The Neftaly Chronic Pain Protocol is designed to provide a standardized, patient-centered approach to the assessment, treatment, and management of chronic pain in a hospital or clinical setting. It aims to improve quality of life, enhance patient function, reduce unnecessary medication use, and ensure safety through multidisciplinary care.
1. Definition of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists beyond the normal tissue healing time—typically lasting more than 3 months. It may stem from various conditions, such as arthritis, nerve damage, post-surgical complications, musculoskeletal disorders, or unknown causes.
2. Objectives of the Protocol
- Provide consistent assessment and documentation of chronic pain
- Deliver evidence-based, multimodal treatment plans
- Reduce patient reliance on opioids and other high-risk medications
- Improve communication between care providers
- Educate patients on self-management and lifestyle interventions
3. Patient Assessment
3.1 Comprehensive Pain Evaluation:
- Pain history: onset, location, intensity, quality, duration, aggravating/relieving factors
- Functional assessment: impact on sleep, mobility, mood, work, daily activities
- Psychological screening: depression, anxiety, substance use
- Use of standardized tools: Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), or Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)
3.2 Physical Examination:
- Neurological and musculoskeletal assessments
- Identifying signs of central or peripheral sensitization
3.3 Diagnostic Investigations:
- Imaging (MRI, X-rays) if indicated
- Blood tests to rule out inflammatory or systemic causes
4. Treatment Plan
4.1 Non-Pharmacological Interventions:
- Physical therapy: mobility, strength, posture correction
- Psychological support: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness
- Patient education: pain coping strategies, pacing, life
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