Pain management in primary care

The book deals with the pathophysiology of pain, types of pain and differences in pain perception (men, women, ethnic and geographical differences). The most common types of pain that patients present to primary care physicians' offices with (back pain, headache, abdominal pain) are discussed in detail. A great deal of attention is paid to the treatment of pain, listing all pharmacotherapy as the main method of pain management in primary care. It is important that primary care physicians are also informed about non-pharmacological types of pain treatment (neuromodulation, acupuncture, psychotherapy). Primary care physicians and especially general practitioners deal with the placebo effect on a daily basis, which is also mentioned and discussed in the book. Rehabilitation is an important part of pain management for primary care physicians and general practitioners and is the subject of a separate chapter. Besides pain itself, we also deal with suffering, especially in the chapter The Spiritual Dimension of Pain.