Books

A publication of the National Fibromyalgia Partnership, Inc.

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Note: The National Fibromyalgia Partnership (NFP) offers the enclosed list of books as a public information service and receives no remuneration for any entry in this guide. The listed prices are based on information available from publishers and are subject to change. When ordering from publishing houses located in your home state, be sure to add appropriate sales tax.

(Above graphic: © Copyright 2009, Maa-illustrations \ Dreamstime.com)

Fibromyalgia & Other Central Pain Syndromes

Edited by Daniel J. Wallace & Daniel J. Clauw (Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Publishers, 2005)

A closeup look at the mechanics of whiplash injury with a full discussion of post-traumatic fibromyalgia by a leading expert in the field of post-traumatic fibromyalgia. [130 pages, softcover. Available for sale from the National Fibromyalgia Partnership, Inc. Member price: $7; Non-Members $9 — U.S. postage/handling included in price. Send check or money order payable to "NFP, Inc." to: P.O. Box 160, Linden, VA 22642, or order from the NFP website at www.fmpartnership.org (Visa/Mastercard/Discover accepted.]

Twenty-eight chapters and three appendices provide a wealth of highly relevant material on two medical conditions, fibromyalgia and chronic myofascial pain, which frequently occur together. This book is very reader-friendly and offers supplemental anatomical diagrams and references which greatly enrich its content. [Available at www.amazon.com and at selected bookstores]

Although an earlier publication than the one listed above, this book on fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, is unique in offering a wide range of self-help information and medical, legal, and financial resources. Of special interest is Chapter 7 which contains a large number of fact sheets (now quite well known in the FM community) designed for patients to share with all different types of medical/dental specialists to familiarize them with fibromyalgia and suggest how they might best approach FM patients when treating them in their practive. Examples of medical professionals targeted are: primary care physicians, cardiologists, chiropractors, dentists, dermatologists, emergency room staff, ENTs, eye doctors, gastroenterologists, neurologists, and more. [Available at www.amazon.com and at selected bookstores]

Recommended for both health care practitioners and patients, this book is actually a consensus document based on a meeting of an expert subcommittee of Health Canada. The text, which is authored by well-regarded authorities on fibromyalgia, covers signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, physical evaluations, treatment, and international research related to fibromyalgia. This softbound, 122-page book was originally co-published simultaneously as Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain (Vol. 11, Number 4, 2003), the official journal of the International Myopain Society. [Available at www.amazon.com ]

This book is a collection of the finest presentations from the 2004 Sixth World Congress of the International Myopain Society (MYOPAIN 2004) held in Munich, Germany, where respected experts presented the state-of-the-art in pain mechanisms, myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia syndrome, and inflammatory myopathies. Up-to-date innovative studies illustrate appropriate diagnostic approaches and latest practical treatments for soft tissue pain syndromes of all types. Recommended for more advanced readers. [134 pages, softcover. Available at www.amazon.com]

Muscle Pain—Understanding Its Nature, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Carefully constructed by three giants in the field of muscle and soft tissue research, this authoritative new textbook constructs a platform of medically-accurate information and thought-provoking discussion upon which future investigators and scholars can build. The authors provide precise definitions of the muscle terminology which has often been used carelessly and inaccurately in casual conversation. They also address such general topics as the relationship between acute and chronic pain, gender differences in the experience of pain, and difficulties in doctor/patient communication on the subject of pain symptoms. They then cover in greater depth the individual topics of local pain, neuropathic pain, referred pain, increased tension, reflexly mediated and postural pain, centrally modified pain, and myofascial pain--all in the context of muscle. A final comprehensive chapter on fibromyalgia by I. Jon Russell, M.D., Ph.D., is included. Each chapter presents a historical overview which assesses the theories and disagreements which have characterized its particular subject matter. Then, current research and new hypotheses are considered along with detailed information on pharmacologic therapies. Recommended for more advanced readers. [400 pages, hardback, $54.95. Available from the publisher's website, www.lippincott.com and from many bookstores.]

As described by Devin Starlanyl, respected author and authority on chronic myofascial pain and fibromyalgia: "This book is as important for the chronic pain patient as it is for the athlete. Imagine a world in which you have a body-worker on 24-hour call, and when you called, this therapist arrived immediately and could tell you exactly where the pain originated and what to do about it and how to prevent it from occurring in the future. This book will teach you how to be that therapist. This book is also an important time-saving tool for doctors, nurses, trigger point myotherapists, physical therapists, occupational and vocational therapists, massage therapists, and many other care providers as a neatly packaged ‘how-to’ book of exercise, pain control, and prevention. It is a book that can and should be used by anyone having muscle pain. This book does more than teach about myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). It teaches an integrated program of stretching, proper breathing, and ball acupressure. This book is written by a specialist in myofascial medicine, pain management, and integrative medicine. Dr. Blatman sees complex pain patients every day and enables them to improve their lives. He has put what you need to know into a wonderfully entertaining, informative, and well-illustrated book. Realistic cartoon figures illustrate how to stretch and move in a healthy way that is integrated with ball techniques. You will learn where the MTrPs are and what to do about them." (Note: Devin Starlanyl has no financial interest in this book or in the Blatman Pain Clinic.) [This book is available at: www.winoverpain.com]

This book offers an insightful account of a patient’s journey through the three stages of chronic illness—getting sick, being sick, and living well. Joy H. Selak poignantly describes her day-to-day experiences with pain and how she copes. She addresses several important aspects of living with chronic pain, such as hiring a doctor, managing chronic pain, and coping with grief and the loss of function. Dr. Steven Overman offers his own personal and medical perspective on the important relationship between doctor and patient. Of this book, Dr. Roberto Patarca-Montero, author of Concise Encyclopedia of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, writes: "A masterful, insightful, and useful account of the patient’s and physician’s perspectives, in their own words and frames of reference, on recognizing, confronting, and dealing with chronic pain…Will benefit not only patients with chronic illness, but also their health care providers and family members." [145 pages, softcover. Available at www.amazon.com]

This newly revised and expanded edition teaches coping skills proven to decrease the discomfort, depression, and anxiety associated with chronic pain. It provides a wide variety of do-it-yourself techniques for dealing with chronic pain, as well as chapters on the psychology and the physiology of pain. While many of the coping strategies described can undoubtedly be found separately in other publications, this is quite a comprehensive collection. Of special interest to FM patients are the breathing exercises, cognitive therapy tasks, and the four-page "Dysfunctional Attitude Survey" which the author indicates should be "very valuable in identifying self-defeating attitudes". [232 pages, softcover, $21.95 plus shipping/handling. Order online at www.guilford.com, or phone: (800) 365-7006.]

Susan Milstrey Wells has done an exceptional job of exploring the many facets of chronic illness in A Delicate Balance. Drawing on a wide range of disciplines, her own history with several medical conditions (including FM), and the insights and experiences of other patients, she takes an honest, unflinching look at chronic illness and the demands it places on us. She skillfully interweaves her own research with the personal narratives of patients, thus keeping the narrative engaging and fresh. Wells is no Pollyanna, however. She puts the ugly sides of chronic illness out into the light where we can all see them yet manages to draw constructive insights that we can take with us into the future. [289 pages, $16.00—U.S., or $24.50—Canada. Available in bookstores and on the publisher’s website: www.perseuspublishing.com]

This book describes the anguish of coping with illness that others cannot see and provides understanding and practical guidance for coping. [304 pages, softcover, $10.37 plus shipping/handling at www.amazon.com.Also available at other bookstores.]

An inspiring and thought-provoking book that encourages readers, both healthy and ill, to become open, honest, and courageous in dealing with the sensitive and difficult issues surrounding chronic illness. The author shares his experiences and insights with a unique combination of wit and sensitivity. [320 pages, softcover, $9.72 plus shipping/handling. Available at www.amazon.com]

This self help guide offers a thorough, reader-friendly introduction to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and dysfunction and discusses the inter-relationship between TMJ, myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, and mandibular whiplash. It is particularly useful in providing a set of conservative, gentle exercises (complete with illustrations) to stretch or strengthen the jaw and surrounding muscles. Also included is information on proper posture, diet, general exercise, and stress management. The previous May 2004 edition has been reprinted with a new section in the introduction entitled, "How To Jump Start Treatment" which teaches the reader three valuable techniques for TMJ management that can be used immediately. Of Uppgaard’s book, John W. Witzig, D.D.S., President of the TMJ Association of America, writes: "This powerful book is the first of its kind and will unravel the mysteries and answer your questions regarding TMJ disorder. It is a virtual goldmine of information about a previously misunderstood problem affecting millions of people." [184 pages, softcover, $14.95. Available at bookstores or online at: www.newharbinger.com]

Dr. Shankland offers clear explanations of more than two dozen medical/dental conditions which cause pain and other symptoms in the face, head, and neck. He also discusses several benign conditions which can lead to more serious problems. Of particular interest to FM patients are chapters on myofascial pain syndrome, burning mouth syndrome, bruxism, TMJ, and of course, FM, itself. Also included are overviews on trigeminal neuralgia, odontalgia, periodontal pain, neuralgia induced cavitational osteonecrosis, sinusitis, orofacial pain, and a variety of craniofacial pain disorders. Explanations on the clinical features of these disorders are offered in plain language, along with information on diagnosis and treatment approaches. Whether you are trying to narrow down the potential causes of your chronic facial pain or seeking to understand a diagnosis you have already received, this book is an excellent resource. [249 pages, softcover, $21.95 plus $2.50 shipping/handling. Payment may be made by Visa/Mastercard, money order, or cashier’s check (no personal checks, please). Mail order to: Dr. Wesley Shankland, TMJ & Facial Pain Center, 158A Commerce Park Drive, Westerville, OH 43082-7935. Order forms are available from Dr. Shankland’s website: www.drshankland.com]

This popular new handbook, written by a member of the Medical Advisory Board of the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA), contains the latest treatment options for interstitial cystitis (IC) and a variety of effective coping strategies. Included are: (1) How to obtain an accurate diagnosis; (2) Current medications and their side effects; (3) The role of diet and nutrition; (4) Alternative approaches to managing symptoms; (5) How to deal with painful sex; (6) State-of-the-art surgical techniques…and much more. Also included is a chapter, "Support for the IC Patient", by Vicki Ratner, M.D., Founder, President, and Chief Medical Officer of the ICA. [236 pages, $14.95 plus shipping/handling. To order, visit the ICA's website at: www.ichelp.org or call: (800) HELP-ICA.]

This book is a detailed exploration of the treatments currently available for peripheral neuropathy (PN), a group of often debilitating disorders which occur when sensory or motor nerves in the peripheral nervous system are damaged. After two introductory chapters which consider the symptoms, diagnostic workups, known causes, and the physiological mechanisms involved in PN, Senneff presents the reader with discussions of available treatments. These include traditional prescription drugs and commonly accepted medical procedures as well as alternative treatments (i.e., biofeedback, acupuncture, therapeutic touch, etc.), nutritional therapy (i.e., herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other supplements), and experimental and "unapproved" treatments. A final chapter also offers information on exercise, diet, sleep, foot care, and more. Of special interest are the narratives he has compiled in which PN sufferers relate their personal experiences, both pro and con, with particular medications or treatment approaches. [289 pages. Softbound edition--$19.95, casebound--$29.95, plus $4.00 shipping/ handling. To order, write: MedPress, P.O. Box 691546, San Antonio, TX 78269. Phone: 888/MED-9898. Website: www.medpress.com. Also available at: www.amazon.com. All major credit cards accepted.]

Also from John Senneff: Numb Toes and Other Woes: More on Peripheral Neuropathy (MedPress, 2001) and Nutrients For Neuropathy: How To Use Natural Supplements To Treat The Severe Pain And Other Consequences Of Peripheral Neuropathy (MedPress, 2002).

For years, women have suffered in silence with the dreaded problem of urinary incontinence. Dr. Choe's approach gives the reader a clear understanding of human anatomy in this part of the body, outlining the areas affected and the types of treatments available for each condition. Director of the Continence Center of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Dr. Choe is a nationally recognized authority on incontinence and is widely published in academic journals. While there is no mention of fibromyalgia in the book, FM patients will learn what incontinence is, how a diagnostic workup is done, how medications and treatment devices are used, as well as how to manage diet and exercise. For those who require surgery, options are discussed. This book offers clear and concise information in an easy-to-read format which includes 70 drawings and charts. [238 pages, softcover, $25.20 plus $3.75 shipping/handling per book. Mail check/money order or Visa/Mastercard information to: Anadem Publishing, Inc., 3620 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43214. Phone: (800) 633-0055, or fax: (614) 262-6630, or via the Anadem website: www.anadem.com]

This valuable workbook answers such questions as: What is Social Security Disability Insurance? How do I prove disability? How do I appeal when benefits are denied? How do I get and organize evidence? How do I monitor my case? How do I respond to continuing disability reviews? Includes worksheets, charts, frequently asked questions, appendices, and more. [141 pages, softcover, $19.95. Available for sale at the website of Physicians’ Disability Services: www.disabilityfacts.com and at www.amazon.com]

Also by Doug Smith: PdS Disability Facts and Social Security Trends, a quarterly newsletter designed to keep you abreast of changes in the laws, regulations, and policies related to Social Security Disability. Published in newsletter format, it offers insights on proving disability, exploring income-increasing opportunities without losing your benefits, and much more. [$19.95/year. Send check/money order to: Physicians' Disability Services, Inc., P.O. Box 827, Arnold, MD 21012, or order online at: www.disabilityfacts.com]