Train Your Brain to Beat Chronic Pain: How to Harness the Power of the Mind-Body Connection

by Carly Hunt

Is chronic pain like a blaring siren that prevents you from living your life? State-of-the-art neuroscientific research reveals surprising new insights into pain as the brain's alarm system, designed to warn us of danger. When that alarm gets stuck in a high-alert mode, this concise, practical guide presents a range of proven interventions that can help you not only cope with pain, but actively reduce it. Psychologist Carly Hunt has devoted her career to understanding the causes and management of chronic pain. She shares crucial information about brain training techniques, lifestyle changes that target inflammation and other pain triggers, resources for self-care and support, and conventional and complementary medicine approaches to weave into your own integrative care plan. It truly is possible to beat chronic pain--this book points the way.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

196 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2025

Reviews

[Sara Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't experience chronic physical pain however I was really interested in reading this book because I have friends that do and I often experience mental pain and was curious if I could find anything that might help. I was extremely pleased and will be sharing this book with others.

The book is divided into four sections: Understanding Your Pain, Reducing Threats and Finding Safety, Finding Joy and Living Meaningfully, Lowering Inflammation to Heal Chronic Pain, and Widening the Lens: Building a Holistic Pain Self-Management. There are many references throughout the book to help lead you where you can get more information. It explains that modern medicine may not be enough to cure your chronic paid but by using other options alongside it, there is a good chance that you can at least help the pain to become more manageable. Some things you can do yourself without costing anything, others may be looking into different treatments that are available. Options are explained along with tips on how to check with your insurance to get them covered.

[Kevin Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Train Your Brain to Beat Chronic Pain* is an insightful and empowering guide that explores the fascinating connection between the brain, emotions, and physical pain. Carly Hunt does an excellent job explaining the science behind chronic pain in a way that feels accessible and practical. The book provides valuable information about how neuroscience, lifestyle changes, and mind-body techniques can work together to support healing and better pain management. I appreciated the focus on understanding pain rather than simply accepting it as something that cannot change. A helpful resource for anyone interested in psychology, neuroscience, self-care, and improving their quality of life.

[Flo Rouk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent, one of the reasons being, the author suffers from chronic pain herself. You can feel she’s been through many of the stages people who suffer from chronic pain go through, hits and missed, narrow-minded medical professionals, etc. It’s detailed without being overwhelming. I borrowed it at my library and I am going to purchase a copy to return to on a constant basis.

[Emily Marble · Rating 3 out of 5]

This didn't exactly change my life but did reinforce some good things I've thought about. It's not going to make everything go away and teach you to fully remove pain in your life, but it was okay. I'll keep some elements...and my pharmacy.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely helpful, scientifically sound, and surprisingly intersectional!