life turned upside down. In her characteristic conversational style, Bernhard shows how to cope and make the most of life despite the challenges of chronic illness. Benefit from: • Mindfulness exercises to mitigate physical and emotional pain • Concrete advice for negotiating the everyday hurdles of medical appointments, household chores, and social obligations • Tools for navigating the strains illness can place on relationships Several chapters are directed toward family and friends of the chronically ill, helping them to understand what their loved one is going through and how they can help. Humorous and empathetic, Bernhard shares her own struggles and setbacks with unflinching honesty, offering invaluable support in the search to find peace and well-being.

Your Pain Is Real

Download Your Pain Is Real PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Emile M. Hiesiger, MD
ISBN 13 : 9780060393243
Total Pages : 288 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (932 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Your Pain Is Real by : Emile Hiesiger, M.D.

Download or read book Your Pain Is Real written by Emile Hiesiger, M.D. and published by Emile M. Hiesiger, MD. This book was released on 2001-02-06 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of today's premier pain management neurologists reveals revolutionary new ways to relieve chronic head, neck, lower back, and all other types of pain. Dr. Hiesiger shows how debilitating pain can be managed, even when the underlying cause of it--cancer, osteoporosis, degenerative disease, or injury--cannot. Line art throughout.

Surviving and Thriving with an Invisible Chronic Illness

Download Surviving and Thriving with an Invisible Chronic Illness PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : New Harbinger Publications
ISBN 13 : 1626256012
Total Pages : 178 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (262 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Surviving and Thriving with an Invisible Chronic Illness by : Ilana Jacqueline

Download or read book Surviving and Thriving with an Invisible Chronic Illness written by Ilana Jacqueline and published by New Harbinger Publications. This book was released on 2018-03-01 with total page 178 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “An important antidote to the dogmatic ‘kale and vitamins’ tone of most ‘self-help’ literature.” —Alexa Tsoulis-Reay, senior writer, New York magazine Popular blogger Ilana Jacqueline offers smart and savvy advice, humor, and practical tips for living with an invisible chronic illness. Do you live with a chronic, debilitating, yet invisible condition? You may feel isolated, out of step, judged, lonely, or misunderstood—and that’s on top of dealing with the symptoms of your actual illness. Take heart. You are not alone, although sometimes it can feel that way. Written by a blogger who suffers from an invisible chronic illness, Surviving and Thriving with an Invisible Chronic Illness offers peer-to-peer support to help you stay sane, be your own advocate, and get back to living your life. This compelling guide is written for anyone suffering with an illness no one can see—such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), Lyme disease, lupus, dysautonomia, or even multiple sclerosis (MP). This book will tell you everything you need to know about living with a complicated, invisible condition—from how to balance sex, dating, and relationships to handling work and school with unavoidable absences. You’ll also learn to navigate judg-y or skeptical relatives and strangers and—most importantly—manage your medical care. Suffering from a chronic illness doesn’t mean you can’t live an active, engaged life. This book will show you how.

Behind the Tapestry

Download Behind the Tapestry PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Writers Republic LLC
ISBN 13 : 1637281366
Total Pages : 401 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (372 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Behind the Tapestry by : M. Rose Peluso

Download or read book Behind the Tapestry written by M. Rose Peluso and published by Writers Republic LLC. This book was released on 2021-01-29 with total page 401 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Behind the Tapestry is the compelling true story told from behind convent walls, of one woman's struggles to "make peace" with a mysterious chronic illness and her unfulfilled dream of being a Catholic nun. Maryanne was a 29 year old graphic designer working towards a lifelong desire to someday move to Hollywood and become an Academy Award winning art director. But an unexpected invitation to a Catholic prayer meeting would forever change Maryanne's life showing her desires she didn't know she possessed. After being abruptly fired from her job and spending a lot of time in prayer, Maryanne embarked on a journey to discover God's will for her life. This quest eventually led her to the Catholic Convent and the realization that all she's ever really wanted was to devote herself to Jesus. Entering Religious Life was all that Maryanne thought about for more than a year but there was a problem. She found herself plagued by a mysterious condition that caused widespread, chronic pain. However, in spite of this pain, Maryanne joined a group of Franciscan Sisters in 1999. Her life in the Convent was filled with many questions, struggles, challenges and a whole lot of physical pain. Then when already strained relationships with her superiors became even more fractured with the lines of communication practically severed, Sister Maryanne was forced to make a heart-wrenching decision. One that would not only impact her life but the lives of those around her. Should she remain in the Convent and go on to take final vows or leave her Religious Life behind and take care of herself instead?

How to Be Sick

Download How to Be Sick PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
ISBN 13 : 0861716264
Total Pages : 217 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (617 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis How to Be Sick by : Toni Bernhard

Download or read book How to Be Sick written by Toni Bernhard and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2010-09-14 with total page 217 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This life-affirming, instructive and thoroughly inspiring book is a must-read for anyone who is--or who might one day be--sick. And it can also be the perfect gift of guidance, encouragement, and uplifting inspiration to family, friends, and loved ones struggling with the many terrifying or disheartening life changes that come so close on the heels of a diagnosis of a chronic condition or even life-threatening illness. The author--who became ill while a university law professor in the prime of her career--tells the reader how she got sick and, to her and her partner's bewilderment, stayed that way. Toni had been a longtime meditator, going on long meditation retreats and spending many hours rigorously practicing, but soon discovered that she simply could no longer engage in those difficult and taxing forms. She had to learn ways to make "being sick" the heart of her spiritual practice--and through truly learning how to be sick, she learned how, even with many physical and energetic limitations, to live a life of equanimity, compassion, and joy. And whether we ourselves are sick now or not, we can learn these vital arts of living well from "How to Be Sick."

Peace in the Storm

Download Peace in the Storm PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (885 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Peace in the Storm by : Maureen Pratt

Download or read book Peace in the Storm written by Maureen Pratt and published by . This book was released on 2024-04-08 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For nearly 20 years, Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain and Illness has brought encouragement and inspiration to thousands of faithful who live with the serious, ongoing health conditions. In its 110 scripture-based meditations, readers will find examples of how they can find God's grace in some of the toughest situations with illness, and how Jesus' support and tenderness are a comfort in the midst of pain. The prayers at the end of each meditation provide expression to the deep yearning, joy, and gratitude that come with journeying through a life of illness and pain with true, abiding faith. Now in a new publishing home, Peace in the Storm... is the only devotional focused on chronic pain and illness that holds the nihil obstat and imprimatur - ecclesial designations signifying that the book is free from any error in Catholic teaching. This version contains exactly the same text as the original version and is the basis for the national ministry of pastoral accompaniment for persons with chronic pain and illness, The Peace in the Storm Project.

Spirituality and Meaning Making in Chronic Illness

Download Spirituality and Meaning Making in Chronic Illness PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Jessica Kingsley Publishers
ISBN 13 : 1785926586
Total Pages : 226 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (859 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Spirituality and Meaning Making in Chronic Illness by : Kelly Arora

Download or read book Spirituality and Meaning Making in Chronic Illness written by Kelly Arora and published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. This book was released on 2020-02-21 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many spiritual caregivers, including chaplains, spiritual directors and clergy, are unaware of how they can support people with chronic health conditions. This book combines insights on chronic illness with spiritual care skills and suggestions to enhance well-being for people living with long-term illness. Using a narrative approach, the author reflects on the stories of two women - Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, who travels from Kansas (a state of health) to Oz (an illness experience), alongside the author's personal experiences of managing an incurable autoimmune disease. Chapters will include guidelines and exercises that help equip caregivers to facilitate healing with people who live with long-term health conditions.

Just Fine

Download Just Fine PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9780970015037
Total Pages : 336 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (15 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Just Fine by : Carol Sveilich

Download or read book Just Fine written by Carol Sveilich and published by . This book was released on 2004-10-01 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness

Download Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Martin Family Bookstore
ISBN 13 : 0990826961
Total Pages : 200 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (98 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness by : Christopher Martin

Download or read book Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness written by Christopher Martin and published by Martin Family Bookstore. This book was released on 2021-11-14 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Christopher does a brilliant job of explaining the tools for managing the social, spiritual, mental, and physical aspects of chronic illness. I loved that the book contains straightforward tips for patients, their caregivers, and loved ones. Every chapter includes useful advice." —Edith Wairimu, 5-Star Readers' Favorite Book Review Live your best life — even when your physical health crumbles. Finding Joy presents a comprehensive, practical guide for living your best life with chronic illness. This psychology self-help book integrates personal and professional insights to give you tools for handling various aspects of living with a chronic illness. There is also a chapter specifically for the loved ones and caregivers of the chronically ill. While this book is designed for anyone with a chronic illness, the spiritual content early in the book suggests the value of sticking to your faith and offers several Bible references. Ultimately, Finding Joy is an A-to-Z guide that critiques the literature and empowers the reader with: Positive psychology techniques. These range from self-compassion, positive reappraisal, positive self-talk, and pacing to positive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors such as optimism, humor, and volunteer work. Stress-reduction methods. These include tools such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, simplification, and (therapeutic) journaling. Proven therapies. Examples include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Effective communication strategies and their impact on relationships and even the ability to access quality healthcare. Numerous tips to both access and optimize your your experience with high quality healthcare. Important considerations for loved ones of the chronically ill, so they too can know how to best support their loved one and take care of themselves in the process. Lastly, consider using the workbook by Oak Tree Reading on Amazon to enhance your reading experience. This could be useful for solo readers or support groups. “This book offers great value for anyone with chronic illness as it contains clear, practical, and actionable insights and steps that can be naturally implemented into daily life. An engaging, easy, and helpful read. Highly recommended.” —Alla Bogdanova, MSc, MIM, co-founder and past president of the International Empty Nose Syndrome Association "Having known Chris for decades, I am beyond fortunate to have been privy to such a work that serves others by providing a timely message, a powerhouse of practical strategies, and invaluable guidance.” —Mark Montgomery, PhD, chief diversity officer, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and founder and chair of Joseph’s Experience, Inc., an organization that assists children impacted by cancer and/or leukemia “I have had various invisible chronic illnesses for nearly forty years, but I was still able to find suggestions that will help me. So many of the things I have gone through are reflected in this book. I highly recommend this comprehensive book.” —Sue on Amazon.ca

Master Your Pain

Download Master Your Pain PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Visceral Books Llc
ISBN 13 : 9780982833919
Total Pages : 160 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (339 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Master Your Pain by : Jill B. Fancher Phd

Download or read book Master Your Pain written by Jill B. Fancher Phd and published by Visceral Books Llc. This book was released on 2012-11-01 with total page 160 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Master Your Pain" is a comprehensive workbook for the person with chronic pain. It teaches powerful techniques rooted in brain/body science to help reduce pain and change what it is like to live with chronic pain. Written from personal and professional expertise with chronic pain, "Master Your Pain" compassionately empowers the reader with knowledge about pain and introduces neurobiological concepts, translating these into practical, easy-to-use techniques that address the destructive impact of persistent pain. The approaches used in this workbook are validating, non-judgmental, and can be life changing. It is not a "one size fits all" method, instead "Master Your Pain" aims to help individualize pain mastery, encouraging skepticism and systematic discovery of the utility of each skill for each person suffering with chronic pain. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: ""Master Your Pain" insightfully creates a bridge between psychology and biology. It goes beyond what any other comparable pain book currently offers. She brilliantly delivers new tools to chronic pain patients." - JP Garofalo, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology, Washington State University ""Master Your Pain" provides straight-forward approaches to learning to manage, cope with, and even master chronic pain. She provides a broad spectrum of easy-to-implement pain management tools; from breath-work, visualization and relaxation, to understanding how to manage daily and social life, including nutrition and interactions with your medical practitioners. At the root of all Dr. Fancher's recommendations is an understanding of the latest research on chronic pain and what has been proven to work. She is able to educate the reader throughout the book so that the person experiencing persistent pain can gain an accurate understanding of what is physiologically happening to the brain and nervous system and how this contributes to and even exacerbates the pain experience." - Allison Suran, PT, GCFP, Founder Healing Bridge Physical Therapy "Dr. Fancher, as someone who deals personally with chronic pain and as a pain psychologist, speaks with an understanding no other expert can match. I highly recommend "Master Your Pain" to all my patients and for anyone with chronic pain." - Ginevra Liptan, MD, Medical Director, The Frida Center for Fibromyalgia "The book gives great insight into the variety of techniques that can make a difference, shows how personal responsibility and work is essential and then gives clear guidance about how to do the work in a clear and effective manner. I believe this book will become an essential tool for any effective pain management programs as well as being an essential resource for any individual wanting to determine how to not let chronic pain control or limit their lives." - Robert Djergaian, MD, Medical Director, Banner Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Institute "My role as a pain management specialist became infinitely more fulfilling and effective when I met my colleague and friend, Dr Jill Fancher, to whom I hope all my patients have the benefit of learning from. I am so excited to have her workbook Master Your Pain as a resource my patients can read, use, experience and learn from as they move through their personal journey we call 'chronic pain'." - Sandra Hadenfeld, ARNP, Pain Management Specialist, Peace Health Southwest Interventional Pain Clinic

Backbone

Download Backbone PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
ISBN 13 : 1628727969
Total Pages : 252 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (287 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Backbone by : Karen Duffy

Download or read book Backbone written by Karen Duffy and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2017-11-07 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An inspirational, powerful, and funny manual for coping and living with devastating pain. For two decades, Karen Duffy —New York Times bestselling author, former MTV VJ, Revlon model, and actress— has managed to live an enriching life despite living in a state of constant pain. Duffy has sarcoidosis, a disorder that causes the growth of inflammatory cells on different organs of the body. In her case, her sarcoidosis is located in her brain, causing her unimaginable pain. In this powerful, inspirational, funny, and important manual for surviving pain, Duffy draws on her experience as a patient advocate, certified recreational therapist, and hospital chaplain to illuminate gratifying methods people can use to cope with chronic pain and reinforces the sentiment that "circumstances determine our lives, but we shape our lives by what we make of circumstances" (Sir John Wheeler Bennet). More than one-third of the US population—nearly 113 million Americans—is currently living with chronic pain, while another 133 million Americans live with some form of chronic illness. Half of the US population lives with the challenges of these invisible illnesses where their symptoms are not always obvious to the casual observer. Addressing a country ravaged by both chronic pain and opioid addiction, Backbone offers a salve of self-sufficiency, spunk, and perseverance. With a light tone, deft wordplay, and interactive gems such as the Bill Murray Pain Scale, Mastectomy Paper Dolls, and a crown to wear just for getting out of bed, Duffy's serious—and seriously funny—book is for the massive population living with chronic pain who are eager to be understood and helped, and sends the message that despite the pain, there is a way to a good life.