Physicians welcome strategic treatment of Acute, Chronic and Neuropathic Pain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Using prescription medicines to target pain is central to improving the quality of patient care, according to leading experts in the field of pain management.
Doctors in the region encourage the aggressive treatment of acute (immediate) and chronic (long-lasting) pain as a solution to the problems caused by orthopedic illnesses.
Studies suggest that patients' satisfaction is directly related to the physician's ability to alleviate their pain. In addition, significant morbidity can occur if pain is under-treated.
This week, local physicians were significantly represented at a regional conference in Cairo, Egypt, which focused on new options for treatment. Among the speakers were a number of international experts in the field of orthopedic medicine and pain management.
"There is growing evidence supporting the notion that aggressive treatment for acute pain with prescription medication like Celebrex (Celecoxib) can decrease the incidence of acute and chronic pain in patients," said Professor Evan Eckmann of Columbia University, who spoke at the event.
Neuropathic (nerve) pain is often described in terms of abnormal sensations such as heat, cold, burning, or numbness.
A recent development in nerve pain treatment - Lyrica - works by attaching to nerve cells, reducing the pain signals that cause the shocking, burning, or numb sensations associated with nerve pain.
More than one in three people in the Middle East suffer from chronic joint pain, with the prevalence of the condition increasing from 30 percent in 45 year olds to 60 percent in 65 year olds, according to medical experts.
Prescription pain drugs are medicines designed to reduce such symptoms. In worldwide studies involving more than 13,000 osteoarthritis patients, Celebrex was effective in treating pain with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than over-the-counter pain killers.
-Ends-
About Pfizer
Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription medicines, for humans and animals, as well as many of the world's best-known consumer products.
For further information go to: www.pfizer.com
© Press Release 2007
