Why We Hurt: A 40-Year Journey into the Heart of Functional Medicine
Understanding the "why" behind chronic suffering is often the missing piece in modern healthcare. For over four decades, Dr. Greg Fors has been at the forefront of a medical revolution, moving away from the "pill for an ill" mentality and toward a deep, systemic understanding of human health. This journey culminated in his best-selling book, Why We Hurt, a comprehensive guide that bridges the gap between traditional neurology and holistic healing.
The story of this book: and the clinical philosophy of the Pain and Brain Healing Center: is rooted in a history that dates back to the very inception of the functional medicine movement.
A Meeting with the Father of Functional Medicine
In the early 1980s, the landscape of healthcare was vastly different. Chronic pain and fatigue were often dismissed or treated purely with symptomatic suppression. It was during this formative era that Dr. Greg Fors met Dr. Jeffrey Bland, the man now universally recognized as the "Father of Functional Medicine."
Dr. Bland founded the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), an organization that has since trained thousands of practitioners worldwide to look at the body as an interconnected web rather than a collection of independent organs. This meeting was a pivotal moment for Dr. Fors. It solidified his commitment to a patient-centered, science-based approach that addresses the biochemical and neurological roots of disease.
Today, Dr. Fors remains deeply embedded in this professional community. As a long-standing member of the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute (PLMI), founded by Dr. Bland, he continues to attend national seminars to stay on the cutting edge of research. This April, Dr. Fors will be in Chicago for the latest PLMI seminar focusing on brain health: a topic that remains a cornerstone of the principles of functional medicine practiced at our clinic.
The Legacy of "Why We Hurt"
When Dr. Fors wrote Why We Hurt, it wasn't just another health book; it was a manifesto for those who had been told their pain was "all in their head" or "just a part of aging." The book is dedicated to Dr. Jeffrey Bland, acknowledging the profound influence his teachings had on the development of the protocols found within its pages.
As a best-seller on Amazon and a staple resource at the Pain and Brain Healing Center, Why We Hurt explores the functional medicine approach to chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue. It serves as a physical and spiritual guide to healing, emphasizing that the body possesses an innate ability to recover when the right obstacles are removed.
Finding the Root Cause of Suffering
Most patients who find their way to Dr. Fors have already tried everything. They have seen the specialists, taken the medications, and undergone the procedures, yet the pain persists. Why We Hurt explains why this happens.
Traditional medicine often focuses on the "what": the diagnosis. Functional medicine for chronic pain focuses on the "how" and the "why."
- How did the inflammation start?
- Why is the nervous system stuck in a state of high alert?
- What role does the gut-brain axis play in systemic fatigue?
By identifying these triggers: whether they be nutritional deficiencies, environmental toxins, hidden infections, or neurological imbalances: patients can finally begin a true healing journey. You can learn more about why standard treatments often fail in our resource on 10 reasons your chronic pain treatment isn't working.
Addressing the "Big Three": Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, and Fatigue
The book specifically targets three of the most misunderstood conditions in modern medicine:
- Chronic Pain: Moving beyond the site of injury to look at neuro-inflammation and myofascial trigger points.
- Fibromyalgia: Dr. Fors has spent decades perfecting natural treatments for fibromyalgia, focusing on ATP production, mitochondrial health, and central sensitization.
- Chronic Fatigue: Investigating the "cellular energy crisis" that leaves patients feeling drained despite sleep.
In Why We Hurt, Dr. Fors presents the "Triangle of Healing," a model that balances the physical, nutritional, and emotional aspects of health. It’s an educational roadmap that empowers the reader to take charge of their biology.
Four Decades of Clinical Expertise
Experience matters when dealing with complex neurological and metabolic issues. Having practiced for over 40 years, Dr. Fors has seen the evolution of diagnostic testing and treatment modalities firsthand. This longevity in the field allows him to spot patterns that younger or less specialized practitioners might miss.
Dr. Fors also took a hiatus from clinical practice to research and write Why We Hurt… and to focus on doctor education. During this period, he lectured to doctors nationally and internationally (including England) on Functional Medicine through universities and Continuing Education services. He also became Chief Science Consultant for Biospec Nutritionals (a role he still holds today)… researching, creating formulas, and educating doctors. He returned to full-time practice after publishing the book.
This combination of roles—clinician, educator, author, and science consultant—means your care is informed by what is being taught to other providers… what is being published for patients… and what is being developed and tested in professional-grade nutritional formulations.
Whether it is navigating the complexities of diabetic neuropathy or addressing the subtle nuances of brain fog, the 40 years of clinical application behind Why We Hurt provide a level of "unbiased scientific information" that is rare in the wellness industry.
The clinic’s approach is a direct reflection of this 40-year journey. We don't just guess; we test. From comprehensive blood work to advanced neurological assessments, every step is designed to uncover the patient's unique biochemical individuality: a core tenant of the PLMI and Dr. Bland’s teachings.
A Resource for the Modern Patient
While the book is a masterclass in functional medicine, Dr. Fors recognized that many patients need direct guidance to implement these changes. This is why the Pain and Brain Healing Center offers extensive resources for healthy living, including guidance on healthy diets and creating a healthy environment to support recovery.
Pain and Brain Healing Center is now a 100 percent virtual telemedicine clinic… bringing Dr. Fors’s functional medicine expertise directly into your home. The principles outlined in Why We Hurt can be applied with guided, high-quality care through online consultations, with at-home or partner lab testing when appropriate… making it easier than ever to get root-cause functional medicine support without travel.
How to Get Your Copy
If you or a loved one are struggling with persistent pain or fatigue, Why We Hurt is an essential addition to your library. It is available through several channels:
- Amazon: You can find both the digital and print versions by searching for "Why We Hurt by Dr. Greg Fors."
- Clinic Website: Visit our online resource page or our cart to purchase directly from us.
The book is more than a collection of pages; it is a distillation of 40 years of helping people reclaim their lives. It represents a lifetime of study, from the early days with Dr. Jeffrey Bland to the cutting-edge brain health seminars of today.
Take the Next Step in Your Healing Journey
Reading the book is a powerful first step, but applying the information to your specific biology is where the transformation happens. If you are ready to stop managing symptoms and start addressing the root cause of your pain, we invite you to connect with us.
Dr. Greg Fors and our team are dedicated to providing the educational tools and clinical expertise necessary for true recovery. Whether you are local to Minneapolis or seeking help from across the country, we are here to guide you.
Ready to find your "why"?
- Buy the Book: Search for Why We Hurt on Amazon or visit our website.
- Schedule a Consultation: Book a free consultation to discuss your symptoms and see if our functional medicine approach is right for you.
- Explore More: Watch our educational videos to learn more about our philosophy and patient success stories.
The road to recovery is paved with understanding. Let the 40 years of experience behind the Why We Hurt book be your guide to a life without chronic pain.