
Mohamed Kourtu, M.D., DABPA, DABA
Medical School
Kasr-El Aian School of Medicine,
Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
Residency
Howard University Hospital,
Washington, D.C.
Certification
American Board of Anesthesiology;
Subspeciality Certification of Pain Management
Licensed Acupunctrist
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College
Daemen College,
University of Buffalo
Certification
Masters of Science in Nursing, NP-C
Managing Pain on a Holistic Level
Pain Medicine Definition
The practice of pain medicine is multi-disciplinary in approach, incorporating modalities from various specialties to ensure the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of the patient’s pain.
Since pain can have a negative impact on a person's quality of life and impede recovery from illness or injury, it can cause a downward spiral in a person's health and outlook if not managed. Managing pain properly facilitates recovery, prevents additional health complications, and improves an individual's quality of life.
Available Pain Management Treatments
Pharmacological: Pain-relieving drugs include:
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nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
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acetaminophen
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narcotics
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antidepressants and
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anti-convulsants
Pain relieving drugs are used in conjunction with other treatments and are NOT a long-term solution for pain management.
Surgical:
There are three types of invasive procedures that may be used to manage or treat pain: anatomic, augmentative, and ablative. These procedures involve surgery, and certain guidelines will be followed before carrying out a procedure with permanent effects.
Acupuncture:
This is one of the main forms of treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the use of sharp, thin needles that are inserted in the body at very specific points. This process is believed to adjust and alter the body's energy flow into healthier patterns, and is used to treat a wide variety of illnesses and health conditions.