The first step is to seek medical attention for on-going pain. Often it is possible to resolve the problem. Sometimes, the pain may need specialist medical treatment, perhaps surgery. However, in many cases where the pain cannot be resolved, and suffering and disability continue, there are techniques and tools which can help people to live and work with their pain. They are trained to choose techniques that best suit the particular surgery and each individual patient's needs.
Anaesthetists provide safe pain control during child-birth.
Today, teams of medical specialists, including anaesthetists, are providing a better quality of life, and work, for many suffering from long term severe pain caused by cancer or other conditions such as low back pain. The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists trains specialists in advanced knowledge and skills to manage pain. Anaesthetists agree that anyone who suffers pain, from whatever cause, has the right to the best relief that is medically possible. Using newly developed pain assessment and treatment techniques, these multidisciplinary teams are delivering improved lifestyles for large numbers of people presently suffering on-going severe pain. The benefits are significant.