Understanding Chronic Pain

Keith W. Hagan, M.D.

"Robert Louis Stevenson writes in Treasure Island, 'We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we can find in our travels is an honest friend.' In his approach to chronic pain, Dr. Cochran brings honesty and understanding. His book invites readers to open doors which have long been shut, both to those who treat pain and those who suffer it."

Keith W. Hagan, M.D.
Urologist

Woody Paul

"Dr. Cochran is deeply aware of the person inside the pain. He understands how patients like myself who have experienced pain can feel despondent, depressed, and sleep-deprived but still have to get up and slug away at a whole new day of real life problems plus carry all that pain around. His insightful diagnosis has helped me live a much more pain-free existence."

Grammy Award-Winning Performer Woody Paul (Riders in the Sky)

J. Thomas John Jr., M.D.

"Understanding Chronic Pain is a superb book by a very gifted physician. Dr. Cochran's expertise has been invaluable to many long-suffering patients. His insights into chronic pain represent an important advance in the understanding of a very destructive illness."

J. Thomas John Jr., M.D.
Rheumatologist

David D. Duncan

"For far too long, chronic pain sufferers have been considered as just another difficult statistic. In many previous books on the subject, very little empathy for their tortuous plight has been shown. This is no longer true. With the publication of Understanding Chronic Pain , Dr. Robert T. Cochran, Jr. effectively puts a personal face on this debilitating disease. His compassion and determination to actually help his patients control their intense levels of pain shines through on every well-written page. By examining actual case studies, we learn emphatically that no one should suffer needlessly when legitimate pain control options are available."

David D. Duncan, author of Familiar Faces: The Art of Mort Drucker, chronic pain patient for nearly twenty years.

A. S. Callahan III, M.D.

"Understanding Chronic Pain provides insights into the why of pain; why now, why for so long, why in this manner. Dr. Cochran's articulation of the importance of memory shapes a provocative theory of the origins of chronic pain. All who are interested in chronic pain should read and contemplate this important work."

A. S. Callahan III, M.D.
Neurologist

Rick Davis, Major, USAFR

"If you suffer chronic pain, this book is a must read. I thought I was pretty tough until I was stricken with constant and debilitating pain. Dr. Cochran's book not only allowed me to better understand what was happening to me, but it also gave me comfort in knowing that there was hope for getting better. Dr. Cochran clearly explains what often seems unexplainable."

Rick Davis, Major, USAFR

Robert D. Riedel, M.D.

"An interesting and informative text. . . . Although written for those who suffer chronic pain, it should be required reading for all physicians. Were the medical community to develop an appreciation for the concepts so well presented by Dr. Cochran, the lives of painful patients would be greatly improved."

Robert D. Riedel, M.D.
Anesthesiologist

Serena

"I have been treated by many doctors, most of whom look down on patients with chronic pain. But when I met Dr. Cochran, I left his office with a huge high because for the first time in forty-two years, a professional was telling me, 'I can help you!' Today my life is much improved thanks to his thoughtful treatment. Understanding Chronic Pain is an awesome book filled with compassion and insight."

Serena, who suffers fibromyalgia

Barbara

"Learning some of the truths about chronic pain in this book were at times disturbing but also enlightening. Dr. Cochran's clinical brilliance is obvious, but the most remarkable features of his work are his deep compassion for painful patients and his understanding of their disease."

Barbara, who suffers migraine

Carol

"Dr. Cochran's compassion, as well as his comprehension of the scope of painfulness, is apparent throughout this book. His understanding of chronic pain helps temper some of the more difficult subjects he touches on. . . . His insights into the role of childhood abuse will be particularly important to those who have known that experience."

Carol, who suffers pain all over her body

H. Clay Newsome III, M.D.

"Understanding Chronic Pain should be required reading for primary care physicians like myself who often encounter chronic pain patients and who are frustrated with their management. Dr. Cochran's book clearly shows the way to approach such patients in a positive and hopeful manner."

H. Clay Newsome III, M.D.
Gynecologist