Interventional pain management practices in Pakistan: The role of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR)

Abstract

Chronic pain represents a complex, multifaceted challenge
that surpasses the prevalence of commonly encountered
disorders such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. This
condition exerts a substantial burden on healthcare
systems due to its pervasive impact. While pain
interventions and procedures constitute a crucial facet,
they alone do not constitute a comprehensive solution.
Nevertheless, the strategic and precise application of these
procedures by well-trained and proficient physicians offers
patients a swift route to resuming their normal activities,
sparing them from protracted reliance on medications.
Within the realm of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
(PM&R), Interventional Pain Management (IPM) adopts a
multidisciplinary rehabilitative approach, addressing all
dimensions of pain syndromes. This approach culminates
in enhanced functional outcomes and an improved quality
of life. This concise review underscores the significance of
this integrated approach, shedding light on various pain
procedures routinely employed for diagnostic and
therapeutic purposes. Within this context, we briefly
explore the application of ultrasound and C-arm guided
procedures. In conclusion, this review underscores the
imperative nature of embracing a multidimensional
approach to pain management, essential for seamlessly
incorporating interventional pain management techniques
into the broader domain of rehabilitation medicine.