Based upon different organizations, an estimated 80-100 million Americans experience chronic pain. According to the Institute of Medicine, one-quarter of these people note pain severe enough to limit quality of life. Chronic pain can develop through disease processes, work injuries, and other traumatic events. For much of the twentieth century, treatment would focus on little more than over-the-counter analgesics, such as aspirin and acetaminophen. This began to change in the 1980s, when the APS concluded if chronic pain was present, it might be possible to safely use opioids for long periods of time as one of the management approaches. This was the beginning of an escalation in narcotic use for chronic pain.

Chronic pain at its worst can have impact not only on quality of life, but virtually all areas of function. In the most severe stage, disability can also be present. Many non-drug-based approaches have been implemented in treatment. Due to the significant nature of this problem, virtually all clinicians are touched by patients who experience these symptoms. My talk is designed to provide an overview of how to address those with chronic pain, discuss the variety of treatment options available, and explore the long-term impact on function, mood, and sleep.

Goals of this lecture would be to inform clinicians of the many different treatment options available and how to best address the psychosocial needs of people with chronic pain.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES – Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:

•       Better understand the difference between acute and chronic pain.

•       Be able to describe the chronic pain cycles and understand the cycle social and physical complexity.

•       To comprehend the multilayered treatment approach for individuals with chronic pain.

Dr. Jeffrey Gorelick devotes his entire practice to the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal pain affecting all areas of the body. Special interests include acute and chronic pain, industrial injuries, motor vehicle accidents, headaches, and the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome.

Dr. Gorelick is board certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and is certified in pain management as a Diplomat with the American Academy of Pain Management. A graduate form the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1981 he completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 1985. Dr. Gorelick was a full time faculty member at the Medical College of Wisconsin as has been in private practice for many years specializing in acute and chronic pain management.