Chronic pain is much more common than you might think - it affects nearly one-fifth of the population. Chronic pain is defined as any pain that continues for longer than three months. It has a variety of causes including arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, accidents or operations, although sometimes there is no apparent cause.

Many people suffering from chronic pain have been told by medical professionals that they are sorry, but 'there's nothing more we can do for you', leaving them feeling abandoned and isolated. If you have been told this, or you think this news may be in your future, then this book is for you.

Self-management is an important approach to coping better and managing this long term condition. Written with humor, and making use of cartoons and line drawings, the new edition of this popular and much-loved book encapsulates 20 years of pain management courses given by Phil Sizer at Pain Association Scotland to patients, GPs, and other health professionals. Divided into three sections (Understanding, Managing, Coping), its approach is based on a holistic, bio-psycho-social model of health including CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), positive psychology, relaxation, hypnotherapy, motivational interviewing and coaching.

From understanding what pain is (and isn't) to managing flare-ups, challenging your beliefs, getting more sleep and relaxation, to accepting help and learning how to be a person again - not a condition - this book shows how things can improve, become different, and most importantly, so much better.