5 Books for People Living with Neuroplastic Pain
Neuroplastic chronic pain refers to pain without a structural cause that emerges from reversible psychophysiologic processes. Sometimes this pain is also referred to as nociplastic pain (chronic pain that arises from altered processing in the central nervous system, even though there is no clear evidence of tissue damage, a lesion, or a disease) or central sensitization (referring to the underlying physiological explanation). I often refer to this kind of pain as learned pain because this pain can be unlearned.
There are a wide range of approaches that can help with general chronic pain including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and trauma-informed yoga. I use all of these approaches in my practice. There are also specific modalities developed to address neuroplastic chronic pain including Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) as well as Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), both modalities I’ve trained in.
Before offering some book recommendations, I want to acknowledge that chronic pain is a complex topic. People living with chronic pain often face medical gaslighting, stigma, and other iatrogenic harm from being under-treated (and sometimes being over-treated). Every person’s experience with pain is different. I believe that each person is an expert in their pain and that no one ever wants, chooses, or deserves chronic pain.
In my view, it is always important to have any physical symptoms be checked out by a doctor to determine if a neuroplastic lens is medically appropriate.
I’ve included some book recommendations below that encompass a variety of perspectives on how to work with neuroplastic chronic pain.
Unlearn Your Pain by Howard Scubiner
Dr. Howard Scubiner is a wonderful resource in a pain community. I’ve found him to be responsive and kind. He is a luminary in the chronic pain field and has been on the forefront of developing effective treatments for chronic pain. He, along with Mark Lumley, co-developed Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), which is a modified form of Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). His workbook is an accessible, easy-to-follow introduction to working with pain through a EAET lens.
The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook: Using the Brain's Neuroplasticity to Break the Cycle of Chronic Pain by Olivia Sinaiko and Vanessa Blackstone.
This is a groundbreaking workbook that teaches readers how to use Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT). Vanessa Blackstone was one of my trainers in my own PRT training and I really admire her approach. This book is a friendly guide to healing from neuroplastic chronic pain.
The Way Out: A Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven Approach to Healing Chronic Pain by Alan Gordon.
I found this book to be an entertaining and accessible read from Alan Gordon, the developer of Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and founder of the Pain Psychology Center. Alan Gordon developed PRT from his own personal experiences living with chronic pain, including his frustration with conventional pain management.
Pain Free You: Teach Your Brain to End Your Pain by Dan Buglio
Dan Buglio used to live with debilitating chronic back pain and sciatica. He healed from his pain and now coaches people through pain recovery, including on his Youtube channel Pain Free You. His matter-of-fact, compassionate, steady, and hopeful approach to chronic pain is present throughout the book.
The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain by John Sarno
Dr. Sarno was ahead of his time and was true pioneer of a mind-body approach to chronic pain. Although this book is now somewhat outdated, it continues to inspire and help many. I also like his books in audiobook form.
