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Pain management

Pain is complex, so there are many treatment options, from medications to mind-body techniques. Pain management involves identifying the source of the problem when possible and using appropriate treatments. Learn more about treatment options below.

Music can help ease your hospital stay
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3 alternative options for pain relief
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Chronic Pain: A common but invisible disease
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107 Show All 17Blog Posts 58Evidence Summaries 32Web Resource Ratings 4Patient Decision Aids

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  • Evidence Summary

    Physical activity-based interventions using electronic feedback may be ineffective in reducing pain and disability in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Self-management education programmes for osteoarthritis

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database of Systematic Review (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    Paracetamol versus placebo for knee and hip osteoarthritis.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2019)
  • Evidence Summary

    In people with chronic noncancer pain, opioids reduce pain by a small amount

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    JAMA (2018)
  • Evidence Summary

    Pregabalin for neuropathic pain in adults.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2019)
  • Evidence Summary

    In people with chronic noncancer pain, cannabinoid drugs reduce pain by a small amount but increase adverse events

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Pain (2018)
  • Evidence Summary

    Self-management interventions for women can reduce cardiac pain

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Canadian Journal of Cardiology (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Cannabis-based medicines for chronic neuropathic pain in adults.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2018)
  • Evidence Summary

    Self-management education programs have some potential to manage physical and emotional pain among patients with cancer

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Support Care Cancer (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Case management programs may have benefits for informal caregivers  

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Rehabilitation at home can be just as good as hospital-based rehabilitation for patients after knee surgery

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    NSAIDs increase the risk for heart attack

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    BMJ (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for fibromyalgia in adults.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Pregabalin for pain in fibromyalgia in adults.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Oxycodone for neuropathic pain in adults.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Cannabinoids for fibromyalgia.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Local anaesthetic sympathetic blockade for complex regional pain syndrome.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Paracetamol (acetaminophen) for acute treatment of episodic tension-type headache in adults.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Acupuncture for the prevention of tension-type headache.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Physiotherapy for pain and disability in adults with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) types I and II.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Home-based supervised exercise may prove an effective, alternative treatment for leg and muscle pain among people living with peripheral arterial disease

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Manipulation and mobilisation for neck pain contrasted against an inactive control or another active treatment.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Acupuncture for neck disorders.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Lidocaine for preventing postoperative sore throat.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Venlafaxine for neuropathic pain in adults.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Ibuprofen for acute treatment of episodic tension-type headache in adults.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Exercise therapy reduces fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for fibromyalgia syndrome.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Topical NSAIDs for acute musculoskeletal pain in adults.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    In people who have chest pain without a known cause, cognitive–behavioural therapy reduces pain in the short-term

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Drug treatments can help people with pain from damaged nerves (neuropathic pain)

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Lancet Neurol (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Mind and body therapy for fibromyalgia.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Several drugs reduce pain related to diabetic neuropathy in the short-term

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Ann Intern Med (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    In people with cancer, music therapy reduces anxiety, depression, pain, and fatigue

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cancer Nurs (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    eHealth interventions should be used more extensively to improve palliative care patients’, caregivers’ and health professionals’ access to needed information

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Journal of Medical Internet Research (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    NSAIDS, except naproxen, increase major coronary events; all NSAIDs increase heart failure and upper gastrointestinal complications

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Lancet (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Epidural corticosteroid injections have a small, short-term benefit for leg pain and disability in patients with sciatica

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Ann Intern Med (2012)
  • Evidence Summary

    Herbal medicinal products or preparations for neuropathic pain.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2019)
  • Evidence Summary

    Mixed exercise training for adults with fibromyalgia.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2019)
  • Evidence Summary

    Acupuncture and related interventions for the treatment of symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2018)
  • Evidence Summary

    Botulinum toxins for the prevention of migraine in adults.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2018)
  • Evidence Summary

    Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for neuropathic pain in adults.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Aerobic exercise training for adults with fibromyalgia.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Tramadol for neuropathic pain in adults.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Oxycodone for cancer-related pain.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Digital health technologies may help with some aspects of pain management in older people

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Gabapentin for chronic neuropathic pain in adults.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Acupuncture improves functioning and provides short-term relief of knee pain due to osteoarthritis

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    J Bone Joint Surg Am (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Ketoprofen for episodic tension-type headache in adults.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Pain relief for women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia undergoing colposcopy treatment.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Oral tapentadol for cancer pain.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Corticosteroids for the management of cancer-related pain in adults.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    In people with chronic pain, there is no evidence on the effect of long-term opioids on pain, function, or quality of life

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Ann Intern Med (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    In people with cancer, strong opioid painkillers do not differ from each other for pain relief or side effects

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Exercises for mechanical neck disorders.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Nortriptyline for neuropathic pain in adults.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Patients and carers receiving home-based palliative care report unmet needs related to communication and support for non-physical suffering

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Palliative Medicine (2013)
  • Blog Post

    Living with dementia: Non-drug options for pain management

    Pain reduction in people living with dementia. Non-drug options may be a good first step.
  • Blog Post

    Getting “alternative” with nerve pain: Could herbal treatments be a source of relief?

    Considering complementary and alternative options for nerve pain? You should know that the current evidence base on the potential benefits and harms of herbal treatments—specifically, nutmeg and St John's wort—is uncertain.
  • Blog Post

    Fact or fiction: What the research says about cannabis use for common conditions

    Cannabis is increasingly touted as an effective treatment for a variety of ailments. But does the research support this? Find out whether cannabis is “worth the hype” for three common health conditions.
  • Blog Post

    Walking: An age-old strategy to boost your health

    As you get older, getting from one place to another can be a challenge. To put you on the road to better health, invest in a sturdy pair of shoes and use the power of your own two feet to get you to where you need to be.
  • Blog Post

    Living with gout? Explore your treatment options

    A gout flare-up can be a very unpleasant and painful experience. Several treatment options are available, so speak with your healthcare provider about which treatment might work best for you.
  • Blog Post

    Cannabis for chronic nerve pain: A half-baked solution?

    Although some people suffering from chronic neuropathic pain might find some relief with cannabis-based medications, the side effects may outweigh the benefits.
  • Blog Post

    Do you have a hidden heart risk in your medicine cabinet?

    Many people will pop a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug casually at the slightest pain. Make sure that you are aware of the risks, and review your medications with your doctor.
  • Blog Post

    Fact or fiction: research reveals the truth about common medications

    Based on the research evidence, some drugs are getting credit they don’t deserve! They may even be doing more harm than good.
  • Blog Post

    What works best for relieving back pain?

    Low back pain can be debilitating but it can be managed with non-drug therapies and medications if needed. What works best? Find out recommendations from recent research evidence.
  • Blog Post

    3 research-based benefits of yoga for healthy aging

    Want to age well? Consider making yoga part of your regular activities.
  • Blog Post

    3 alternative options for pain relief

    Alternative options for managing pain can bring relief without the risks associated with prescription drugs.
  • Blog Post

    A closer look at opioids for chronic pain

    Do the benefits of opioids outweigh the risks? Or, is it time to re-examine their role in relieving pain?
  • Blog Post

    Acupuncture: An effective treatment for chronic headaches

    Research shows that acupuncture is worth a try for people who suffer from chronic headaches or migraines.
  • Blog Post

    Back pain? Try exercise!

    Low back pain can make getting through the day challenging enough without worrying about keeping up your exercise regimen. But before you throw in the (gym) towel, read the latest research about the best types of exercise for relieving back pain.
  • Blog Post

    Make it stop! Should patients manage their own pain after surgery?

    Most people experience pain after surgery and need to take pain killers for at least a few days. Being in charge of their own medications gives patients some control and may result in improved pain relief.
  • Blog Post

    Music can help ease your hospital stay

    If you’re undergoing surgery or other hospital treatments you’re probably not thinking of boogying to the beat. But research shows music therapy can reduce anxiety and pain and help ease depression and fatigue.
  • Blog Post

    Home palliative care a key to respecting end of life wishes

    Home palliative care – provided by specially trained health professionals – increases the likelihood of a patient dying at home and may even help to ease symptoms.
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