The many uses of this chemical compound include relieving the pain of arthritis, psoriasis, diabetic neuropathy, and postherpetic neuralgia caused by shingles.
Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy for this inflammatory disease, which afflicts older adults and produces a sudden onset of painful symptoms in the neck, shoulders, back, and hips.
Pharmacists may help caregivers provide appropriate
care by educating them on the use of pain scales and observational
clues.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the share of
total personal health care expenditures attributed to hospital care
declined (from 40% in 1980 to 31% in 2005) and prescription drug
expenditures doubled (from 5% to 10%).
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by chronic muscle and joint
pain, extreme fatigue, and tenderness in certain areas of the body.