ABSTRACT
The role of the pain management specialist is to control pain, improve the quality of life, and reduce the suffering of those stricken with acute and chronic pain. Often the doctor of last resort, the pain practitioner is left with few options not previously attempted to treat patients, especially those with chronic pain. In fact, many of these patients are not difficult to manage, but they are lost between the kinetic interaction of families, care providers, and other parties. Subsequently, the patient becomes a fatigued and overwhelmed individual who may appear apprehensive and suspicious of the new treatment plan. Further straining the nurturing environment of the patient–practitioner relationship are the many payers and regulatory agencies that are increasingly insistent that the patient be managed in a cost-contained environment, free of potential adverse risk; in reality, this setting does not exist.
