Book Review: Pain Woman Takes Your Keys, and Other Essays from a Nervous System

Sonya Huber’s book, Pain Woman Takes Your Keys, and Other Essays from a Nervous System, is a remarkable accomplishment. There were many points in this book where I felt the thrill of hearing someone say the thing you wanted to say, only better.

Julie’s Story: Traveling, Teaching, and Carrying Chronic Pain

Julie’s pain tolerance has been extensively tested through nearly two decades of severe and often inexplicable pain. While she’s made some concessions (no driving, for example), she hasn’t let pain stop her from following her interests, wherever they lead.

Behind the Tapestry: A Memoir of Pudendal Neuralgia

In her recently published memoir, Behind the Tapestry: My Discovery of God’s Grace Amidst Chronic Pain and Loss, Maryanne Rose Peluso tells the story of how she entered a Catholic convent at age 32, and spent eight years trying to balance the demands of religious life with the limitations of chronic pain. This is a condensed interview with the author.

7 Exercises to Avoid If You Have Sciatica

In his textbook for coaches and trainers of elite athletes, Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance: Sixth Edition, Dr. Stuart McGill lists pervasive exercises that are particularly damaging to the spine. To my consternation, this list overlaps almost perfectly with the list of exercises I loved best when I was dedicated to pole dancing. Don’t be like me, kids! Save your spines! Don’t do these seven exercises!