Contents

#### **Preface XI**


Preface

Pain control and disease management have been grown hand in hand since the dawn of life

When patients come to us with their pain, they present us with a challenging opportunity to understand them, tackle how their pain is affecting their lives, discover what is causing their pain, and finally the opportunity to prescribe medications and advise on necessary lifestyle

Healthcare professionals are encountered daily with different pain scenarios and they are asked to find appropriate solutions. The clinical presentation may be acute or chronic, and successful management involves an accurate diagnosis and implementation of a suitable therapy or therapies. For beginners in pain management, this can pose a significant chal‐

This book will serve as a ready reference for those embarking on pain management. Its in‐ tent is not to be a heavy book that can only be stored on a bookshelf, but a pocket-sized reference that can be carried, be easily navigated, and be available whenever a conceptual

Though this book is intended for new trainees in the field of pain management as well as senior pain practitioners, it should also be noted that it deals with pain in special circum‐

This book provides the latest updates on pain management in special circumstances and

While we did our best to prevent any misinformation of any form, we would urge our readers to inform us of any such error, including spelling or contextual errors. We also would advise that this book certainly does not replace professional or expert guidance and consultation. We are grateful to Ms. Maja Bozicevic for her continuous help in all stages of this book. I owe my own achievements to my wife, my daughter, and my sons and I cannot thank them enough. Also, we are grateful to Professor Marco A.E. Marcus for his constant support while editing this unique book, *Pain Management in Special Circumstances*, and to all participating

> **Dr. Nabil A. Shallik MSc, MD** Hamad Medical Corporation

> > Doha, Qatar

gap compromises pain physicians and their ability to treat their patients.

highlights the recent advances for evidence-based pain management.

stances and sometimes rare pain conditions that may meet the pain practice.

and the early practice of medicine by ancient humans.

changes to help them gain relief from their pain.

lenge as well as for senior pain physicians.

authors for their contributions.
