Easing the Pain: Innovative and Effective Approaches to Managing Pain

Easing the Pain: Innovative and Effective Approaches to Managing Pain

Pain is common in the setting of serious illness. Dr. Christine Ritchie, UCSF distinguished professor, explains that it is a complex experience influenced by biology, environment and one’s emotions and cognitions. While there are many effective medicines for pain, they also have significant side effects. A holistic approach includes pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to pain with inputand support from an interdisciplinary team.