Basic Science of Pain
Introduction Clinically, the most commonly referenced definition of pain initially described by Harold Merskey in 1964, and as adopted by the International Association in the Study of Pain in 1979,…
Inpatient Pain
Introduction Inpatient pain management is a critical component of hospital care. Patients followed by an acute pain service are typically those who have undergone surgery, were involved in trauma, have…
Cannabis in Pain
Cannabinoids: Introduction Cannabinoids are the chemical constituents of the Cannabis plant. There are three general categories of cannabinoids present, including phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids found in…
Geriatric Pain Management
Introduction In 2018, for the first time in history the number of persons aged 65 years or above exceeded the number of children under the age of 5 years on…
Complementary and Integrative Health
Overview Integrative healthcare is defined by the United States National Institutes of Health as a comprehensive, often interdisciplinary approach to treatment, prevention, and health promotion that brings together complementary and…
Visceral Pain: Mechanisms, Syndromes, and Treatment
Introduction Chronic visceral pain is a common medical condition that is experienced by more than 20% of the global population. Visceral pain can be complex because of its vague constellation…
Pain and Addiction
Introduction Increased utilization of opioids for chronic pain started in the late 1990s. Although evidence of long-term benefit was never documented, opioids were recommended, often as a first-line therapy, and…
Musculoskeletal Pain
Introduction Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain disorders are the second most common cause of disability worldwide and have increased by 45% from 1990 to 2010. This number is expected to continue to…
Neuropathic Pain
Definitions There is a protective role in experiencing pain that warns of potential or actual tissue damage. Persistent pain, however, does not offer any such advantage. Chronic pain is a…
Palliative Care and Cancer Pain
Palliative Approach to Advanced Illness Palliative care is the interdisciplinary specialty focusing on improving quality of life for those with serious illness and their families. Over the past decade, palliative…
