by Ben Tang

Created on: June 23, 2009   Last Updated: February 12, 2012

 The current 4 vital signs ( respiratory rate, blood pressure, pulse, temperature) that are measured by doctors to determine a patient’s condition will soon have an additional measurement; PAIN.

The addition of Pain as a vital sign will certainly improve patients’ quality of life. Doctors use pain score to determine the state of pain and prescribe medication to relieve the condition. Pain is a chronic condition that affects more Americans than the combination of diabetes, coronary heart disease and cancer. As many as 76 million American adults suffer from pain and majority reported pain that lasted for more than a year.

Different pain  require different treatment approach and medication. The current diagnosis and treatment of major types of pain is as follows:-

LOW BACK PAIN

Acute low back pain is usually caused by physical injury or trauma while chronic low back pain occurs over a long period of time with a slower onset compared to acute pain. The cause of chronic pain is usually due to the degeneration of the spinal discs, arthritis or osteoporosis.

Medical treatment of back pain includes drugs that are called NSAIDs such as diclofenac ( Voltaren), naproxen (Synflex), acetaminophen (Tylenol). The American College Of Physicians recommend that spinal manipulation by chiropracters is reserved only for use when mainstream treatment fails. Other proven therapy is yoga, behavioral therapy, arch support and posture correction techniques. Acupunture may be effective in other types of pain, but not in chronic low back pain as proven by a recently published clinical trial in Germany.

MIGRAINE / HEADACHE PAIN

Migraine pain differs from headache pain as it usually affects one side of the head. The pain is described as throbbing pain in one area of the head accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound. Some sufferers experience nausea and vomiting. Women are more likely affected by migraine headache as compared to men. Other underlying disease such as sinus infection or stroke may also cause headache and this usually requires medical attention.

The primary treatment for migraine headaches is medication such as Sumatriptan ( Imigran) and Naratriptan (Amerge). NSAIDs are given in mild attacks and are usually prescribed together with the triptans. Preventative treatment with ergotamine, beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants or anti convulsant drugs are also given to patients with recurrent migraine attacks. Herbal and nutritional supplements that

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