Pain Management Programmes

22nd December 2006 at 08:54 GMT by Dr C.A.Jenner MB BS, FRCA. Permalink.

Article on the principles and methods of Pain Management Programmes for the treatment of long term pain conditions

What is Pain?

Pain is a natural response that acts as a warning to indicate harm or potential danger to tissues in our bodies. In other words, pain is the body’s mechanism of self-preservation.

Pain is primarily divided into two broad categories, namely acute and chronic.

What is Pain Management?

The most important characteristic of the concept of pain management is a focus on managing pain symptoms, as against looking for a quick cure. Pain management generally involves a variety of techniques to be used in combination over time.

This multi-modal approach generally includes pharmacological interventions, lifestyle changes and other non-pharmacologic approaches.

Developing a pain management program

The first step in developing a pain management program is to decide on a knowledgeable physician who will guide you in your decisions.

To being with, you must systematically organize and document all your diagnostic tests, which will help your physician in making the right treatment decisions. It also helps to maintain a medication diary, documenting all the essential details.

On your part, you will have to take charge of the behavioral interventions that form a part of your pain management program. A few steps in this direction include following a healthy diet, practicing relaxation and stress management techniques.

You will also need to consider various strategies while developing an effective pain management program.

Keep in view that your experience of pain is as unique as you are. Hence, what works for others, might not suit you accordingly.

You also need to be prepared to try out a number of strategies before you decide what works the best for you.

Ultimately, it is extremely important that you discuss your plans with your doctor or health care provider.

Characteristics of a good Pain Management Program

Here we list a few of the most important characteristics, which should be an important part of a pain management program. These include:

• Interdisciplinary assessment should be carried out to identify motivation and readiness of the participant to participate in the treatment program.

• Each treatment should be composed of the health care professionals who are relevant to the disorder in question.
• Treatment should be evidence-based and should reflect a cognitive behavioral approach.
• Treatment should be a combination of group and individual sessions.
• The program should be goal focused.
• Communication between the program organizers and the participants should be clear and consistent.

Pain management specialists

Pain management specialists play key role in developing and implementing a pain management program. Specialized training is imparted to health professionals in their respective fields.

The underlying premise of pain management is the implementation of a complete multidisciplinary approach. Pain management specialists are mainly found in the following disciplines:

• Anesthesiology
• Physiatry
• Interventional radiology
• Neurology
• Physical therapy
• Osteopathy
• Primary care medicine