Why We Hurt, Frank T. Vertosick, Jr., MD
Why We Hurt, Frank T. Vertosick, Jr., MD
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Why We Hurt
The Natural History of Pain

Author: Frank T. Vertosick, Jr., MD

Narrator: Tom Parks

Unabridged: 9 hr 45 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 06/13/2023


Synopsis

A top neurosurgeon and acclaimed author's unique and highly listenable study of the paradox of pain, with fascinating anecdotes on childbirth, migraines, cancer, and more.

Medical science has made brilliant discoveries over the last century but as any cancer patient can attest, it has yet to conquer, or even fully comprehend, pain. Beginning with his own battle against severe migraines, and citing numerous case studies of his patients, in Why We Hurt Dr. Frank Vertosick explains how pain evolved, and by highlighting the critical functions it serves, he helps us to understand its value. Well written, expertly researched, and movingly told, each chapter offers an amalgam of medicine, history, anthropology, drama, inspiration, and practical advice on a myriad of pain syndromes, from back pain to angina, arthritis to carpal tunnel syndrome. A skilled writer and compassionate physician, Vertosick believes knowledge is often the first, and best, analgesic, and in Why We Hurt, "he offers fascinating insight into the greatest mystery of all: what it means to be human" (the Seattle Times).

About Frank T. Vertosick, Jr., MD

Frank T. Vertosick, Jr., MD, trained in neurosurgery with the legendary brain surgeon, the late Peter Jannetta, at the University of Pittsburgh. After completing his residency in 1988, Dr. Vertosick spent the next fifteen years at Pitt as a surgical neuro-oncologist, clinically treating patients with malignancies of the nervous system and supervising glioma research. In 2002, Dr. Vertosick was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease and he retired from surgery. He worked in other areas of medicine until 2013, when Parkinson's progression made it impossible for him to practice clinical medicine. In addition to When the Air Hits Your Brain, Dr. Vertosick has published Why We Hurt and The Genius Within (recently re-released as an e-book under a new title, Mind) as well as numerous magazine and journal articles, book reviews, textbook chapters, and editorials. Dr. Vertosick now lives in quiet retirement with his wife of thirty-one years, Kathy, in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Brie on March 31, 2014

I loved this book. He was straight-forward, easily understood and I really liked his descriptions of pain- he never patronized or belittled his patients or their maladies. Great information.......more

Goodreads review by seryal olcay on August 13, 2017

Türkçesndeni, Tübitak yayını olarak okudum.Çok akıcı ve sürükleyici. Bazı bolumlerinde siz de acıyı hissediyorsunuz. Evrimimizi henüz tamamlamamış olduğumuzu anlattığı bolumleri oldukça etkileyiciydi; neden omurgamız aşınıyor, neden doğum sancısı çekiyoruz.Anestezinin doğuşu ve patent savaşları, vs.......more

Goodreads review by Burcu on July 28, 2017

I would probably rate 5 if i have not already read when the air hits your brain. Last two chapters were very interesting and thought provoking but the rest was sometimes too scientific for me-a layman.......more

Goodreads review by Sharon on November 20, 2024

Covers several conditions with which pain is the main impact factor: Tic doloreux/Trigeminal Neuralgia, Carpal Tunnel, Phantom pain, Fibromyalgia, Pregnancy, Chronic pain, etc... Does a great job of exploring why we were evolved to feel pain and how pain keeps us alive. He also discusses how the lack......more

Goodreads review by Jennifer on September 04, 2023

This book uncovered some information I have been seeking, or grown to wonder about, for years: •Some uncommon ways to cope with migraine, and the fact that a highly intelligent and successful medical professional made a career with the condition. •The differences between humans and other animals and h......more