At first pain has the purpose of warning the person. It protects us from further injury or harm. The body is saying, "Stop whatever you are doing -- it hurts." Escape is the next step: get away from whatever is causing the pain. This is also a protective mechanism.

Please understand that nurses can only dispense drugs for pain according to the doctor's orders. Some pain meds are very addicting. Others can kill a patient if given too often or in too high a dosage. Pain management is often a difficult part of patient care. This is especially true for someone like your wife who already has constant or chronic pain.

In this paper researchers try to explain why treatment aimed at psychosocial factors did not have better results than usual care for low back pain (LBP) patients. Other studies have already shown there is an effect of psychosocial factors on LBP. It makes sense to think treatment aimed at those factors should be helpful. The results of their first study published earlier in 2005 were a surprise. They were certain a psychosocial approach would make a difference but it didn't.

Empathy has been defined as sensing someone else's pain or distress. In this article researchers from around the world review the effects of pain on others. Models of empathy are presented along with evidence from MRIs to support them.

Pain Management: A Patient's Guide to Injections for Pain

Introduction

Injections, as part of the evaluation and treatment of pain, are commonly recommended by pain specialists. There many different types of injections that are used both to help diagnose the painful condition and to help treat the painful condition.

This guide will help you understand

• the difference between diagnostic and therapeutic injections
• what the common medications injected are intended to do
• the risks and benefits of injections for pain

Rationale

What is the difference between diagnostic and therapeutic injections?

Pain Management: A Patient's Guide to Epidural Steroid Injections

Introduction

Epidural steroid injections (ESI) are commonly used to control back and leg pain from many different causes. These injections control pain by reducing inflammation and swelling. They do not cure any of the diseases they are commonly used for, but can control the symptoms for prolonged periods of time. In some cases, the ESI may be used to control the symptoms so that you can participate in a physical therapy program, become more active, and be better able to control the symptoms with a conservative program.

This guide will help you understand

A Patient's Guide to Chronic Pain Management

Introduction

The primary goals in chronic pain management are to assess, understand and treat your pain condition.

This sounds simple. It is not simple or easy. The process requires a great deal of time and effort on both the part of the pain management team and you.

This guide will help you understand