Viewing chronic pain as a disease and not a symptom of some underlying condition is a notion that is gaining traction in the medical field. Melanie Thernstrom, a chronic pain sufferer and journalist has written a wonderful book:
The Pain Chronicles, which highlights the experience and complexity of living with chronic pain. Read more about chronic pain as a disease and not a symptom in this recent New York Times article:
Giving Chronic Pain a Medical Platform of Its Own by Tara Parker-Pope
