Article October 16, 2006 Issue

THE END OF PAIN

CARYL FARKAS

IN A RECENT New York Times Magazine article, "My pain, my brain," a writer who had suffered chronic pain for years described taking part in a study to find out if getting a better understanding of how her brain worked might help her manage pain or even end it (May 13).

The woman could see that her thought had a great effect on her experience. But she noted that reducing pain wasn't merely a matter of thinking "nice" thoughts, and that it was very difficult to conjure up the right sort of thoughts that would bring healing.

I wasn't surprised by her experience. Years ago I struggled with chronic pain. Doctors told me that my condition was difficult to treat because they couldn't pinpoint the source of the pain. I could try surgery, but it might not bring relief and could cause complications.

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