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.

As a person who has suffered from chronic pain for years, I could easily relate to a lot in this book. Being misdiagnosed and a guinea pig for medications is so disheartening when all you want is answers and relief. This book was very insightful and made me look at my pain differently. I will be using some of Sanjay's advice moving forward. I thought this was well written and helpful.

Those with chronic pain are too familiar with the ups and downs in life that come with it. This book gives them hope – hope for some type of relief.

He starts with a personal story of Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s 82-year-old mother. She called him in a panic – a mother who never called her son, the brilliant surgeon, unless it was urgent. She lost her balance and seriously injured her back. Of course, he dropped everything to be by her side.

Besides the important work he does at the hospital, he's also a remarkable investigative reporter and writer. He understands his audience which makes this book a must for those who are looking for relief from pain. He gives solid information that makes sense. Even if you think you’ve learned all there is to know, this may give you something else to consider.

Dr. Gupta provides a review of the drugs that are on the market – some that are no longer used much and others that are new. He presents several alternative methods that may be helpful: injection therapies such as nerve blocks, gel injections, Botox, acupuncture and more.

He also talks about people who have benefited from yoga, meditation, mindfulness, art classes and taking walks in nature. We all know the importance of sleep, a healthy diet and exercise plan. He makes you rethink about the items on your grocery list.

I have been diagnosed with chronic pain and this book was unexpected how it helped me understand more about myself and what I can do to find different paths of support. It’s convincing and highly recommended.

My thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of September 2, 2025.