Principles & Practice of Pain Medicine > Part V. Pain Syndromes > B. Acute and Perioperative Pain >

Chapter 42. Acute Pain Management in Adults

Christine G. Peeters-Asdourian and Vimal K. Akhouri

Postoperative Pain: The Problem

Topics Discussed:

acute pain; central sensitization; pain control management, acute; pain management; pain, postoperative; peripheral sensitization.

Excerpt:

"A surgical incision cuts through a variety of tissues including nerve endings and activates specific nociceptors (pain receptors) as well as free nerve endings. It is associated with the release of inflammatory mediators such as bradykinin, serotonin, and histamine, which contribute to peripheral sensitization. Clinically, this phenomenon is manifested by hyperalgesia, which is an amplification of noxious pain signals. These painful signals are transmitted to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in an amplified fashion and are increased in duration...."

The content above is only an excerpt. For full access, log into an existing user account below, purchase an annual subscription, or purchase a short-term subscription to the complete website.

Subscriber Log In:

Username:

Password:

Forgot your Username/Password?