(The Challenge of Pain (Penguin Science)) [By: Wall, Patrick] [Jun, 1996]

by Ronald Melzack

Over the years a scientific revolution has taken place in the field of brain research & therapy. A major catalyst for this change was the introduction in 1965 by Profs. Ronald Melzack & Patrick D. Wall of the 'gate control' theory of pain, which led to an explosion of research studies & new therapeutic approaches. In this informative & important study they explore the current status of pain research & treatment. Divided into four sections, the book describes the psychological & clinical aspects of pain, presents the rapidly increasing physiological evidence & examines the major theories of pain & their implications for its control. The authors emphasize the need to promote education regarding the treatment of pain among both health professionals & patients, arguing that many people suffer needlessly thru ignorance of medical advances. In the final section they explain the exciting developments in pain control, in particular the radical approach to the control of chronic pain being pioneered by pain clinics & hospices.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Neuroscience, Psychology, Medicine, Brain

Paperback

First published January 5, 1982

Reviews

[Hon Lady Selene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Psychophysical studies that find a mathematical relationship between stimulus intensity and pain intensity are often cited as supporting evidence for the assumption that pain is a primary sensation subserved by a direct communication system from skin receptors to pain centre. A simple psychophysical function, however, does not necessarily reflect equally simple neural mechanisms. Activities in the central nervous system, such as memories of earlier cultural experience, may intervene between stimulus and sensation and invalidate any simple psychophysical ‘law’. The use of laboratory conditions that minimize such activities or prevent them from ever coming into play reduces the functions of the nervous system to those of a fixed-gain transmission line. It is under these conditions that psychophysical functions prevail.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe not the most up-to-date information, but a relatively accessible overview of the major theories, definitions, and treatments of pain (and more specifically chronic pain). It is written through a compassionate lens, is honest in admitting the faults and gaps in our scientific understanding of pain, and is critical of archaic theories that lean towards victim-blaming.

A good read for anyone who is actively devising their own treatment plan to cope with chronic pain.

[Richard Cubitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly interesting and informative. Complex in places (Undergraduate Level). Published in the 1980s, perhaps more progress has been made since then. A good start, nevertheless. Recommended.