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Abstract: 

Although acute, chronic, and neuropathic pain may differ in presentation and management, they often overlap, requiring individualized treatment for each component. Such treatment may be achieved by inhibiting specific processes involved in the pain pathway and selecting medications based on the type of pain that an individual experiences. Regardless of pain type, however, all patients require clinical assessment, evaluation, and follow-up to ensure appropriate pain management and optimal therapeutic outcomes. By implementing effective pain management policies, health care providers can meet the expectations of patients, their families, advocates, and policy makers for adequately compassionate care. This article surveys the major categories of pain and best practices and medications for managing each category. Includes tables and figures summarizing major classes of pain medication and their applications.

Keywords: somatic pain; visceral pain; neuropathic pain; pain pathways; analgesics; opioids

Affiliations:  1: Diamond Pharmacy Services.