Advances in Chronic and Neuropathic Pain

In addition to introducing key concepts, like classification of chronic pain and the challenges patients and practitioners face when dealing with and treating chronic and neuropathic pain, this book also covers different syndromes that can lead to neuropathic pains. It discusses how to monitor progress by using outcome measures, the presence of chronic and neuropathic pain in children and young adults, and the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain as it relates to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, the latter is not presently addressed except with the usual pain drugs for general pain—this book aims to revolutionize the approach to chronic and neuropathic pain by exploring it separately from the clinical approach to general pain. It is interesting to note that these cytokines require a specific mode of action if we want to neutralize them in our system, and this concept will be discussed in the regenerative intervention sections. Since it is so necessary to address the many factors to chronic and neuropathic pain as laid out in the proposed table of contents, it is also critical include as varied authors as possible to address this condition from all areas being covered. The team assembled to author the chapters included in this text come from diverse backgrounds of practice and clinical and research interests, from physical medicine and rehabilitation to anesthesiology to radiology and interventional pain medicine.

This is an ideal guide for all clinicians caring for patients with chronic and neuropathic pain.