Practical Pain Management

Pain is something that everyone feels but has always been difficult to understand and investigate due to its subjective nature. Practical Pain Management is written for all those involved in the care of people suffering from pain. The authors explain why pain is so often disregarded and poorly managed by clinicians. With an emphasis on the practical management of both chronic and acute pain, the book explores the mechanisms involved in pain percepetion, the use of analgesic drugs, local anesthetics, nerve blocks and stimulation techniques. The rehabilitation and care of patients whose pain cannot be adequately relieved is also considered and some ways in which specialist pain services can help with chronic pain syndromes are described. This comprehensive guide will help all those caring for patients in pain to have a better understanding of pain and to work more effectively towards its management.

S. W. Coniam is at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol. A. W. Diamond is at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol.