Total Recovery: Solving the Mystery of Chronic Pain and Depression

by Gary Kaplan, Donna Beech

About 100 million Americans live with some form of chronic pain—more than the combined number who suffer from diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. But chronic pain has always been a mystery. It often returns at the slightest provocation, even when doctors can't find anything wrong. Oddly enough, whether the pain is physical or emotional, traumatic or slight, our brains register all pain as the same thing, and these signals can keep firing in the nervous system for months, even years.

In Total Recovery, Dr. Gary Kaplan argues that we've been thinking about disease all wrong. Drawing on dramatic patient stories and cutting-edge research, the book reveals that chronic physical and emotional pain are two sides of the same coin. New discoveries show that disease is not the result of a single event but an accumulation of traumas. Every injury, every infection, every toxin, and every emotional blow generates the same reaction: inflammation, activated by tiny cells in the brain, called microglia. Turned on too often from too many assaults, it can have a devastating cumulative effect.

Conventional treatment for these conditions is focused on symptoms, not causes, and can leave patients locked into a lifetime of pain and suffering. Dr. Kaplan's unified theory of chronic pain and depression helps us understand not only the cause of these conditions but also the issues we must address to create a pathway to healing. With this revolutionary new framework in place, we have been given the keys to recover.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Medical, Psychology, Audiobook

272 pages, Hardcover

First published May 6, 2014

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. I kept thinking he must be a quack but checking his references I found links to research from NIH, BMJ, and more. Kaplan is also on the faculty at Georgetown University Medical School, which said something to me about the validity of his approach. Most valuable to me was the section on NSAIDs and other painkillers and their role in keeping pain signals active - completely contrary to what other doctors have told me about using them. I was also interested to learn that there is a gene marker associated with certain kinds of environmental sensitivities that present as physical pain. Overall, it was just helpful to know that there are others out there who deal with these challenges and that it is considerably more complex than simply having another surgery or taking a pill.

[Angel Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Net Galley to review honestly.

Wowza! I had so many light bulb moments while reading this.

I have been in such pain for so long, and really thought it was something I just have to deal with. Dr. Kaplan shows that there is another way.

A way that will take you to the sicker side of things as your body lets go of the toxins within, which hold us back from healing. This book is not a, you will be better in X days, but more of a " there is hope, but you have to work for it, and need the right people helping you get there."

I will be making changes in how my health is managed in 2014, as a result of reading this book. Most of my Dr.s are within the same clinic to start with, now to get us all on the same page, together, including me.

The book appears to have a new title, The Pain Solution.

[Steve Granger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read about how acute events (and a history of acute events) can trigger chronic pain or depression. Kaplan takes a very open-minded approach to medicine, which while potentially avoids type 2 errors (i.e., saying something is not there or not true when it is) as can happen when being overly skeptical about alternative medical treatments, invites type 1 errors (i.e., saying something is there or is true but is not). Nonetheless, Kaplan offers a valuable reflection on various example cases that would have otherwise went undetected had more strict adherence to rigour been applied. Definitely worth reading if physical and psychological well-being are of interest to you. However, I would avoid the audiobook, as it wasn't particularly read well.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both informative and accessible to the public, this book offers stories, symptoms and suggestions for dealing with a variety of chronic-pain issues. As the title indicates, the author also covers the strong mental/physical pain connection, and the cumulative effect of years of abuse and/or trauma on a person's health.

Very helpful for anyone suffering (or has a loved one suffering) long-term pain along with depression or other psychological issues.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Kaplan explains fascinating new research connecting chronic pain, depression, and a number of other conditions. He makes me want to find a new doctor who practices integrative medicine. He recommends that we all demand physicians be rewarded for spending more time with patients.

[PennsyLady (Bev) · Rating 4 out of 5]

7 audio discs

This was a very interesting read.

I found it's geared to help you rethink disease.."not as a single event but an accumulations of traumas."
The patient is studied with a personal comprehensive approach, involving the integration of medical traditions.
Emotional, physical, infective and environmental considerations allow focus on causes, not symptoms.

A holistic approach, a treatment of mind and body can "create a pathway to healing" and help discourage a lock into a lifetime of pain and suffering.

The following thought, from Kaplan's book is definitely worth considering:
"Every injury, every infection, every toxin, and every emotional blow generates the same reaction: inflammation, activated by tiny cells in the brain, called microglia. Turned on too often from too many assaults, it can have a devastating cumulative effect."

After the audio read, I found it deserving of further study and now own a hardcover copy.
Since we're all acquainted with the experience of pain, I recommend it as a worthwhile read.

4 ★

[Sueper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for anyone with chronic pain. Mostly case studies, from his practice/center, but gives an idea of how real techniques and approaches can be used to treat chronic pain and central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. I would have liked to have seen more about genetics/epigenetics, and more background/references for the bases of the micgroglia theory that he regularly references. He does quote "The Other Brain", which is another great book (more scientific and technical than this one), specifically about glia and the CNS. I listened to the audio version, but was glad to see that he includes a list of treatments and physicians in the book. I especially appreciated the background/history of his own involvement in getting the much needed clinical trials for accupuncture funded by NIH.

[Alanna-Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has suffered from chronic pain and other associated nasties, but also with a scientific background, this book absolutely blew my mind.

Not only do I now want to revamp my healing protocols, but for the first time in years, I actually think I can get better! I have long my suspected that my multiple past traumas contributed to my overall decline in some way, and reading this book sounded a lot like hearing a 'truth' that I have long been searching. It makes so much sense!!

I'm sure that continuing research will refine this theory, and eventually make healing more accessible. For now though, I have a new path to follow that I believe in, and I feel more hopeful than I have in years!!

I highly recommend this book to anyone with these chronic conditions, and ALL healing professionals, regardless of your particular focus.

[Marilyn Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information in the book was very well presented, but the chapter on what you can do to help yourself seemed lacking. Dr. Kaplan wrote 175 pages talking about all the people he had helped and then wrote 25 pages about how people could help themselves. People in chronic pain and depression do not feel able to take their life in control and interview doctors and suggest tests they should run. We feel like we are at the mercy of doctors and do not have control over any part of our lives. He needed to spend a lot more time on that last chapter. My hopes had been built up only to be let down by another doctor.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until I read this book, it never made sense to me how I could continue to have daily problems from what seemed to be a very minor car accident 7 years later. This explained clearly how that can happen. His ideas made a lot of sense. As far as getting better though, it felt like his suggestions would require access to a really good functional medicine doctor which isn't easily available.

[Dittmorelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. Integrative medicine is so much better than taking meds to relieve the symptoms. Let's find out the real cause of the pain and deal with it in order to get rid of it.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upside: The overall message of this book is one that is much needed by the medical community and its patients - it explores how seemingly small injuries and insults can cause the body to have seemingly outsized reactions which are often (along with the patients) disregarded by the medical community because the symptoms don't "make sense". Downside: The author thinks a lot of himself and often seems to use the book to push business to his clinic.

[Ian Khan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say I got some profound insights on the subject of chronic illness/injury and the mind-body connection in this book. My only lament is that there maybe wasn't enough attention paid to self-managing the root-causes. I found the final section too short. Hopefully his new book.

[Katherine Reece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating! Helps you understand how the body works.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

microglial upregulation is the main theme. its tied to pain and depression. simple solutions to better health are given that focus on reducing nueroinflammation.

[Debi Coish · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new.

[Michelle Reding]

women's health recommendation

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded.

[Andy Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cool and interesting! I might read this again someday.

[Ashley (JaffaCaffa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite some parts being repetitive and the listing of every side-effect, this book has been a godsend. It's the most accurate and helpful book I have read regarding chronic pain, especially for CRPS/fibromyalgia and the depression/gastrointestinal problems that normally go hand in hand. There are also several stories of people's experiences with doctors, medicine, surgeries, and natural therapies. Obviously everyone reacts differently but it's nice seeing different connections and learning from other people's mistakes sort to speak, makes you think twice before trying something new and asking questions. There was also a lot of positivity towards healthy, natural options to lessen the pain, some of which I plan on looking into.

I learned that drug researchers only test men and children, women are not part of the equation. I personally get knocked for a loop by every medication I touch and will almost always get the "normal" side effects, but often one or two of the severe side effects as well. Most people with chronic pain are hypersensitive anyways, so knowing that there are different side effects for women as well as different recommended doses is very important and should be talked about more. I always take less than recommended and ease myself up if my body reacts okay, but doctors have always argued with me and not understood why I have to take less. I'm really happy that this book touches upon all perspectives and tells it how it is. It talks about similar things with blood tests and lab results, how everyone needs different tests done specific to them. This all leads back to the doctors needing to care about the patients enough to talk to them, learn their medical history and ask the proper questions.

I wrote a post a while ago, explaining my experience with CRPS mostly for my relatives because they just didn't understand, thought I was lying all the time to get out of seeing them (even though family has always been the closest thing to my heart..just goes to show you how difficult invisible illness are to truly see). I wanted to tell them (bluntly so that I hoped I could get through to them, it's not a big lie or an excuse) a gist of what I go through on an average day.
My post: https://justpaste.it/ik1w

Most of these people listed in the book have very similar experiences and pain levels that I do, and it was almost a relief to see that I'm not alone, and yet I cried so many times reading this because it absolutely broke my heart that so many people have to go through this.

I'm actually finally taking the plunge and getting off of all my pain meds starting today. I've had major side effects from all of them, more recently heart racing/hurting/pulse of 150-200 on top of all the "normal ones". Learning about the long-term affects of the meds on my intestines really put the puzzle pieces together, while terrifying me at the same time as I've been experiencing every thing they mentioned. If you're experiencing intestinal inflammation and bleeding, I would definitely encourage you to pick this book up, it made me realise how unbelievably destructive constant use of NSAIDs and opioids can be. Everyone tells you to stop, but never honestly explain why.

Some things that have helped me get relief: Diet (getting rid of dairy and gluten making the biggest difference), CranioSacral Therapy, Acupressure, and Physical Therapy. I just hit my one year anniversary of no wheelchair this February 2015! Pushing through the agony and doing the exercises (even just walking and using one lb weights) did so much for me. I went from being unable to get out of bed by myself and in a wheelchair, to being able to lift weights and do a little yoga and pilates. I also saw several hypnotists and therapists until I found two who were able to help me immensely, getting my depression and panic attacks (that I got because of the RSD, not the other way around) under control. I urge everyone suffering with chronic pain to try and keep pushing yourself just a little bit everyday, the changes will come over time as long as you don't give up.

Some quotes that hit close to home:

"Drugs had helped relieve Emily's pain, but they also had left her with sleep disturbance, nutrional absorption issues, immunological stress, and heighten sensitivity to pain—not to mention their emotional impact."

"What bothers me most is the way people look at you as if you're making it out to be worse than it is—as if I enjoy not being able to play with my kids or hold down a job."

[Aazir · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who deals with Chronic pain, this book jumped out at me. I'm always looking for ways to learn more and find better ways to deal with it. Unfortunately, physicians and the medical community seem to 'give up' sometimes when it comes to chronic pain and conditions like fibromyalgia. They prescribe a medication to deal with it and then once the pain has been reduced, forget about it.

This book talks about why this needn't be the case and how important it is to treat the whole person. It has inspired me to take a more holistic view to my health and to incorporate alternative - though clinically proven - modalities such as mindfulness, therapy and naturopathy and I've already had positive effects.

I would recommend this book to anyone dealing with chronic pain.

[Heidi Iwashita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew very little about chronic pain when I picked up the book. It has a high interest value not only for people who experience chronic pain and their families, but anyone in the health care professions and those with an interest in longevity, as I do. The theory proposed by Dr. Kaplan is novel, and quite convincingly presented. He argues that inflammation caused by upregulation of the microglia is the common cause of many diseases, aches, and pains, which don't fully heal until the microglia "calm down". He further ties this to psychological trauma, depression, and nutritional deficiencies. Illustrated by entertaining and educational case histories, this book by a leading osteopath challenges many long held views of the medical establishment. Maybe it is not the most balanced view of the topic, and many questions are left unanswered. However, it offers an important first step towards understanding chronic pain in the larger context of a person's life.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. It should be read by everyone who suffers from any type of chronic pain. Dr. Gary Kaplan examines the effect that both emotional and physiological forces have on our bodies and their ability to resist degenerative disease and pain. Dr. Kaplan's central focus is on reducing brain inflammation caused by upregulated microglia which act, under stress, to protect the brain, but which, when continuously activated, produce disease (emotional and physiological) and pain that so many of us suffer from. A great read with great suggestions.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of alternative medicine will find this interesting and informative. Kaplan's idea that the body does not discriminate between emotional and physical pain seems to make intuitive sense, and he cites recent, preliminary research that supports his contention that all pain, whether emotional or physical, is due to "upregulation" of the microglia in the brain, or "brain inflammation" as he colloquially terms it. There are some good resources in the footnotes, too.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about resolving pain and depression using holistic medicine.
I am giving this book 3 stars largely due to its format. It is filled with anecdotes which make it hard to find any actionable advice. The advice I did see at the end was somewhat common knowledge. The author did seem knowledgeable and compassionate so it is possible there was good advice hidden in the book, however the poor information density/organization made it hard for me to find.

[Polly Krize · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Very informative book detailing the relationship between chronic pain and depression. The ground-breaking integrative programs are designed to treat the whole person, not merely the symptom. Detailing acupuncture, fascial manipulation and other treatments offers a wide range of benefits to patients suffering unexplainable pain.

[Leslie Basil Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has made a difference in my life! I've lived with chronic pain every since an auto accident in January of 2000. I've come a long way since then and was on a manageable plateau but still not able to keep up with others. I still have my injuries, still struggle at times, but my overall health and energy since incorporating some of Kaplan's suggestions has made a **TREMENDOUS** improvement. If you struggle with chronic pain and depression, this book is worth studying.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who has dealt with a multitude of physical and/or mental issues, Dr. Kaplan offers a new way of looking at our bodies and our health, particularly pain and depression. He finds a possible physical cause for depression and anxiety which is worth exploring.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a perfect book, but it is an essential look at new research and ideas on how to change the way we treat not only chronic pain and depression, but all the illness that are now linked together. I recommend it highly.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating research and game plan as to how to relieve chronic pain and depression - the author digs into the actual biological cause, connects dots that other physicians haven't been able to make, and provides a game plan as to how to help your body heal.