Pain Management

Pain management after a fragility fracture is an important aspect of patient care, both in the acute phase and long-term. Initially, the focus is on controlling acute pain to facilitate early mobilisation and participation in rehabilitation. Opioids may be necessary for severe pain, but their use should be limited due to potential side effects. Non-opioid analgesics, such as paracetamol and NSAIDs, are preferred, along with regional anaesthesia techniques when appropriate.

Regular pain assessments and tailored management strategies ensure optimal pain control and support patient well-being after fragility fractures.

In the long-term, persistent pain, particularly after vertebral fractures, can significantly impact quality of life. Multimodal pain management strategies, including pharmacological interventions and non-pharmacological approaches such as physical therapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy are often required.

Healthcare professionals should regularly assess pain levels and adjust treatment plans, accordingly, incorporating patient preferences and potential comorbidities. The goal is to optimise pain control, enhance functional recovery, and improve overall well-being.