About The Book
"Greatest Relief one can provide to mankind is pain relief", thus goes a saying. The pain specialty is growing by leaps and bounds with each passing decade. The reason is simple – pain is universal and obliviously the relief must be cosmopolitan. The scientific study of pain has exploded in the last two decades. Research into pain mechanisms has intensified internationally in line with other advances in other specialities.
New concepts in the management of pain have come about from strengthening the alliance between basic science and clinical practice. The basic science reinforcement in addition to development of research in acute & chronic (including cancer) pain appears to be having a far-reaching effect. A revolution in molecular biology has allowed the study of pain at the level of gene. Advances in neurotransmitter and receptor pharmacology have allowed the development of neurotransmitter antagonists, the modulation of ionic channels and the use of enzyme inhibitors.
The advance pain therapy options with spinal cord stimulators, implantable infusion devices, radiofrequency ablators, spinal endoscopy etc., have changed the face of pain relief measures from nonspecific treatment to more predictable results. More and more medical management is based on evidence. The outcome of the treatment is very important to determine efficacy of the whole plan.
The field of pain management has opened for study and research with the publication of John Bonica’s Management of Pain in 1953. He called for research, both basic and clinical, better education of health providers, increased scientific and medical exchange of information and the recognition of pain management as a bonafide medical treatment specialty. It is in this regard we thought this ‘textbook of pain management’ will be of use for practicing clinicians all over.
This book is divided into five parts: Basic science pertaining to pain, chronic pain syndromes, interventions, adjuncts and advance pain therapy. Every part has been written keeping the basic science and latest developments in view. The reader will find it easier to understand the disease process and the relevant treatment. The language is simple and the discussion extensive. Preventive aspect of pain management is equally important. Hence, we have added sections on physiotherapy and physical exercises. An attempt has been made to provide insight into recent advances.
I hope that this textbook will stimulate much greater attention to this most important subject, especially in our medical postgraduate and undergraduate training, which will result in the acceptance by all health care professionals that pain care and prevention should enjoy the highest priority. The practicing pain clinicians should be able to reinforce their knowledge and skill after going through the book.
