title: Current approaches to chronic pain in older patients.
abstract: As the population ages, primary care physicians face an increasing number of individuals who suffer from the effects of chronic diseases, including the accompanying chronic pain. This article reviews the common causes of pain in the elderly and suggests a system for assessing its severity. Five different approaches to treating pain in this population are outlined, as are guidelines for managing the potential side effects of treatment.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Forman
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stratton
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D059408:Pain Management
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D009294:Narcotics