Preface

PLEASE READ THIS PREFACE!

Few people ever bother to read the preface of a textbook, much less the preface of a book on the subject of pain management. This completely revised Seventh Edition is the most comprehensive rewrite of Pain Management: A Practical Guide for Clinicians. Unlike the previous six editions, every attempt has been made to offer evidence-based, clinically relevant information. This book is intended for pain practitioners and busy practitioners from other disciplines trying to provide relief for those suffering with pain.

Uniquely, the book unfolds the "story" of pain and its management just as those suffering present themselves to clinicians for help. Major perspectives and challenges are initially identified, leading to an appreciation of the various disciplines providing care. Common pain problems and diagnostic methods used in pain management next give "flesh" to the skeletal story. Treatment options unfold from least invasive to most invasive as we explore behavioral approaches, pharmacotherapy, procedural techniques and the integrative options. The needs of special populations, along with the legal aspects of care, belief systems and spiritual matters, and practice issues finally complete the book.

While no textbook is completely able to cover the entirety of a subject, the intent of this book is to give any reader the "fast take" on pain-related information needed for the next patient, the upcoming examination, or to satisfy some academic question. This book intends to be the "first and last" source for most clinicians needing to know something about pain management. The book has ample references to guide future self-inquiry, allowing readers to know the original source work and independently reach conclusions about the material presented.

The American Academy of Pain Management's textbook remains a work in continuous development. As the Seventh Edition becomes available, budgeting and planning begin anew for the eighth edition to follow in five years. No one holds all of the truth, and the leadership of the Academy expects that in years to come this book will continue to evolve from one editor to the next, always fresh and current in its presentation, and true to the original charge given to each of us practicing in pain management by our late, founding Executive Director, Richard S. Weiner, PhD.

Please enjoy the material included within these pages. Make note of areas that were covered superficially and need more detail. Be willing to help your colleagues "push the envelope" in future editions by writing chapters, providing peer review, and offering suggestions for continuous improvement.