Pain can be experienced in many different ways, from mild discomfort to severe and constant pain. There are also many different treatments for managing pain.
Safe use of opioids in acute pain
Resources developed to support best practice in the safe use of opioids for acute pain in the post-operative period and emergency department.
The resources are designed to be used in conjunction with best practice guidelines and the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Health Care Opioid Analgesic Stewardship in Acute Pain Clinical Care Standard.
Patient-centred, pragmatic prescribing for acute non-specific low back pain
Low back pain mostly resolves after 4–6 weeks with simple treatments but patients may expect imaging and medicines that can be unnecessary and even harmful.
Read more about ways to manage this difficult situation.
RADAR: Opioids
Changes made to support the appropriate prescribing and use of opioids, and reduce harms.
Podcast: Acute and chronic pain management
Dr Simon Holliday, a rural GP and addiction physician, speaks with NPS MedicineWise Medical Advisor Dr Jill Thistlethwaite about the use of codeine for the management of acute and chronic pain.
Triamcinolone, cartilage loss and knee pain in osteoarthritis
Intra-articular triamcinolone injections are approved as an adjunctive, short-term treatment for pain relief in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Long-term use is not supported by current evidence.
For more information...
Opioids, chronic pain and the bigger picture
Opioid medicines in chronic non-cancer pain – balancing opioid-related harm with effective pain management and quality of life.
Neuropathic pain
Accurate diagnosis is key to optimal management of this challenging condition.
Low back pain
Providing reassurance, encouraging activity and reducing reliance on imaging.
Opioids: New and amended PBS listings
Changes made to support the appropriate prescribing and use of opioids, and reduce harms.
Medicinal cannabis: what you need to know
Information and resources about medicinal cannabis for consumers and health professionals.
Choosing Wisely Australia
Choosing Wisely recommendations for opioids across different healthcare settings.