Dr. Sanjay Gupta is a respected neurosurgeon and medical correspondent for a cable news network. In "It Doesn't Have to Hurt," Dr. Gupta tackles the complex subject of pain—its causes, manifestations, and treatments. The author provides a detailed description of the mechanisms in the brain that cause us to feel pain.

The most interesting sections of "It Doesn't Have to Hurt" are the anecdotes about people who experience acute or chronic pain, and the ways in which their physicians attempt to provide them with much-needed relief. It is clear that there is no one size fits all when it comes to managing pain. The author discusses a wide variety of strategies, including medications, clinical trials, surgical interventions, and alternative healing, such as meditation, acupuncture, stress management, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Gupta emphasizes that although surgery may alleviate pain, it does not work in every case. After taking a complete medical history, physicians must carefully evaluate each patient before making a diagnosis and formulating a treatment plan. This book educates us about a topic that affects everyone at one time or another. However, the narrative is filled with jargon, is often slow-moving, and readers may struggle to grasp how the copious information that Gupta provides relates to them.

Review of It Doesn't Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life by Sanjay Gupta, M.D.

Dr. Gupta definitely has the credentials to write this book and I was eager to learn what he had to say on this topic. He has written a very interesting book that is highly informative, helpful, and empowering. He writes in a style that makes the information easy to understand, demonstrates his wide range of knowledge and research, and shows his compassion. I was encouraged to read of the growing focus and increasing number of studies being done on pain, chronic pain, and pain management.

The book is written in two parts. Part 1, "The New Science of Pain", explains the different types of pain, discusses various studies and findings, and shows the medical field as a whole increasing focus to take on this challenge. Part 2, "Taking Charge for a Pain-Smart Life", offers a wide range of modalities for dealing with pain (traditional and non-traditional) and encourages pain sufferers to become more active in their own care, and more willing to explore non-traditional options.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who deals with chronic pain issues, loves someone who does, or wants to become more informed about this topic. This rates 5 stars from me. A very nice reference to have on hand.

My thanks to Simon & Schuster for allowing me to access a DRC via NetGalley. The book is available now. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

Finally a book that explains pan in simple terms and solutions to help relieve pain without trying to sell anything. Sanjay Gupta always has a huge amount of information on topics and this book is a great example of his knowledge as well as his caring for fellow human beings. I found it a very good read that was easy to digest and the explanation he gave helped connect the dots in my own pain journey. If only there was away to get insurances to cover the cost of the book as they do all the pain medication.

I will recommend it to anyone who experiences complicated or persistent pain. hile not a one size fits all remedy, this book explain and gives options other that are certainly worth a try.


Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the advanced E-book edition in exchange for an honest review.

Sanjay Gupta’s new book, It Doesn’t Have to Hurt. It is written for professionals and for patients. As someone who has suffered chronic pain for many years, I find it an interesting and easily understood read.

The first half of It Doesn’t Have to Hurt deals with different kinds of pain and the difference in pain caused by the brain, versus pain caused by injury. The pain caused by the brain, for example, is pain that exists long after the wound has healed. My back pain is an example. The 3 surgeries have healed. The pain not so much. Of course there is only so much that can be done with scoliosis. That Is where the second half of this book goes.

The second half of It Doesn’t Have to Hurt is how to deal with chronic pain to eliminate it. Gupta discusses opioids, suggesting the complexity of a drug with both value and abuse. Much of what Gupta provides in the second part of this book deal, with focusing the mind for healing. Among Gupta's suggestions: mindfulness, regular physical activity, movement (Yoga, exercise, tai chi, dance), restorative sleep (always tough for people in pain), anti-inflammatory foods, forming a connection with supportive relationships (sharing pain with friends or a community of other sufferers), focused attention on positive experiences (remember the joyful experiences of the past). In other words, use the brain to escape the pain, by focusing the brain on each of these activities. Each of Gupta's suggestions is provided with more focus and detail within the text of his book. I do think this book has several useful ideas that people in pain might try. There is a lot the brain can do to deal with pain, but it does take real work. It isn't easy to redirect the brain away from pain, and Gupta acknowledges the problem.

I did like It Doesn’t Have to Hurt and found it useful with many suggestions that offer hope. But reprogramming the brain will not always be easy. I think reading and rereading part 2 would be useful, with is what I will do. Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC. I have posted my review on Facebook, since I know I am not alone in living with chronic pain.
5 stars.

The title of Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s new book, It Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life (Simon & Schuster, 2025), is another way of stating the Buddhist proverb, “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” In language accessible to both lay and professional audiences, Gupta defends his thesis using scientific evidence, personal anecdotes, practical guidelines, his own opinion, as well as the opinions of other experts in the field of pain management.

The multiple roles Gupta plays in his professional life make him well-qualified to tackle the complex and challenging topic of pain, both chronic and acute. He is an associate professor of neurosurgery at Emory University School of Medicine, chief medical correspondent for CNN, and an author.

The book is divided into two sections, and in each, Gupta blends science and storytelling to help readers understand the complexity and challenges surrounding the experience and treatment of pain.

In Part 1, “The New Science of Pain,” Gupta writes, “I’ll begin by reframing your understanding of pain, so you and your healthcare providers can intervene in the way your brain and body process those signals.” What follows are chapters, variously titled “Pain Comes Home,” “Hot-Wired: What Trips the Switch for Chronic Pain?”and “From Hope to Healing: Argument for Optimism.” At times, this section reads like a neurology text that focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the pain cycle, as in the chapter “Mastermind: The Brain as Pain Maker’s” explanation of “an unconscious process called neuroception—an evolutionary gift of a built-in surveillance system that continuously scans the environment for external or internal or visceral cues of danger or safety.”

At other times, Gupta’s narrative becomes a scientific treatise from leading neuroscientists and researchers, such as Sean Mackey at the Systems Neuroscience and Pain Laboratory at Stanford' University and A. Vania Apkarian, PhD, a professor of physiology, anaesthesiology and physical medicine and rehabilitation at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, whose work is directed at finding safe, effective, and accessible treatments for acute and chronic pain.

Yet another way Gupta unfolds the narrative is through stories. For me, these anecdotes were the best-written and most interesting aspect of the book. His well-crafted and persuasive prose shows the impact of pain on the lives of patients, their families, and themselves. For example, he tells about his own mother’s fractured vertebrae and how a kyphoplasty—a procedure to restore the integrity of her spine—relieved her pain and gave her hope for the future. ”Over the next few days I spent with her, first in the hospital and then at home, I was reminded that everything is connected—her symptoms, her pain, her very self. She was soon like a new woman, with a new lease on life. Even though she had been near suicidal a week earlier, on the day I left her she was whistling in the kitchen as she cooked.”

In Part 2, “Taking Charge for a Pain-Smart Life,” Gupta writes, “I’ll recommend some tips and strategies that may reduce your vulnerability, strengthen your resilience to pain and, when it does occur, work with the fullest range of tools to heal more readily.” What follows is a potpourri of therapeutic and preventive measures, “tools in the toolbox” as he calls them, to help achieve the pain-free life he aspires for his readers. Under the category “Mind Your Brain,” he covers psychological practices that include mindfulness, psychotherapy, hypnosis, and self- hypnosis. “Mind Your Body,” where he champions well known wellness guidelines like “move more, sleep more, eat well,” reads like a self-help book and lacks originality as opposed to the chapter “Brain Surgeon, Pain Surgeon.” Here, he reviews the role of surgical intervention in pain management. Based on his many years in the operating room, I found the information relayed here original, heartfelt and intriguing.

Gupta concludes his comprehensive and well‑researched book by acknowledging the importance for those inflicted to take ownership of their pain, to be aware of their own bodies and to use “inner resources” to prevent or reduce pain. “This,” he writes, “ begins with connections—between doctor and patient, within families, and among communities of caring. But the most important connection is the one within us, between body and brain.”

Tolstoy once wrote that, “If you feel pain, you are alive. If you feel other people’s pain, you’re a human being.” In the pages of It Doesn’t Have to Hurt, Sanjay Gupta demonstrates his own humanity by his ability to validate and feel the pain of others in depth and with understanding and then articulates a strategy for those afflicted to free them from their pain and lessen their suffering. — Daly Walker

DALY WALKER, MD is a retired surgeon. His fiction has appeared in numerous literary publications including The Sewanee Review, The Louisville Review, The Southampton Review, Catamaran Literary Reader, The Saturday Evening Post and The Atlantic Monthly. His work has been shortlisted for Best American Short Stories, a Pushcart Prize, and an O’Henry award. He has published three books, Doctor’s Dilemma, Surgeon Stories, and Little Creek.

He divides his time between Boca Grande, Florida and Quechee, Vermont. He teaches a fiction writer’s workshop at Dartmouth College in Osher@Dartmouth’s summer program.

His short story “Resuscitation” appeared in the Fall 2020 Intima.

It Doesn’t Have to Hurt by Dr. Sanjay Gupta is one of those rare books that speaks directly to both the science and the soul of pain. As a reader, I felt like he wasn’t just explaining the biology—he was offering a roadmap for reclaiming control. Gupta’s approach is gentle but firm, encouraging small, doable shifts that build real momentum. His stories and strategies helped me rethink how I respond to discomfort, and reminded me that healing isn’t just about medication—it’s about mindset, movement, and meaning. This book gave me hope, and more importantly, a plan.

While the information in this book may not be new to those living with chronic pain, it could provide a nice reminder. Gupta writes in a relatable way so that non-medical professionals can understand it. He provides alternatives to prescription medication, though all suggestions may not be effective for all people. A lot of the information is general vs in-depth. It may leave readers wanting to do their own further research.

I wanted to read this book because I suffer from multiple chronic pain issues, and I was hoping it contained the magic recipe to getting my life back. A large portion of the book discusses case studies, stories from patient visits, and personal experiennce. I admit I did get frustrated with some of the stories of patient visits because I could relate so well to a couple of them, and it just described all of the pain they were in and why and then ended it. I would have loved to known what measures were taken, to give me an idea of what might work for me, as well. I did appreciate that he didn't focus on just one or two types of pain, but rather a wide range of conditions, and what types of OTC meds, and exercises worked best for different conditions. I also appreciated the information about an inflammatory diet - what to eat & not eat, and why. Overall, if you are a chronic pain sufferer, then you need to have this in your arsenal!

I was excited to find this book because I respect Sanjay Gupta as a trusted medical authority and was hoping to gain some insight into pain and how to control it using methods outside the norm.

Dr. Gupta writes in a way that is understandable to lay persons, leaving the book free from most medical jargon. His compassionate method of dealing with pain and helping patients was evident throughout the book. I was happy to read about the alternative methods of pain relief suggested, from following an anti-inflammation diet, to practices such as yoga and acupuncture. Also interesting was the information on where pain originates and how that comes into play when treating someone for pain.

I learned a great deal about pain by reading this book. I'm also attending one of the author's talks in a few weeks and I'm excited to get a more in-depth view.

I found this an eye opening book about pain and how the brain is a major factor in how we feel and deal with pain. Gupta give a thorough job of explaining where pain actually comes from and all the different types of pains we can deal with. It is amazing how an individual frame of mind and how you sleep can change your pain levels. I was also amazed at how many ways people can deal with pain beside surgery and medicines. Gupta talks about how surgery isn't always a cure for what ails someone and that there are other ways now that may be more helpful, like Feedback, meditation, or talking to therapist. I was also glad to hear how exercise and alternative methods like Yoga and Tai Chi can be very helpful for people with various pains and stiffness, I myself feel better when I do a workout or do Yoga and It was nice to hear someone say that you must move your body, and that the body wasn't meant to be a couch potato. And finally Gupta talks about a diet the is anti-inflammatory that makes him feel more limber and suggested it would probably be helpful when you're experiencing discomfort.
Through his and others stories with pain, Gupta humanizes the information and makes the book very relatable and easy to understand which is helpful when you searching for information about pain.

I want to thank Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an advance copy of a book about how we deal with pain

When I saw that Sanjay Gupta had written a book on pain I was instantly intrigued. I know that Dr. Gupta as many interests beside neuroscience and has reported and research many others over the years. As someone who has watched Dr. Gupta on CNN as Chief Medical Correspondent and am an avid listener of his podcast Chasing Life, I knew I wanted to read this book. Also, being someone with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) an autoimmune disease I was interested to see what he might have to say about it in this book. I loved learning about how in someways we ourselves control some of our pain, our reactions, our past experiences, how we even take care of our bodies prior to illness and or injury or surgeries. Recovery can also looks completely different from one patient to the next even when they have experienced the exact same surgery.

Pain isn’t universal for all, but Dr. Gupta dives into all aspects of pain and backs up all his information with studies and feet from patients and other physicians.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for entrusting me with this eARC in return for my honest review. I believe this book can be helpful for people in pain, those taking care of people in pain and really everyone.

A thoughtful accessible and comprehensive volume about chronic pain. Those who have suffered will no doubt already be aware of some of what is discussed but Gupta has taken care to be respectful and expansive. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. An informative and useful volume.

This book provides practical advice on lifestyle, stress, and treatment options, delivered in a reassuring and accessible tone.

However, much of the material will be familiar to readers with even a basic interest in health and wellness. It offers little in the way of fresh research or original insight, leaning more towards general wellbeing than in-depth medical analysis.

A helpful introduction, but unlikely to offer much new for the well-informed reader.

This is a well-written and compassionate book about managing pain. I appreciate how thoughtful and thorough it is. Every time Dr. Gupta mentioned an idea that concerned me (e.g., cannabis), he offered caveats and reminders that alleviated some of my worries. Additionally, even though I am generally opposed to AI, it was encouraging to see how it can be used to in medical contexts to help people. I was also worried at times that the tone would be along the lines of “if you have chronic pain, it’s your fault for not doing enough therapy, eating correctly,” etc. However, generally the book is very compassionate and offers a variety of strategies readers can try to manage pain. Gupta’s writing style and specific examples show his prowess as both a doctor and a journalist, and I appreciated the personal perspective provided through his family’s and his patients’ experiences. I’m hopeful these suggestions will help my husband manage his pain; even if some of them work more like placebos, placebos work! They’ve already helped my husband a bit.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions. This review is cross-posted on Goodreads and will be posted on Amazon and Instagram within a week of the book’s publication.

We’ve all seen Dr. Gupta on TV. I always feel like he knows what he is doing because of the knowledgeable information he provides. This book is along that same vein- knowledgeable.

He discusses every facet of pain, I think. Some of it was new to me, some of it wasn’t. It is reassuring to know that there really are people out there searching for answers and why things work the way that they work in our bodies.

The pain management techniques discuss methods of dealing with pain in a manner that reiterates what we’ve all probably researched in our quests for answers, but he does it in that way that reminds that these really are good strategies.

I give this 5 stars because of the tons of information he provides, and for acknowledging that pain is real and ongoing for some people.

This new book by Sanjay Gupta covers so many aspects of pain from how the brain has a big influence on what we feel to ways patients can be helped. The wording is easy to understand and his conversational tone along with stories about experiences of pain by people--including his own mother, made this an easy book to appreciate reading!

I think everyone should have a copy of this!

The emphasis on brain plasticity and our "agency in choosing how we'll respond" is empowering without being dismissive of real suffering. Gupta's comprehensive coverage from conventional treatments to psychedelics and CBD suggests he's not ideologically committed to any single approach but focused on what actually works.
What's particularly valuable is his acknowledgment that pain carries "physical, social, and emotional baggage." This validates the full human experience of chronic pain rather than treating it as merely a mechanical problem to fix.

Finally, a book about chronic pain that doesn't dismiss it as "oh it's all in your head" or "just take pain meds every day." These are doable strategies that are actually practical for the everyday person.

The content in this book was nothing really new but he has a way of rearticulating medical approaches in a clear and understandable way. The author writes clearly and uses metaphors to bring concepts to life in layman's terms.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta has been a medical reporter for CNN and is also a practicing neurosurgeon. He has written a number of books for the layperson and this latest is about chronic pain. As someone who has suffered with migraine headaches as well as irritable bowel syndrome most of my life, I read this book with personal interest. The first part of this book describes what pain is, why it so complex, and is written in an understandable way without too much medical jargon. The next part of the book seven strategies to help those with chronic pain manage and even heal from it. Each of these seven strategies has an entire chapter to explain it in detail. As a nutritionist, I was happy to see that one of those chapters was about anti-inflammatory eating. There are well-researched studies cited for the strategies discussed in the book.
This book would be useful for anyone who is having chronic pain personally or helping a loved one deal with it. The chapters on the seven strategies would be especially helpful and give information for further action steps. As we have learned about the dangers of opioid drugs and the limitations of most other medications for pain, this book is a great addition detailing strategies to add to the toolbox to help suffering people.
I received a complementary advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley.