Using the clinical model of the whiplash syndrome, this groundbreaking book describes the alterations in brain chemistry and function induced in individuals by what is known as traumatic stress or traumatization-experiencing a life-threatening event while in a state of helplessness. The Body Bears the Burden: Trauma, Dissociation, and Disease presents evidence of the resulting and relatively permanent alteration in neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and neuronal organization-changes correlated with many of the most common, yet poorly understood, physical complaints and diseases, including whiplash, migraines, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and other painful, difficult-to-treat conditions.
short blurb for Whiplash catalogs: "Why does my neck still ache so much? The accident was months ago. My doctor thinks I'm crazy or lazy or faking it. What's wrong with me?"
What's wrong, according to The Body Bears the Burden: Trauma, Dissociation, and Disease, is that physical traumas and emotional traumas are powerfully interrelated. After decades of research into brain chemistry, Dr. Scaer has identified some of the ways that the helplessness and terror of sudden trauma induce changes in brain function and the resulting consequences these measurable chemical changes can have on muscles, digestion, blood pressure, and many other bodily systems. Using the clinical model of the whiplash syndrome, this electrifying book offers new hope to anyone suffering from whiplash, post-traumatic stress disorder, or a history of abuse. It even provides ways to cope with new traumas to minimize the emotional and physical damage!

Customer Reviews:

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

A tough climb for us non-professionals ... but worth it:

Yes, as other reviewers have noted, this book has lots medical terminology. Yes, parts are repetitive, perhaps written more like a consultant's report than an easily digestible media bite. But the contents are well worth the effort.
I am in therapy, working on trauma issues, and this book brought so much together for me, and served as a guide to issues in my life that are very relevant.
If you're looking for another "flavor of the month" self help book, this is not for you. If you are... more info

Should be in the library of healthcare providers:

I like the first edition and this edition is even better!
I work in OB and have seen so many people who have been traumatized by the birth experience- both patients and healthcare givers alike.
I speak on "When Birth Causes Trauma" alot and this is one of the books that I refer my audience to.
This book should be in the library of everyone who deals with patients who have had a traumatic experience and any healthcare giver who has had a traumatic experience.
Paulina Perez, RN, BSN

The Body Bears the Burden: Trauma, Dissociation, and Disease:

I have been studying and working with trauma for over 15 years. This is the
best book to this date which describes the neurological, emotional, and
therapeutic indices of working in this field.
Helen Resneck-Sannes, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist
authors of Father's Rooms

The body does bear the burden:

When a thoughtful individual takes the time to summarize 30 years of experience, I view this as a great gift. When his insights allow us to help in treatment, it is a blessing. His major thesis is that trauma, when it produces a chronic stress disorder, can manifest in peculair physical ways. This is the key insight and Dr. Scaer backs his observations with lots of clinical and research data. No doubt some will find this a rigorous read, but it is well worth the effort. I had the opportunity to try this... more info

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