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.

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.