Book and Journal Reviews
By Stephen M. Savoie, DC, DABCO
Title: Pain: Mechanisms and Management
Author: Rene Cailliet, MD
Publisher: F.A. Davis Company (215) 568-2270
Category: Doctor education
Publication: Softcover book, 299 pages, $19.95
Over the past 30 years Dr. Cailliet has brought the health
disciplines a number of books, many now in their third and fourth
editions, dealing with pain on a regional basis. From Head and
Face Pain to Foot and Ankle Pain, he has consistently given us
these common sense guides to the diagnosis and treatment of these
painful conditions.
Although Dr. Cailliet has been writing about the importance of pain
for 30 years, it is only recently that pain has been accepted as a
disease entity in itself, not just a symptom. Now in his latest
work, Dr. Cailliet discusses pain as the underlying problem.
The book covers pain from many aspects: the neuroanatomy of pain
mechanisms; the concept of pain modulation and the role of the
cerebral cortex; and the mediation of pain through the sympathetic
nervous system, with a discussion of reflex sympathetic dystrophy,
its clinical findings, and treatment options.
Chapter three covers psychologic testing of patients with chronic
pain. There is a discussion of the standard tests and an
explanation of their proper use. Chapter five discusses
psychologic intervention in pain through the use of biofeedback and
hypnosis.
In the chapter on physical intervention a number of modalities are
covered including heat, cold, nerve block, TENS, acupuncture, and
intracerebral and spinal cord stimulation. There is no direct
mention of manipulation as a physical intervention in the treatment
of pain and this is the one disappointing part of this otherwise
excellent text.
Throughout the chapters there are the concise and detailed
descriptions of the structural and functional anatomy we have come
to expect from Dr. Cailliet. Some of these diagrams will be
familiar to those who have read his other works. There is a
chapter devoted to "Mechanisms of Pain in Specific Anatomic Sites"
which integrates this new work on pain mechanisms and management
with his earlier writing on pain of specific regions. This serves
as an update of what we have learned from this author in the past.
There is also a discussion of chronic pain including theories of
the mechanism of chronic pain, its diagnosis, and treatment. He
talks about pain centers and some of the different models they
adopt. This is important when referring patients, because not all
models are appropriate for all types of chronic pain.
This text provides the same high level of information found in Dr.
Calliet's other books. For those who want to keep current on
changes in the concept of pain and its management this will be a
welcome addition to their library.
Savoie Rating: 10
Dean of MPI Faculty
Title: Journal of the Neuromusculoskeletal System
Author: Scott Haldeman, DC, MD, PhD, editor-in-chief
Rand S. Swenson, DC, MD, PhD, editor
Publisher: Data Trace Chiropractic Publishers, Inc., as an
official journal of the American Chiropractic Assn.
Category: Doctor/student education
Publication: Quarterly, approximately 185 pages
See # J-316-C on the Preferred Reading and Viewing List on pages
XX.
According to the publication's own self-description, this journal
is "a new quarterly, peer-reviewed, primary source journal
dedicated to the advancement of knowledge of disorders of the
neuromusculoskeletal system and the non-operative management of
these problems. The scope of the journal is multidisciplinary.
The JNMS publishes in all areas reflecting the manifestations of
neuromusculoskeletal function and dysfunction."
Subscription rates are $58 per year for DCs, however, "all general
full members of the ACA will automatically receive the JNMS as a
benefit of membership."
The JNMS has 16 section editors overseeing departments that range
from biochemistry and nutrition, through orthopedics to sports
injuries and exercise physiology. There are also 30 associate
editors from a variety of disciplines.
The contents of JNMS consistently has four major sections:
Invited Review: This section generally contains a well-written,
well-researched, and meticulously referenced article that is of
significant importance in today's world. "Cervical
acceleration/deceleration trauma: A reappraisal of physical and
biomechanical events" by Arthur C. Croft, DC, is but one example of
the extremely high standards set by the JNMS.
Original Article: This section contains one or more articles from
a variety of sources and topics. They are short, concise, and very
informative in nature and as they are original articles, they lean
slightly to the controversial side while provoking your thought
processes. These are enjoyable to read and provide the reader with
a comprehensive list of references for further study.
Case Reports: Articles like "Reflex sympathetic dystrophy" by Mark
Langweiler and Teresa Febbo provide another doctor's point of view
to the case management of common office complaints. Each and every
one of these allows the reader to broaden his or her personal
database of treatment protocols and methods. Each journal contains
a number of case reports covering a wide area of topics.
Grand Rounds: This is perhaps the highlight of the JNMS. A case
history such as "Persistent back pain following a work related
injury" is given and then is discussed by a number of doctors with
the focus on evaluation, management, and prognostic indicators.
The participants come from a multidisciplinary background which
allows the reader to see the patient from the other person's point
of view. It truly serves to expand the mind when you read through
a discussion written by a physical therapist or an MD. This really
puts you on the hot seat as you can become part of the discussion
process and put yourself into the other person's shoes. There is
no question that this section of the JNMS is destined to become one
of the most popular forums of its kind within the various
disciplines who participate in this endeavor.
Congratulations to Drs. Haldeman and Swenson for a job well done.
Chiropractic now has two great journals -- JMPT and JNMS.
When you consider the small cost of this journal against its
contents it is a must for everyone treating neuromusculoskeletal
disorders. This journal should be on MPI's Preferred Reading and
Viewing List immediately.
Innes Rating: 10
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