We must recognize this priority and investigate remedies to solve ineffective pain management. We struggle with both legal and institutional constraints concerning effective pain relief. This development of a drug control policy in the United States has been characterized by vacillation between tolerance and intolerance toward drugs. When controlled substances are used for medical purposes they can provide great improvements in the quality of life for millions of people with debilitating diseases and conditions, including pain, severe anxiety, narcolepsy, and epilepsy. Additionally, the increase in opioid availability worldwide for medical use has not been associated with an increase in the illicit market.
Cancer pain is often undertreated.
Several factors impede pain management, which include inadequate preparation of healthcare professionals, low priority given to pain management, and the effects of antidrug policies. The mainstay of cancer pain management is opioid therapy. Often times the quantity prescribed may be limited to less than the medical needs of the patient. Restricting the prescription amount to less than the medical needs of the patient can compromise effective pain management. Appropriate pain management aims to reduce suffering, not cause death.