🔑 Key Definitions
Analgesics: Pain-relieving medications
TENS: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation - electrical pain relief
CBT for Pain: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy targeting pain-related thoughts and behaviors
Multimodal Treatment: Combining multiple approaches for comprehensive pain management
TENS: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation - electrical pain relief
CBT for Pain: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy targeting pain-related thoughts and behaviors
Multimodal Treatment: Combining multiple approaches for comprehensive pain management
🧠 Medical/Pharmacological Treatments
- Non-opioid Analgesics: Aspirin, NSAIDs, Acetaminophen
- Opioid Analgesics: Morphine, Codeine (for severe pain)
- Adjuvant Medications: Antidepressants, anticonvulsants for nerve pain
- Local Anesthetics: Block nerve signals at specific site
📊 Physical/Non-Pharmacological Treatments
- TENS: Electrical stimulation to block pain signals
- Physical Therapy: Exercise, stretching, strengthening
- Acupuncture: Needle insertion at specific points
- Massage Therapy: Manual manipulation of soft tissues
- Heat/Cold Therapy: Temperature-based pain relief
🛠 Psychological Treatments
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Challenge negative pain thoughts
- Relaxation Training: PMR, deep breathing, meditation
- Biofeedback: Learn to control physiological responses
- Hypnosis: Altered consciousness to reduce pain perception
- Distraction: Redirect attention away from pain
💡 Exam Tips
- TENS works based on Gate Control Theory (closes the gate)
- Multimodal = BEST approach (combines medical + psychological + physical)
- Opioids = effective but risk of addiction/dependence
- CBT addresses THOUGHTS about pain, not just pain itself
- Psychological treatments are especially important for CHRONIC pain