Pain Management Part 2: Pain Types and Etiology

Course overview

The type of pain a patient experiences can frequently assist the clinician in determining the etiology, or cause, of that pain. Pain types are effectively treated very differently, and a thorough pain assessment includes gathering the information needed to determine the etiology and the appropriate treatments. This course reviews neuropathic, somatic, and visceral pain as well as acute, chronic, and high-impact chronic pain. We will examine the etiology, location, and descriptors used by patients to describe each pain type. With this information, the clinician is better positioned to recommend and advocate for appropriate pain management treatment and help the patient avoid unwanted side effects. This course is appropriate for any healthcare provider or interdisciplinary team member dealing with patients in pain.