<p><i>- A Practical Handbook For Self-Help</i></p> <p>Chances are, you may have heard the story about the guy who goes to his doctor and tells him, "Doc, it hurts when I lift my arm this way," as he twists his arm in an awkward position.</p> <p>The doctor responds, "then don't move your arm that way," and hands the guy a bill for $100!</p> <p>Plenty of people have laughed at that joke, but if you suffer from acute or chronic pain it's no laughing matter!</p> <p><b>It's all in your head?</b></p> <p>Have you heard that one before? Maybe it's a backache, or a headache or a throbbing joint or muscle. You go to your doctor and he can't find anything wrong. He writes you a prescription for pain medication and suggests you see a neurologist.</p> <p>The neurologist does an exam and tells you that you need to see a specialist and writes you another prescription for pain medication.</p> <p>The specialist tells you that all you need is physical therapy, writes you another prescription for pain medication and sends you off to see a physical therapist.</p> <p><b>Am I crazy?</b></p> <p>By this time you probably feel like the doctors are right and maybe you are nuts! No, you aren't crazy but you do need help.</p> <p>If you have ever been on a medical merry-go-round like this you understand the frustration. Pretty soon, instead of feeling better all the aggravation has just contributed to the original problem.</p> <p><b>Okay, I'm not crazy, so what's next?</b></p> <p>First, what