NEW HOPE FOR RELIEF FROM PAIN

Not as intensive or extensive as Arthur Freese's Pain (p. 155), neurosurgeon LaFia does not contribute materially to what the informed general reader knows; merely stresses throughout that ""self-help"" is an important part of curing any chronic pain while tension necessarily contributes to it. There are the usual case histories (Olga's back, Virginia's headaches, etc.) and beyond these, he focuses on arthritis, neuralgia, pelvic discomforts, and cancer. As well as a positive attitude. Drugs can help (though LaFia doesn't go too far beyond the aspirin level) and acupuncture which he supports (one in four may be relieved of pain of muscular or neuralgic origins thereby). Also to be overcome -- the ""ouch""-simplicities of the style and the reassurances -- ""You and I live today in a wonderful era.