A Decade of Pain Management: Many Achievements But Further Breakthroughs Are Yet to Come

ABSTRACT

Advances in pain management over the preceding decade are described. Topics identified include special populations—especially the elderly, pain education, neuromodulation, improved understanding of neuronal plasticity, and neuroimaging. Needs not yet met are also described, including improved prescribing and recognition of adverse drug events. Future considerations discussed include analgesics with new mechanisms of action, and application of genetic and psychophysical methods.

This report is adapted from paineurope 2013; Issue 3, ©Haymarket Medical Publications Ltd., and is presented with permission. paineurope is provided as a service to pain management by Mundipharma International, Ltd., and is distributed free of charge to health care professionals in Europe. Archival issues can be accessed via the Web site: http://www.paineurope.com, at which European health professionals can register online to receive copies of the quarterly publication.

KEYWORDS :

• advances
• genetics
• geriatrics
• neuromodulation
• neuroimaging
• pain
• pharmacotherapy