Guide on Pain Management
                     PAIN 
MANAGEMENT: 
TREATMENT & 
CARE
INTRODUCTION
We have all experienced pain. But despite it 
being one of the most common symptoms 
people seek medical help for, it is also one 
of the most misunderstood and ineffectively 
treated.
Source: www.drugs.com
TYPES OF PAIN
ACUTE PAIN
This starts suddenly and only lasts for a short period (ie, 
minutes, hours, a couple of days, occasionally a month or 
two).
It is usually caused by a specific event or injury, such as:
• A broken bone
• A car crash or other type of accident
• A fall
• Burns or cuts
Source: www.drugs.com
CHRONIC PAIN
Chronic pain is pain that has persisted for 
longer than six months and is experienced 
most days. It may have originally started as 
acute pain, but the pain has continued long 
after the original injury or event has healed 
or resolved. 
Source: www.drugs.com
BREAKTHROUGH PAIN
Breakthrough pain is a sudden, short, sharp 
increase in pain that occurs in people who 
are already taking medications to relieve 
chronic pain caused by conditions such as 
arthritis, cancer, or fibromyalgia.
Source: www.drugs.com
BONE PAIN
Bone pain is commonly associated with 
conditions or diseases that affect the 
structure or function of bone, such as 
cancer, a fracture (broken bone), infection, 
leukemia, mineral deficiency, sickle cell 
anemia, or osteoporosis. Many pregnant 
women experience pelvic girdle pain.
Source: www.drugs.com
NERVE PAIN
Nerve pain is caused by nerve damage or 
inflammation. It is usually described as a 
sharp, shooting, burning or stabbing pain 
and may also be called neuralgia or 
neuropathic pain. Some people describe it 
as being like an electric shock and it is often 
worse at night.
Source: www.drugs.com
HOW TO MANAGE PAIN
• Nonopioids: a medicine that is not similar 
to morphine (an opioid) but is not 
addictive (eg, acetaminophen, aspirin, 
NSAIDs)
• Weak opioids: a medicine that is similar 
to morphine (an opioid) but not 
considered as strong (eg, codeine, 
tramadol)
Source: www.drugs.com
HOW TO MANAGE PAIN 
CONT.
• Adjuvant treatments: a medicine that can 
help relieve pain by relieving inflammation 
or by improving the functioning of other 
systems (eg, cannabidiol, capsaicin cream, 
gabapentin)
• Nonpharmacological treatments (drug-free 
treatments), such as psychotherapy or 
counseling.
Source: www.drugs.com
PAIN MANAGEMENT FOR 
SPECIFIC TYPES OF PAIN
• Acute pain: nonopioids, weak opioids, opioids, 
nonpharmacological treatments such as ice or bioelectric 
therapy
• Chronic pain: nonopioids, weak opioids, opioids, 
antidepressants, capsaicin cream, nonpharmacological 
treatments such as bioelectric therapy, radiation therapy
• Breakthrough pain: short-acting opioid, 
nonpharmacological treatments such as acupuncture or 
relaxation techniques
• Bone pain: nonopioids, bisphosphonates, opioids, 
nutritional supplements, surgery
Source: www.drugs.com