Testimonials

Out of an overall population of 310,000,000 in the United States, an estimated 50 million people live with some degree of chronic pain, and 33 million of them have suffered for more than five years.  Entire industries have been built around this population, from surgical “cures” to pharmaceutical palliation.  In our society, pain management has become quite lucrative, and the expectations of those who suffer has soared.  In his book, “<em>Take Charge of Your Chronic Pain</em>”, Peter Abaci, M.D., the medical director of the Bay Area Pain and Wellness Center, confronts many of these issues.  Directed at a primarily lay audience, Dr. Abaci lays out a three part strategy for patients trying to deal with this difficult problem.  He provides a clear-cut explanation of the basics of the physiology and psychology of pain.  He teaches strategies for evaluating and pursuing various aspects of pain management, and their pitfalls.  Finally, he goes into some depth on topics rarely covered in traditional medical texts and discusses alternative management strategies.  Overall, the text is clear and the topics important and engaging.  This would be an important book to distribute to patients with chronic pain, much the way Dr. Margaret A. Caudill’s “<em>Managing Pain Before it Manages You</em>” has been for previous generations.

Peter, I eagerly devoured your book last night. It is eminently readable, cogent and full of information rarely given to patients. It is radical in its honesty about the havoc wreaked in people’s lives by botched surgeries and unnecessary medical treatments, something we all see in our offices everyday. I can’t thank you enough for writing this book. It is a valuable resource for my patients who suffer with chronic pain. I feel even more grateful to have the chance to contribute my expertise to you and your clinic. Congrats…. job well done. -Lisa

Hi Dr. Abaci, I just wanted to say thank you for the copies of your book that were given to the Business Office. I also wanted to tell you how informative and easy to read your writing style is. Even though I don’t have chronic pain, I thought it would be a good idea to gain more understanding about some of our patients. I’m so glad I picked it up! Much of the information has applications in every day life, not just the medical field. I can’t wait to relay some of the things I’ve learned to my friends and family. Thanks again!

Peter Abaci has learned the secrets of successful chronic pain management and put them into his new book, Take Charge of your Chronic Pain.  Both pain sufferers and those who provide care for chronic pain patients can learn from his superb guide to contending with chronic pain and all its facets.  He makes it quite clear that it is the patient who must do the work; the health care provider is a guide and source of encouragement and wisdom.  This book is a counterbalance to the excessive reliance on pills and procedures that so often fail to adequately deal with those who suffer from chronic pain.  The book is an excellent companion-piece for patients entering into a chronic pain management program.

A comprehensive, easy to read, great handbook for patients with chronic pain. Dr. Abaci’s approach…can not only relieve pain but provide overall wellness.

An informative and readable ‘how to’ book for patients with chronic pain, one that illustrates the power of the rehabilitation approach and the importance of patients taking an active role in their own recovery.

Reading your book was like having a conversation with you…It’s beautiful how you see the connection between science and spirit.

Your book is information rich; the format is exceptional because you describe yourself in a transparent way; this requires fearlessness. You practice what you preach. You took pain to the cell level, educated the reader about the difference between nourishment and malnourishment, and educated the reader so he would completely understand the hazards of certain ‘fixes’ as well as the host of medications that are injurious to recovery.