Abstract
This paper first explains the gate theory of pain control. It then looks at narcotic analgesics and defines them, their mode of action and their uses. The paper also defines and describes endorphins, the body's natural opioids.

From the Paper
"The gate control theory of pain has been modified somewhat since its inception, but essentially states that the transmission of pain from a peripheral nerve through the spinal cord is subject to modulation by both intrinsic neurons and controls stemming from the brain. (Gate) Small diameter nerve fibers carry pain stimuli through a gate mechanism and the transmission can be inhibited by larger nerves going through the same gate. Chemicals which are produced in response to the pain stimuli can influence whether the gate is..."

Tags:narcotic analgesics, gate theory of pain control

Abstract
The paper relates that prohibited or illegal drugs are divided into four categories. These are stimulants, depressants, analgesic or narcotics and hallucinogens. The paper discusses how each type of drug exhibits various effects and causes, as seen by the different modes of withdrawals for the user. The paper presents accounts and descriptions of the four groups/categories of illegal drugs and relates the different types of substances that are classified and associated with each category. The paper reveals the street names, the methods of administration, the paraphernalia or apparatus and finally, the respective symptoms and withdrawals.

Outline:
Illegal Drugs' Profile
Categories

From the Paper
"Stimulants are drugs that stimulate the Central Nervous System. These types of drug tend to increase alertness and physical activity. The groups include pharmaceuticals such as amphetamines and the street drugs commonly called "uppers" or "speed," cocaine, crack and some inhalants like Amyl or Butyl Nitrites. Caffeine which is present in tea, coffee and many brands soft drinks is also classified as a mild stimulant drug."

Tags:stimulants, depressants, analgesic, narcotics, hallucinogens, withdrawal

Abstract
This paper discusses the importance and use of multi-modal pharmacological therapy, particularly in the management of post-operative pain. The paper presents a case study of a patient who has recently undergone surgery and describes the use of multi-modal pharmacological therapy throughout the patient's recovery period.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Analgesic Agents Used
Patient Assessment and Safety Considerations
Conclusion

From the Paper
"However, the patient must be made aware of all that was, and is being done to her, as it would be futile to expect expedient recovery without informing the patient (ideally beforehand) regarding what she could expect post-operatively. The aim of this is self-empowerment. Orem's theories, particularly on self-care have played pivotal roles in accomplishing patient empowerment. Orem's Theory of Self-Care is significant in the realm of patient education, especially in this case because events such as pregnancy and birth are often life-altering. It is essential that the nurse also take on the role of the learner as well. In the process, the nurse becomes more introspective about herself and can more adeptly communicate the tools needed by the patient to carry on with guided self-care requisites."

Tags:analgesia, epidural, self-care, cesarean

Abstract
This paper discusses how neuropathic pain includes pain initiated or caused by a primary lesion or dysfunction of the nervous system. It looks at how its clinical features include positive and negative phenomena. The paper also examines the evaluation of neuropathic pan and looks at different treatment methods such as spinal cord stimulation and surgery as well as medication.

Outline:
Evaluation of Neuropathic Pains
Anticonvulsants
Analgesics
Local Treatment
Transdermal Fentanyl
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal Pumps (or Pain Pumps)
Surgical Treatment
Pain Management Programmes
Therapeutic Nerve Blocks
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Unit or Electrotherapy
Deep Brain Stimulation
Motor Cortex Stimulation (MCS)
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
Recent Treatments
Gene-Related Therapies

From the Paper
"Glutamate is a neurotransmitter, which plays a role in central sensitization. Lamotrigine blocks both neuronal sodium channels as well as inhibits excessive release of glutamate. Studies have shown that lamotrigine could inhibit hyperalgesia and allodynia (Nakamura-Craig & Follenfant, 1992). In another placebo controlled study, lamotrigine, when used along with moderate doses of carbamazepine could control the pain in refractory trigeminal neuralgia (Zakrewska et al.,1997). In addition to neuropathic pain, there is evidence that lamotrigine is effective in reducing central pain, which is otherwise difficult to reduce, although this is possible only at high doses of 600 mg/day (Canavera & Bonicalzi, 1996). Common adverse effects include skin complications, which could be severe; other adverse effects are similar to that of other anticonvulsants. A low initial dose of 25 to 50 mg/day with gradual increase of the dose, reduces the risk of side effects (Nurmikko, 1998). "

Tags:Anticonvulsants, Analgesics, spine, brain

Abstract
The paper discusses the lower back as an area of the body for which people seek pain treatment far more frequently than almost any other. The paper notes that chronic low back pain is a primary reason for individuals to seek and potentially become addicted to narcotic pain medication. Additionally, many individuals overuse over the counter analgesics and or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (often a cause of stomach problems or even vascular and cardiac damage). The paper discusses the use of BASI Pilates as a core muscle training program that can, when applied correctly, alleviate and even eliminate chronic lower back pain through training. This includes balance and the strengthening of abdominal and back muscles.

Outline:
Anatomical Description of Lower Back
Introduction
Body
BASI Pilates Regiment (Abdomen and Lower Back)
Case Study
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The lower back is the lay term usually given to the lumbar and sacrum portions of the spinal column and all the muscles and connective tissues that surround them. The spinal column is composed of 33 interlocking vertebrae and the sacrum, the lowers five vertebrates plus the scrum make up what is known as the lower back. This are of the back is frequently a source of pain as there are many stressors and or injuries/diseases that can effect it as well as the stressful posture of continual sitting or standing or lifting using back instead of leg muscles can create superficial strain or deep muscle strain on the area."

Tags:nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory, drugs, alternative, treatments

Abstract
This paper sets out to identify the key misconceptions of opiate use, why they still exist and how they affect proper pain assessment by health professionals. It critically analyzes how such misconceptions can affect decisions regarding the use of opiate analgesics. Additionally, evidence is described to dispel each misconception. Furthermore, strategies are discussed that can break down the barriers related to opioid utilization.

Outline:
Common Opioid Misconceptions
Dispelling Misconceptions
Suggested Alternative Solutions and strategies
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Unrelieved pain is a serious and neglected public health problem, causing unjustified suffering for patients (Cleeland, 1997). For countless people, sufficient pain relief relies greatly on the use of opioids and yet they will refrain from using such forms of treatment because of false, mistaken ideas. This paper sets out to identify these key misconceptions of opiate use, why they still exist and how they affect proper pain assessment by health professionals. It will critically analyze how such misconceptions can affect decisions regarding the use of opiate analgesics. Additionally, evidence will be described to dispel each misconception. Furthermore, strategies will be discussed that can break down the barriers related to opioid utilization. Signs and symptoms of pain, methods of pain assessment, causes of pain and types of opioids will not be referred to in this paper"

Tags:pain, opiate, addiction, treatment

Abstract
This paper is an overview and analysis of the launching of Children's Advil to the general public in the United States. It includes a situation analysis covering company, product, price, place promotion, current environment. It goes into extensive detail about the pain relief market in general, and includes extensive statistics about both the adult and children's markets. It includes a media campaign, and details all of the media options available, with their rankings in order to insure the greatest possible success in the launching of this new product.

From the paper:

"Although the analgesics market is very competitive, the positive market trends, as well as the fact that manufacturers with well-established brands are spending a great deal to educate consumers and pharmacists about the benefits of their products, foretell a painless future for retailers and shoppers alike. In liquids, three of the top five brands are aimed at the children's market. It was these brands that contributed the bulk of the growth in the segment, such as Children's Motrin and Children's Advil, which grew business in drug 8.4 percent and 16.3 percent, respectively. In addition, Pediacare Fever increased sales by roughly 104 percent in the drug channel."

Tags:advil, childrens, media, pain, plan, relievers, markets, research, tablets, motrin, tylenol, advertising, television, spots, radio, magazines, women

Abstract
This paper discusses alcohol and tobacco and illegal / illicit drugs, which includes stimulants, depressants, hallucinogenics and analgesics. The paper discusses the different health problems and symptoms of these drugs. The paper examines the factors that influence an individual to start using drugs and become dependent. The paper looks at treatment and intervention for those with drug abuse problems and concludes that new breakthroughs and treatment options are needed.

Outline:
The Different Types of Drug Abuse
Risk Factors
Treatment and Intervention
Controversy
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Alcohol is made by fermenting natural ingredients. When consumed, alcohol enters the blood stream and creates intoxication, making it difficult to function normally. Like many drugs, alcohol affects brain and body function in the both the short and long term (Volkow 29). Judgment and motor control are short-term effects, while liver damage and higher risk for cancer are long term risks (Hobson, par. 3)."
"Tobacco, like alcohol, is a legal drug available to adults. It is available loose (for pipes and rolled cigarettes), in cigarette form, and in cigars. The addictive drug nicotine makes tobacco smoking addictive (NYA: Smoking, par. 1). Tobacco is a natural product, but it is sometimes enhanced chemically or includes additives. Despite the addition of filters to cigarettes, the smoke inhaled contributes to lung cancer, heart disease, and ill health (NYA: Smoking, par. 1-2). Use of tobacco products gives users a momentary high. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), individuals often start smoking for social reasons and then find themselves addicted when they want to stop (1)."

Tags:addiction, dependence, treatment, risks, alcohol, tobacco

Abstract
This paper gives an overview of pericarditis including an etiology of the disease (infection, kidney failure, medications, metastatic cancer, autoimmune diseases, tuberculosis). It also looks at its clinical features (pain, difficulty breathing etc.), the complications it can cause (arrhythmias, cardiac tamponade, constrictive pericarditis) and the treatment for the disease (analgesics, anti-inflammatories, pericardiocentesis, pericardiectomy).

Tags:pericaridum, pericarditis

Abstract
This paper discusses five drugs (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, morphine and heroin) commonly used for recreation and examines their medical effects. The writer describes each drug, its legal status and illustrates its uses as medical agents. The paper explains that the complex interaction of social acceptance, proven benefits as a medical agent, and potential side effects (including addiction) all played an important role in determining if a specific drug is used as a medical agent in today's health care system.

From the Paper
"Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, morphine and heroin have all been used extensively as medical agents. All five drugs have also been used extensively for recreational purposes. As a result of their known adverse effects, marijuana, cocaine, morphine and heroin were all made illegal. However, alcohol remains legal. There is a resurgence of interest in the medical effects of marijuana, cocaine and morphine."

Tags:addiction, analgesic, narcotic, anaesthetic, prescription