Main description:

This work provides a thorough overview of the natural mechanisms of pain. It relies on the latest basic and clinical research to develop a comprehensive approach to patient evaluation and current treatment strategies. Subjects such as the sensory transmission system, pain modulation, and analgesic treatment modalities are discussed. Supplementary tables, figures and illustrations summarize key information and further reinforce important clinical points.

Contents:

The peripheral pain sensory system; pain pathways in the central nervous system; pain for deep tissues and referred pain; central nervous system mechanisms for control of pain transmission; painful dysfunction of the nervous system; the psychology of pain; analgesic drugs; anti-convulsants, psychotropics and antihistaminergic drugs in pain management; non-drug methods for pain control; summary - a general approach to comprehensive pain management.