A comprehensive and practical reference on the assessment of acute and chronic pain, this is an authoritative and practical guide to the safe and effective management of pain. The concisely written text addresses the nature of pain, the pathophysiology and pharmacological treatment of pain, the psychological aspects of chronic pain, and the psychosocial factors in chronic pain patients. Geared to clinicians in all disciplines, the chapters in this book, written by leading experts, explain the most useful diagnostic tests, describe the entire spectrum of pain syndromes, and discuss all currently available drugs and other treatment options.