Chronic Pain Management for the Hospitalized Patient

Abstract

The primary reason for patients to visit hospital is pain. They don't necessarily know the reason of the pain however, they can precisely describe when the pain started, it’s evolution, location and intensity. The motivation to be free of this painful condition is clear. In fact, it is generally the importance of the painful condition that will alert the patient that there is a need to consult. In most cases, the doctor will find the health problem responsible for this painful condition, and with the adequate treatment, the pain will gradually disappear in parallel with the healing process. Pain is therefore actually a blessing in several conditions. Without this signal, health problems that can be cured if diagnosed rapidly enough can become a serious threat without adequate treatment. Pain is also an important tool for clinicians, giving important information on the clinical condition, the evolution and the effect of treatment. Clinicians in a hospital environment are prepared to intervene on acute pain conditions; they have the necessary skills and equipment to deal with them.