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—Tell Me Where It Hurts is The Body Keeps the Score for chronic pain.

Every one of us has and will experience pain, but what if everything we thought we knew about pain was wrong? Pain is not purely physical. It is constructed by the brain—influenced not just by injuries but also by emotions, expectations, and environment.

Rooted in cutting-edge neuroscience and rich patient stories, Tell Me Where It Hurts upends myths, finally reconnecting physical and emotional pain, and provides a roadmap for healing. Chronic pain is treatable, but to do that, doctors must target the whole person, not just a body part.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Health, Self Help, Mental Health, Audiobook

336 pages, Hardcover

Published 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

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As a disabled person, this reads like medical gaslighting deeply rooted in ableism and is harmful to the disabled community.

I would love to see stories written by chronically ill or disabled voices uplifted rather than harmful literature that actively encourages the public—and the healthcare system—to treat chronic pain with something as “simple” as changing an individual’s lifestyle, environment, or thought process.

I cannot imagine going to a doctor I trust (which takes a LONG time to find btw), only to have that same medical professional tell me the treatment to the debilitating pain I am experiencing is to tell myself, “I’m safe.” (Actually I can because something similar has happened to me, and I cried all the way home from that appointment.)

Just because you have a PhD does not mean you know MY BODY better than I do.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tell Me Where It Hurts: The New Science of Pain and How to Heal
by Rachel Zoffness is an excellent book that can be used by just about anyone.

This is a great research-based book that can appeal to all patients, no matter their baseline knowledge, concerning the matter of: chronic pain, how it affects us, what it means, how can we process it, what we can do for ourselves to help ease the burden it places on our life, and how we can work towards dialing back the volume of what we feel and negatively experience.

As someone who suffers from autoimmune issues that cause a chronic pain that cannot be “fixed” and with osteoarthritis of the knee that is more of a degenerative condition, I experience a level of pain every single day. The author describes that while I may not be able to make it all magically disappear, I have tools that I can use to help adapt, dial down, and manage how much I experience and how much I let it affect my daily life.

The author is clearly passionate about her subject matter and gives the reader a wealth of information for self-knowledge and where to start to begin on this journey.

I highly recommend this to anyone who is dealing with chronic pain, anyone in the health care field, or anyone that has a loved one dealing with this life-changing issue.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Grand Central Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/24/26.

[lindsay.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent non-fiction book about chronic pain, and how the experience of pain is not only about physical conditions, but also environment, emotions, expectations, etc.

I have read a little about this topic but a lot of it was new, and it was fascinating. The book was well-written and easy to read and absorb. The first part introduces the information and research, and the second part provides guidance on how to put the info into practice in your own life. The book is written by a physician who specializes in pain and she provides a LOT of references to scientific studies and other reputable sources. Great book for anyone struggling with chronic pain, healthcare practitioners, or readers interested in health.  

Thanks to Grand Central for the complimentary copy to read and review.

[Louie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was super intrigued by the ologies episode and picked up this book for more context. Did not disappoint. So much great info here, it really changes the way that I view pain as not a purely accurate reflection of bodily harm and makes me reflect on the healing process of my old and current injuries.

The last section with info on chronic pain strategies is not so applicable to me but the rest of the book has so much important info.

[Ivi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, empowering read. This book breaks down pain science in a way that’s easy to understand and, more importantly, actually actionable. I really appreciated how step by step the author shows what patients can do to positively influence their pain, often highlighting affordable and accessible options rather than ideal-but-unrealistic solutions.

It’s firmly grounded in science, but never feels overwhelming. Instead, it gives a sense of agency and hope — something that’s often missing in conversations around chronic pain.

I also found myself wishing more healthcare providers would read this and integrate these approaches into their care. The focus on the biopsychosocial model of medicine is especially valuable. From personal experience, that approach can make a world of difference, and it was great to see it explained so clearly here.

Even with some familiarity with the topic, I still learned new things, which speaks to how well the information is presented.

Overall, this is a hopeful, practical, and well-researched book that I’d recommend to anyone living with pain — or anyone treating it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the eARC!

[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!

[Aranka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot more than Sanjay Gupta’s but we are still missing a book on pain from someone who has lived experience. I can see how the theories in the book can be alienating for those deep in their chronic pain journey.

I found the audio book hard to listen to at times because of the author’s reading cadence. Words were emphasized at the end of every few sentences and it was quite irritating.

All that to say I found the pain recipe concepts helpful but I am at the end of my chronic pain. If I was experiencing nerve pain like I was a year ago I don’t think the theory would have been as effective.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I won Tell Me Where It Hurts by Rachel Zoffness, Ph.D.! Even partway through, I’m impressed. This book shows that pain isn’t just about one body part—it’s physical, emotional, social, and psychological. Often pain is overtreated, undertreated, or mistreated, but Dr. Zoffness offers a compassionate, practical approach to understanding and managing it. As someone dealing with hip pain far too young, I feel like I finally have a roadmap for healing. I can’t wait to read the rest and put her steps into action!

[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.”

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new book by Rachel Zoffness should be required reading for medical students of all disciplines. Her work has informed my own clinical practice and I hope patients find it useful. A biopsychosocial approach to chronic pain management is so important and I think our siloed medical system is the underlying reason why the psychosocial factors so frequently go ignored.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read on pain science with applicable solutions. As a yoga therapist who works with chronic pain, Zoffness is speaking my language. Chronic pain is resolved through whole person approaches. She touches on the science, the downfalls of allopathy, and how holistic fields like yoga therapy can work along side any medical team to provide whole person healing.

[Keely · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really interesting, something I will dip into and reread parts frequently.

I do not reccomend the audio as half of the book is missing. It randomly stops at the end of chapter 8 and the whole toolkit is missing. So it isn't worth it.

[Kim Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and completely absorbing. Full of twists, riddles, and just enough clues to keep you guessing without ever feeling certain. I couldn’t put it down — now just waiting (not very patiently) for the next one.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into the multi-faceted contributors to chronic pain and how addressing some or all of these can provide significant relief for sufferers without necessarily using pharmaceuticals.

[Schsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must-read for people who have partners or relatives with chronic pain issues

[Penny Nardelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such wonderful new science explained with stories. It is clear and understandable debunking so much traditional thinking and biased diagnosing around chronic pain.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Libby

[Julie McGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone can gain something from this book

[shine · Rating 4 out of 5]

checked out the book after listening to the author on a few podcasts, definitely some interesting info and exciting new approaches to properly address pain through the biopsychosocial model !