What about breakthrough pain???

Breakthrough pain is experienced by more than 80% of those suffering from chronic pain. Breakthrough pain are flare ups that break through the medication currently being taken for chronic pain. These flare ups are short in duration lasting anywhere from 3-30 minutes but are quite painful and distressing to the person. Management has to be aimed at decreasing the pain quickly with a medication that works quickly at relieving the breakthrough pain. Medications commonly given to treat chronic pain are not effective for breakthrough pain because those usually take 30-60 minutes to start working. It is important to speak to your physician if you are experiencing breakthrough pain to have correct pain management interventions.

National Pain Foundation. Breakthrough pain. Retrieved online from 
http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/articles/36/understanding-breakthrough-pain
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