Pain

About the Book

You've been injured in a car accident or on the job. You are continuing to experience neck pain and associated headaches. You are worried about symptoms of numbness, tingling, weakness and pain in your arms and fingers. You are experiencing low back pain with radiation into your buttocks, legs and feet. You've seen a doctor or several doctors. You've had some tests that have come back "normal". You've tried several treatment approaches but have only experienced temporary relief. You are having difficulties keeping up at work. You have cut down on certain activities at home, with friends, or for enjoyment. You don't know what to do or where to go from here. You are irritable, frustrated, afraid and worried about the future. You wonder if you're going crazy and if others think "the problem is all in your head".

DO NOT DESPAIR! THERE IS HOPE!YOU ARE NOT ALONE!THERE ARE MANY THINGS THAT CAN BE DONE. THERE ARE MANY ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.

First of all, you're not crazy. You are a normal person. The sources of the pain are not "all in your head." They are usually in the body. Medical tests and technology still do not show everything. If the doctor says, "Your test is normal," just remember that the tests don't show everything .

However, you are responsible for what is in your head. What is in your head affects how you recover. Information helps. No information confuses. Options help. No options make you feel trapped, imprisoned, tense and tight in your own muscles, thoughts, feelings, and lifestyle.

About the Author

Jay F. Tracy, PA-C, Psy.D., L.P.is a physician assistant and clinical psychologist. He is also an RN, registered nurse, and CCM, certified case manager. He was co-director of Rehabilitation Associates, Back and Neck Rehabilitation and Pain Management Program at The Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology, Ltd. in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He worked at this clinic from 1975 through 2001. He has also worked in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Minneapolis. He completed his doctorate in clinical psychology in 2000. His internship was at the Chronic Pain Program at Sister Kenny Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is where he has continued working since mid 2001. He has worked closely with physicians, psychologists, nurses, physical therapists, exercise physiologists, vocational counselors, and various other allied health personnel in caring for patients dealing with pain and other neurologic problems. He has authored many articles and lectured widely on these topics.