Textbook of Pain Management [hardcover] Muralidhar Joshi [Jan 01, 2014]

Preface Greatest relief one can provide to mankind is pain relief, thus goes a saying. The pain specialty is growing by leaps and bounds with each passing decade. The reason is simple-Pain is universal and obviously the relief has to be cosmopolitan. The scientific study of pain has exploded in the last two decades. Research into pain mechanisms has intensified internationally in line with other advances in other specialties. New concepts in the management of pain have come about from strengthening the alliance between basic science and clinical practice. The basic science reinforcement in addition to the development of research in acute and chronic (including cancer) pain appears to be having a far reaching effect. A revolution in molecular biology has allowed the study of pain at the level of gene. Advances in neurotransmitter and receptor pharmacology have allowed the development of neurotransmitter antagonists, the modulation of ionic channels and the use of enzyme inhibitors. The advanced pain therapy options with spinal cord stimulators, implantable infusion devices, radiofrequency ablators, spinal endoscopy, etc, have changed the face of pain relief measures from nonspecific treatment to more predictable results. More and more medical management is based on evidence. The outcome of the treatment is very important to determine efficacy of the whole plan. The field of pain management has opened for study and research with the publication of John Bonicas Management of Pain in 1953. He called for research, both basic and clinical, better education of healthcare providers, increased scientific and medical exchange of information and the recognition of pain management as a bonafide medical treatment specialty. It is in this regard we thought this Textbook of Pain Management will be of use for practicing clinicians all over.