A nation in pain : healing our nation's biggest health problem / Judy Foreman.

Out of 238 million American adults, 100 million live in chronic pain. When inadequately treated, it undermines the body and mind. Indeed, the risk of suicide for people in chronic pain is twice that of other people. Far more than just a symptom, chronic pain can be a disease in its own right-- the biggest health problem facing America today. Foreman offers a sweeping, deeply researched account of the chronic pain crisis, from neurobiology to public policy, and presents to practical solutions that are within our grasp today.

From neurobiology to public policy, examines the chronic pain crisis, which is a major national health concern, discussing the latest scientific discoveries and advances in treatments and providing a sensible plan of action. --Publishers description

Oxford : Oxford University Press, [2014]

xiii, 446 pages ; 25 cm

The enormity of the problem -- What is pain, anyway? -- The genetics of pain -- Gender and pain -- Children in pain -- The mind-body in pain -- Opioid wars : part I -- Opioid wars : part II -- How the immune system cranks up pain -- Marijuana : the weed america loves to hate -- Beyond opioids : western medicine -- Beyond opioids : complementary and alternative medicine -- Exercise : the real magic bullet -- The way forward.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 315-430) and index.