What is pain management?

Pain management is the treatment of pain as a symptom, according to MedicineNet. Depending on the cause of pain, techniques include medication, interventional procedures, psychological support, alternative therapies and specialized therapies.

Medical professionals determine the appropriate pain management technique based on the source of the pain. For a body structure to be a source of pain, it needs to have a nerve supply that is susceptible to injury or stimulation. Ultrasound and fluoroscopy are often used to isolate pain-causing structures. Once the structure causing pain is identified, doctors choose treatment based on pain intensity, duration and aggravation, according to MedicineNet.