Pain is an important and serious symptom, and is one of the most common reasons that patients seek medical care. Some diseases and conditions can produce sudden and severe pain (such as fractures or other injuries) while other disorders can cause chronic and sometimes disabling pain (such as advanced cancer). If you are experiencing pain, contact your doctor, who can determine the underlying reason for the pain and can explain the safe and effective options for managing your pain.

An article in the April 5, 2000, issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association (Joranson et al) reports on the use of opioid-based analgesics (strong painkillers, like morphine) to treat severe pain and its relationship to drug abuse (overuse or improper use of a substance or drug for a purpose other than its original medical purpose, for instance, to get "high" rather than to relieve pain). The researchers found that even though the use of these painkillers for medical purposes has increased, the rate of abuse of these prescription drugs remains relatively low.

Common Types of Pain:

• Headache Pain - Headache pain can range from mild pain from a tension headache to a severe and incapacitating pain from a migraine or another headache-inducing process
• Arthritis Pain - Refers to pain involving the joints; the pain is usually related to wear and tear on the joints (osteoarthritis) or swelling and thickening of the soft tissues in and around the joints (rheumatoid arthritis)
• Low Back Pain - May be related to abnormalities of the spine (such as previous fracture) or muscle strain; poor posture and lack of exercise can contribute to low back pain
• Cancer Pain - Cancer pain can be due to a number of conditions including pressure caused by a growing tumor or the spread of cancer to other areas of the body

Some Drugs Used to Treat Pain:

• Acetaminophen - A non-aspirin pain reliever
• Anti-inflammatory Drugs - Drugs that reduce pain and inflammation; include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, among others
• Opioid-based Drugs - Sometimes called "narcotics" - used to treat more severe pain, such as the pain experienced after surgery

If you are taking any other drugs (prescription or non-prescription drugs) tell your doctor so that he or she can help you avoid drug interactions. Also inform your doctor before you take a new non-prescription or prescription drug.

Some Other Therapies for Treating Pain:

• Physical Therapy - Use of specific exercises and activities to help control pain and improve physical functioning
• Psychological Therapy - Individual or group counseling with a trained health care professional can help by offering psychological support and by providing techniques for coping with pain
• Relaxation Techniques - Stress and tension can make pain worse; relaxation techniques can help relieve stress caused by anxiety

For More Information:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
(800) 352-9424
http://www.ninds.nih.gov

American Pain Foundation
(888) 615-PAIN
http://www.painfoundation.org

American Academy of Pain Medicine
A Patient's Guide to Pain Medicine
http://www.painmed.org

Additional Sources: American Academy of Family Medicine, The AMA Encyclopedia of Medicine, The AMA Family Medical Guide

Brian Pace, M.A., Writer
Richard M. Glass, M.D., Editor
Jeff Molter, Director of Science News

(JAMA. 2000; 283:1778)

Published in JAMA: April 5, 2000

The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of The Journal of the American Medical Association and the American Medical Association. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances; but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA and AMA suggest that you consult your physician. This page may be reproduced noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. Any other reproduction is subject to AMA approval.