Tell Me Where It Hurts: The New Science of Pain and How to Heal

by Rachel Zoffness

Leading pain expert Dr. Rachel Zoffness bridges the gap between medicine and psychology to get to the heart of understanding—and treating—pain—it's The Body Keeps the Score for chronic pain. Every one of us will experience pain, be it back pain, the pain of childbirth, or living in an aging body. Not a single one of us will escape. But what if everything you thought you knew about pain was ... wrong? We’ve been told that pain is purely physical, something to do just with bones and body parts. The truth is that pain is constructed by the brain—influenced not just by injuries, but also by emotions, expectations, and environment. This means you have infinitely more control over pain than you ever because if the brain can change, pain can change. Rooted in cutting-edge neuroscience and rich patient stories, Dr. Rachel Zoffness completely upends the myths we’ve been sold—finally reconnecting physical and emotional pain, and providing a roadmap for healing. The fact is that chronic pain is treatable. But to do that, we must target the whole person—not just a body part. A groundbreaking, revolutionary book that finally offers access to the world’s most powerful YOU. “This book is a must read for anyone struggling with chronic pain. Filled with moving stories and the latest science, Zoffness explains how pain works and why so many treatments fall short. Her message is ultimately a hopeful By changing our brains we can lessen our pain. I highly recommend." ―Anna Lembke, MD, Professor and Medical Director, Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic, Stanford University, New York Times bestselling author of Dopamine Nation "In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Zoffness dismantles outdated myths about pain and brilliantly reveals new ways to overcome it. Filled with the latest science, this is a must read for both doctors and patients, and frankly anyone grappling with chronic pain.” ―William W. Li, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Eat To Beat Disease, former faculty at Harvard Medical School

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Science, Mental Health

336 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 24, 2026

About the author

Rachel Zoffness MS PhD is a pain psychologist, medical consultant, educator & author revolutionizing the way we talk about and treat pain. Dr. Zoffness is an assistant clinical professor at UCSF Medical School and lectures at Stanford. She is the author of 3 books: Tell Me Where It Hurts, which will be translated into more than 20 languages; The Pain Management Workbook, and The Chronic Pain & Illness Workbook for Teens.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Tell Me Where It Hurts" describes non-pill or -surgery methods that help to control pain. We've been told that pain comes from physical damage, and pain medication and things like surgery are what's needed to stop the pain. But the author gave examples of how there can be damage but no pain or pain with no obvious cause. She also showed how emotions and expectations ("this is going to hurt") can make pain worse or better.

We can change how we view our pain and how bad it will be. The author provided questions that help the reader identify situations and thoughts that make the pain worse and actions and thoughts that can help reduce pain. She also suggested using methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or taking actions like increasing positive social interactions. She provided enough information that the reader can make small, impactful changes that add up over time to reduce your pain. Overall, I'd recommend this informative book.

I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be an interesting take on pain; there were lots of aspects to it that I hadn’t seriously considered before, like just how much of it is cognitive, along with the various tools we can use to combat its impact on us both physically and mentally. I particularly appreciated the individualized stories in the book, as they helped illustrate the author’s more abstract points. Same thing with the research she cited. Really felt like I was engaging in the wider conversation and advancements made in the world of pain management and the topic as a whole. Won a paperback ARC of this title in a Goodreads giveaway, which I'll definitely be sharing with folks!

[Serena Mancini · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explains what counselors have been taught for decades: pain is psychological. A very pertinent and important read especially considering the pill pushing society we live in today. All counselors, psychiatrists, and physicians should be required to read this.

“But medications are only a Band-Aid. They do not change our brains and bodies in a way that reduces pain over the long term.”