The goal of this elective is to introduce the student to common chronic and cancer pain problems and to present them with an appreciation of treatment options. The student will attend the Pain Treatment Clinic at UAB Highlands Hospital Monday through Friday. The student will participate in the multidisciplinary group staffing sessions and will accompany anesthesiology residents or fellows while they perform their clinical duties which include therapeutic blocks.

Common pain problems encountered include pain due to cancer and its treatment, diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, generalized myofascial pain, headaches, and low back pain. Interventions include regional anesthetic blocks, focal steroid injections, neurolysis, fluoroscopy and CT-guided procedures, behavioral management, and medical management which includes the use of opioids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and antiarrhythmics.

Educational materials specific to pain management will be provided, and periodic didactic sessions and discussions are provided in the Pain Treatment Clinic.