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The field of Pain Medicine focuses on managing all types of pain -- studying what causes it, how the body reacts to it, how different medications dull or eliminate pain, and how other treatments can be used to relieve many painful conditions. Anesthesiologists frequently are the pain managers for their patients. They make sure you are safe, pain-free and comfortable during and following surgery. They also provide their services in other areas of the hospital, especially in labor and delivery, and in physicians' offices where painful medical tests or procedures are performed.
Decades of research and work done by anesthesiologists have led to the development of newer, more effective treatments for patients who have pain unrelated to surgery. In fact, the work pioneered by anesthesiologists that led to these new medications and treatments also has created a new category of medicine called pain medicine. The information in this section discusses the treatments available in the field of pain medicine and how an anesthesiologist can be your partner in managing pain. If you have any questions, be sure to discuss them with your physician.
Another key consideration for pain patients is the safe use and disposal of medication. This video highlights the need for responsible use of pain medication and proper disposal of the drugs. This video was produced after the release of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Plan and supports the report's recommendations by providing public education on the issue.
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The ASA does not employ physician anesthesiologists on staff and cannot respond to patient inquiries regarding specific medical conditions or anesthesia administration. Please direct any questions related to anesthetics, procedures or treatment outcomes to the patient’s anesthesiologist or general physician.