The Challenge of Pain (Penguin Science)

Over the years a scientific revolution has taken place in the field of brain research and therapy. A major catalyst for this change was the introduction in 1965 by Professor Ronald Melzack and Professor Patrick D. Wall of the 'gate control' theory of pain, which led to an explosion of research studies and new therapeutic approaches. In this informative and important study they explore the current status of pain research and treatment. Divided into four sections, the book describes the psychological and clinical aspects of pain, presents the rapidly increasing physiological evidence and examines the major theories of pain and their implications for its control. The authors emphasize the need to promote education regarding the treatment of pain among both health professionals and patients, arguing that many people suffer needlessly through ignorance of medical advances. In the final section they explain the exciting developments in pain control, in particular the radical approach to the control of chronic pain being pioneered by pain clinics and hospices.