The Doctor Is In: Pain Management

Examining the causes and types of physical pain we experience, this program looks at hospital and outpatient treatments based on the "gate control" theory of pain, which attempts to block pain before the impulse is sent from its source to the brain's pain center. For the chronic pain sufferer or person facing surgery or other medical procedures, this film provides a good basic overview of pain management techniques currently used by the medical community, yet while it may generate awareness of how medical professionals are measuring and treating pain, the program does not detail specific how-to coping techniques for individuals to use on their own. Still, the information provided here could trigger questions a patient might want to ask his or her doctor. Optional. Aud: P. (J. McDaniel)