Chronic Pain : Assessment, Diagnosis, and Management

Chronic pain affects every aspect of life-physical well-being, mood, stamina, and feelings of self worth and self respect. This book focuses on conquering pain and its related problems through proper management. It offers numerous tools and concepts with which to attack chronic pain and win the battle that more than 35 million people in the U.S. alone fight every day. Virtually all specialists in the health care field must be concerned with pain management-this complete reference offers them strategies for helping their patients, and for patients to help themselves. Chronic Pain: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Management presents a variety of therapies for combating chronic pain, including: Applying external therapy Changing the way patients perceive pain through psychotherapy or other cognitive means Physical therapy and exercises Over-the-counter or prescription medicines to relieve pain, stress, and insomnia caused by discomfort Surgical options The book also contains never before published information on how to prescribe and administer opioids and opioid-containing analgesics for chronic, intractable, and non-malignant pain patients. There is hope for those suffering from chronic pain. This book outlines commonly overlooked problems that, if properly addressed, can make the difference between a patient recovering or effectively managing their pain-or not. Chronic Pain: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Management is full of practical advice and options for anyone suffering from chronic pain and for the doctors who treat them.