Nonsurgical management of pain secondary to peripheral nerve injuries

Physicians and surgeons dealing with peripheral nerve injuries have long been plagued by the chronic intractable pain which often follows these injuries. Early recognition of the associated problems and prompt intervention by a multidisciplinary team approach to the pain is essential. Although the techniques reviewed here were presented as separate choices, the treatment of the patient should employ a combined approach of good surgical repair, positive encouragement, non-addicting medications, appropriately timed nerve blocks, aggressive physical and occupational therapy, and electrical stimulation techniques as the patient's physical recovery permits. The importance of early psychological assessment and intervention in this complex phenomenon cannot be overemphasized. Together these techniques may succeed in reducing the morbidity associated with peripheral nerve injuries.