Pain Medicine

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What is it?

Pain medicine specialists assess, diagnose and treat patients with complex pain, caused by acute injury, chronic pain that persists after an injury has healed, related to cancer, or sometimes as a primary problem without an obvious cause.  Treatment of complex pain conditions often involves a multi-disciplinary approach. 

Treatment options for lumbar spinal stenosis and their medicolegal implications 

by Dr Rishi Khanna, Consultant in Anaesthesia and Pain Management

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) causes nerve compression leading to pain and mobility issues. While conservative treatments are preferred, surgery is an option for severe cases but carries notable risks. From a medicolegal perspective, informed consent, clear communication of risks and benefits, and proper patient selection are essential to prevent litigation over poor outcomes.

The Medicolegal Challenges of Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain affects a significant portion of the population and can lead to lasting physical, psychological, and financial challenges. Its complex causes—ranging from structural issues to psychological factors—make diagnosis and management difficult, underscoring the need for a comprehensive, biopsychosocial approach.

Medicolegal issues surrounding proof of causality

The concept of causation is central to every medicolegal case. Even if duty of care and breach can be demonstrated, causality still needs to be proven. A doctor may admit to a breach of care, but if it can be successfully argued that this did not alter the outcome of treatment, the case will fail.