Painful Medical Diseases

Chronic pain related to painful medical diseases is an extensive field that requires more awareness and large clinical research trials into optimal treatments that can increase patient satisfaction and quality of life. Using a multidisciplinary approach requires an array of medications, in addition to behavioral/psychological, interventional, and physical therapy treatments. Multimodal therapy through various medications described in this chapter is also essential to creating a balanced treatment plan that reduces risk and side effects from any single agent, especially opioids. The opioid epidemic is no doubt prevalent at this time, and recent guidelines reinforce the need for improved patient and physician education and access to safer and more effective options. When opioids are essential for certain medical conditions, increased awareness of long-term side effects and associated comorbidities can optimize the balance between risks and benefits.