Athlone man to launch self-help book on treating chronic pain

An Athlone pain and movement specialist is launching his first book, 'Pain and The Survival Brain', in The Athlone Bookshop at the Village at Burgess on Thursday, February 8.

Kieran McNally, who operates a clinic from Daneswell Business Park in Monksland, has written the book as a self-help guide both for those in pain and the general reader.

Kieran explained that the book is designed to help the reader “to try to build a more resilient version of themselves”.

Kieran, is part of the McNally family who ran the well-known Stella Maris Nursing Home in Baylough for many years. He is son of Anne and Louis, and sibling to Clare, Colm, Neil and Aine.

He lives in Baylough, with his fiancée Arlene and their two children. He established his own practice part time in 2013, before going full time in 2017.

Since then he has delved deeper into the neuroscience of pain as part of his own professional and personal journey.

“It's a passion of mine. It's something I really care about. I do want to make a difference,” he told the Westmeath Independent this week.

McNally found that his own training in physical therapy, while ideal for hands-on treatment for general sports-related and other short-term injuries, was not having the desired effects in the treatment of persistent long-term or chronic pain.

This awareness of the need to expand his horizons prompted Kieran to explore the neuroscience of pain, and what influences pain.

The book reflects the holistic approach to pain management he practices in his clinic, and embraces all aspects of pain science, including biological, psychological and social elements.

“When people come to me, I take a thorough assessment from a physical aspect and from a psychological aspect, and we really dissect why they are experiencing pain and then we'll put a plan together.

“The plan will be to educate them first on pain so they understand why they are in pain and then the rehabilitation will be to desensitise their system and build strength and resilience to get them back doing whatever they want to do.”

This approach is reflected in 'Pain and the Survival Brain', which is the fruit of a four-year commitment to researching and writing.

“It's a self help book,” he says, explaining that the self-published book will help the reader better understand what is influencing their pain from the biological aspect, the psychological aspects that could be influencing pain and then the social aspect, including lifestyle.

“They will be able to map out their own pain,” Kieran explained, adding that the conclusion of the book is then all about strategies.

“Once they figure out exactly what is influencing their pain, they can change those influences,” he said.

“People who are in pain for longer than three months will get the most out of this book, but everyone is going to experience pain at some point and the more knowledge you have about pain the better decisions you can make for yourself.”

Kieran stressed that the book is not simply his views, but based on the most modern scientific thought.

“It's all evidence based. It's all researched. It's all referenced. This is all the most up-to-date current pain science.”

The book encourages people to access the appropriate help, if needed, from a psychotherapist, or psychologist, for example.

'Pain and the Survival Brain', which includes a foreword by prominent chiropractor and academic Phil Greenfield, will be launched in Athlone Bookshop on Thursday, February 8, at 6.30pm.

Kieran will give a talk and engage in a question and answer session.

The book, which retails at €22.99 will be available directly from the author on his website, kieranmcnally.net; from Athlone Bookshop, or online from Amazon (with the Amazon Germany site recommended for locals due to Brexit-related charges).