Book Review - Mastering Chronic Pain: How Peak Resilience Unlocks Your Potential - By Dr. Sahar Swidan and Dr. Matthew Bennett - Publication Date: 4 September 2025

 

In my opinion, this book is a message of hope and comunication feeding directly into the hearts and minds of those who suffer from chronic pain.  The word 'resilience' is a key word thoughout as the complete book title indicates.  If I'm understanding the authors correctly, the book offers a progressive chain of action that is important to note when talking about mastering chronic pain.

As a potential reader would read through this book, they can expect some significant technical jargon given the topic.  However, I believe even laymen will be able to understand what is described regarding managing and mastering chronic pain.  What's more, I feel that those who suffer such pain will definitely be able to relate, learning a wealth of beneficial information, not just to cope but to cultivate resilience, helping themselves to 'come back to life' and enabling a better quality of life.

Furthermore, there is good information on the nature of pain and how it works on the body systems, intertwining and entangling, captivating them in vicious cycles of pain unless there is intervention, not with medication, per se, but with other actions as prescribed in this book.  For example, explanations about how pain works on the nerves, gut, the brain, the pschological elements and more, setting them afire.  Then helpful suggestions on how to help oneself in these areas.

Once again, I'll say that I feel the authors are thankfully bringing hope to those who suffer chronic pain, teaching them how to apply certain breathing exercises, giving questions for reflection, journaling and other things to try to reframe their pain story.

The authors really seem to cover a broad spectrum of all that is inter-connected to the management and mastering of chronic pain.  I reckon most readers, whether they are the actual sufferers, or the family and friends and support group, will all have satisfaction when gaining this knowledge and understanding and be able to reach for that desired peak resilience to master the chronic pain, together, one little bit at a time - slow and steady though it may be.

                                          ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                       September 2025

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent to me by NetGalley and the publisher.

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