Multidisciplinary management of chronic pain

Abstract

Objective: To achieve a balanced and latest knowledge of managing chronic pain with multidisciplinary management. Design: A review of related scientific papers and own research-based works. Materials and Method: Scientific papers and own research work. Results: Holistic viewpoint of managing chronic pain. Conclusion: Chronic pain is a malefic force that imposes severe physiological and psychological stress on both patient and family. Chronic pain adversely affects the quality of life and reduces the capability to work. The therapeutic response of pharmacotherapy in chronic pain at the present time remains unsatisfactory at best and refractory at best. Multidisciplinary pain management has not only brought new hope, but has also increased the therapeutic response in general. The multidisciplinary management allows patients access to complete armamentarium of pain therapies and include relaxation therapy, physiotherapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, exercise, biofeedback techniques, acupuncture, behaviour modification, hypnosis, sympathetic nerve block, desensitization and cognition therapy, besides having the therapeutic benefit of pharmacotherapy. Multidisciplinary management of chronic pain syndrome has become the key for enhanced success and the route of holistic management. However, further research activities in this area are vital to make multidisciplinary management more beneficial and pointing to the characteristics of patients in choosing the most successful management. © 2005 Japan International Cultural Exchange Foundation.