Most people who suffer from chronic pain assume it’s something they must simply learn to live with, but this is just not true. Most pain can be managed or greatly reduced with proper pain management, but the reality is that most pain goes untreated, under-treated, or improperly treated. With proper management, the overall health, well-being, and quality of life of millions of Americans can be improved. Understanding Pain is an essential resource for those who experience the problem and want to better understand the pain they live with each day. Written in layman’s terms, this detailed guide explains how pain is perceived; helps patients evaluate and organize information about their symptoms; explores alternative, pharmacological, and invasive treatments; and much more. The book helps patients understand the multifaceted nature of pain and the range of treatment options available, enabling them to communicate more effectively with doctors and other healthcare providers.
Author(s): M.D. Harry J. Gould III Ph.D.
Series: American Academy of Neurology
Edition: 1
Publisher: Demos Health
Year: 2006
Language: English
Commentary: 29389
Pages: 170
Contents......Page 8
About the AAN Press Quality of Life Guides......Page 10
Preface......Page 12
Acknowledgments......Page 16
CHAPTER 1: Pain Defined—What Are We Treating?......Page 18
CHAPTER 2: The Evaluation—What Should I Tell My Doctor?......Page 26
CHAPTER 3: The Multidisciplinary Approach—The Best Way to Treat My Pain......Page 38
CHAPTER 4: The Anatomy of Pain—The Basis for Selecting Treatment Options......Page 42
CHAPTER 5: Nonpharmacologic Options for Pain Management......Page 62
CHAPTER 6: Pharmacological Options in Pain Management—Nonopioid Analgesics......Page 70
CHAPTER 7: Pharmacological Options in Pain Management—Opioid Analgesics......Page 80
CHAPTER 8: Opioid Analgesics—Myth versus Benefit......Page 94
CHAPTER 9: Pharmacologic Options in Pain Management—Adjuvant Medications......Page 100
CHAPTER 10: Pharmacologic Options in Pain Management—Dosing and Alternate Routes of Administration......Page 110
CHAPTER 11: Invasive Options and When to Consider Them......Page 118
CHAPTER 12: Age and Sex—Special Considerations for Pain Management......Page 128
A......Page 138
C......Page 139
D......Page 140
E......Page 141
I......Page 142
M......Page 143
N......Page 144
P......Page 146
S......Page 147
T......Page 148
V......Page 149
W......Page 150
Resources......Page 152
A......Page 160
C......Page 161
E......Page 162
I......Page 163
M......Page 164
N......Page 165
P......Page 166
R......Page 167
V......Page 168
Z......Page 169
