Apr 23, 2015
KGNU's Claudia Cragg speaks here with Judy Foreman on her book 'A Nation in Pain. The workis the product of extensive research. As Foreman writes in the book, “Over the last five years, I have interviewed nearly 200 scientists and physicians, as well as countless patients, a few lawyers, and a handful of government officials. I have amassed a roomful of books on pain and hundreds upon hundreds of scientific papers.” And with over 100 pages of references, Foreman’s research shows up on nearly every page.
But the book is also a product of personal struggle and perseverance. Foreman herself suffered from chronic pain, a fact which places her among 100 million other Americans, by our best estimates. The difference between Foreman and most others living with chronic pain: she has the standing, the access, and the talent to write a definitive monograph on the subject.
The book is organized by topic, with chapters dedicated in nearly-equal measure to both the phenomenon of pain and to pain’s treatment. Foreman also addresses ‘The Opioid Wars,’ an issue which casts a forlorn shadow over chronic pain discussions in this country. Some chapters, ‘The Genetics of Pain’ among them, lack general appeal. But this is just as well – the book is intended for a wide audience and its organization allows the reader to set his or her own agenda.