This book primarily focuses on chronic pain affecting the back and neck, but it also explores a range of other topics. These include medical concerns, spinal architecture, facet issues, sacroiliac joint problems, nerve complexities, arthritis, treatments, and healing processes. Written by a physician trained in pain management, the text focuses on the goals of decreasing pain and stress while increasing activity, sleep, and sociability. It explores the difference between acute and chronic pain, the statistics regarding back pain and chronic pain, and then examines the spinal and nervous system, including the facet and sacroiliac joints.

Fersel also explores the aging population and arthritis, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and then focuses on treatment options, with surgery reserved as a last resort. Other options discussed include narcotic medicine (along with its pros and cons), meditation, using a TENS unit, breathing exercises, yoga, chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, swimming, stretching, acupuncture, massage, and the use of a spinal cord stimulator. The author's book focuses on chronic pain as a symptom, not an illness. Ultimately, it offers hope for the patient's future.

The book effectively conveys complex issues in a readable manner, focusing on chronic pain as a medical condition and not as an illness. Using personal and professional stories as well as case studies makes the text more relatable to the reader. It is a hopeful text that supports the patient. The drawings/diagrams are excellent, although the photos are not of the same quality. At times, the book employs certain medical terms that may be unfamiliar to the average reader. However, overall, this is a helpful text and suitable for those seeking a beginner's book on chronic back pain.

A 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award Category Finalist

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