My Treatment
Adverse Drug Reactions
Researchers assert that adverse drug reactions are the sixth
most common cause of death after heart disease, cancer,
stroke, lung disease, and accidents. In our drug-consuming
society, we often expect side effects, such as an upset
stomach from aspirin, sleepiness from an antihistamine or
nausea caused by a pain pill. In the event of a
hospitalization or an unexpected death possibly related to
an adverse drug reaction; however, blame may be directed at
the drug manufacturer, the health care facility or the
physician who prescribed the medication.
Click here to read more of
this in-depth article that offers tips on how you can
increase your awareness of this serious problem and ask
informed questions of your physician and pharmacist.
Interventional Pain Techniques—Understanding "Blocks"
This month's column focuses on the use of what are called "blocks" to diagnose
and treat the source of spinal pain, the pain generator. Dr. Oakley explains how
diagnostic blocks can improve treatment of back pain by pinpointing areas to
treat and how therapeutic blocks are used to treat low back pain.
Click here to read more!
Amid Ongoing Controversy, Researchers Find Opiates Relieve Chronic Pain from Nervous System Damage
A study funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), published in the March 27, 2003, issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, shows that opioid medications taken orally can provide relief for some of the more than two million Americans with chronic pain resulting from damage to the nervous system.
Click here to read the release from the NINDS.
The NPF Responds to Media Coverage of Addiction to Narcotic Medications
The National Pain Foundation encourages responsible reporting regarding the very rare cases of addiction to narcotics to prevent further stigmatizing those people whose pain and function are improved by taking appropriate medications.
Click here to read Executive Director Mary Pat Aardrup's message to the public.
Other News
A new study furthers the link between having a positive attitude and its affect on health and the American Academy of Pain Medicine launches an online tutorial to educate medical students about the options to treat pain.
Click here to read more!
My Support
The NPF Co-Sponsors New Campaign to Increase Awareness of the Link Between Pain and Depression
The National Pain Foundation is working to increase understanding about the relationship between depression and pain through a new public information campaign, "Your Body May Know You're Depressed Before You Do," sponsored by The NPF, the American Psychiatric Foundation and Freedom from Fear. The campaign features billboards and advertisements in four cities, radio interviews featuring NPF Board member and Editor-in-Chief Dr. Rollin Gallagher, press releases with information about depression for major news outlets, and more. Visit
www.paindepressionlink.com to read statistics about pain and depression and view a checklist of symptoms of depression. For in-depth information, read "The Link Between Pain and Depression" on the NPF web site.
