The Scope of Pain Medicine
Pain
Medicine is a relatively new specialty, even though physicians have
been providing treatment of pain since the beginning of medicine. More
recently, there has been a dramatic increase in our understanding of
the basic mechanisms of pain processes. And with this knowledge comes
better and more effective treatment options.
The speciality of
Pain Medicine is concerned with the prevention, evaluation, diagnosis
and treatment of painful disorders. The diagnosis of painful syndromes
relies on interpretation of diagnostic tests, performing a history and
physical examination and may require specialized diagnostic procedures.
Treatment may involve a variety of modalities including
central/peripheral neural blockade, oral medications, physical therapy,
psychiatric counseling or referral to another specialist.
The
pain physician serves as a consultant to other physicians but is often
the principal treating physician and may provide care at various
levels, such as direct treatment, prescribing medication, use of
rehabilitative services, performing pain-relieving procedures,
counseling of patients and direction of a multidisciplinary team.
The
practice of Pain Medicine requires advanced training, experience and
knowledge. Pain Medicine has emerged as a separate specialty, which is
characterized by a distinct body of knowledge and a well-defined scope
of practice firmly based upon scientific research and education.
(Derived in part from: American Board of Pain Medicine.)
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