Pain Archives - Resource Library - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

What is an epidural? An epidural is an extremely effective method of giving pain relief after surgery. A very fine tube called a catheter is placed into an area called the epidural space which sits within the spine and surrounds spinal cord. A local anaesthetic numbing type drug called...

What is family therapy? Living with a child with chronic pain can bring extra pressures to family life and sometimes unexpected challenges to relationships. You may need help to discover how best to support your child to manage their pain in ways which for some, may at first seem at odds with what...

It is very important that children are given regular painkillers after having a tonsillectomy, so that they can recover comfortably and begin to eat and drink normally as soon as possible. Here are some commonly asked questions and answers: Will my child experience a lot of pain? It is common for...

What is local anaesthetic and how does it work? Local anaesthetic is a medicine that aims to numb a specific area of the body. It works by blocking the nerves that are sending pain messages to the brain and wears off after several hours. Why is local anaesthetic used for pain after surgery? Local...

What is a Versatis patch? Versatis is the brand name of a medicated patch which contains lidocaine. Lidocaine belongs to a group of medicines known as local anaesthetics, which work by temporarily blocking the pathways of pain signals along the nerves. What is it used for? For the relief of...

What is desensitisation? Some people who experience persistent pain will have increased sensitivity to things like touch, pressure, or temperature in the skin of the affected area. Desensitisation is an effective way to treat this increased sensitivity. Desensitisation techniques are used to...

What is pregabalin? Pregabalin belongs to a type of medicines used to treat neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is caused by nerves not working normally. The pain can feel like: hotness burning throbbing shooting sharpness cramping tingling numbness ‘pins and needles’ What are the types...

What is tramadol? Tramadol is a painkiller that belongs to a type of medicine called ‘opioids’ that act on the central nervous system. Tramadol is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. What types of tramadol are available? Tramadol can come in capsules, soluble tablets,...

What is the pain clinic? The pain clinic has a multidisciplinary team that provides assessment, treatment and support for young people and their families with recurrent or long-standing (chronic) pain problems. You will see about 4 people including: a consultant in pain medicine a clinical...

What is PCA, NCA and continuous analgesia infusion? Analgesia is just a word for a type of medicine that relives pain (painkillers). Children who are given good pain control (analgesia) tend to make a faster recovery. Patient controlled analgesia (PCA) and nurse controlled analgesia (NCA) and...

Please note that this information resource should be used alongside the manufacturer’s instructions for the TENS machine you are using. What is TENS and how does TENS work? TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. It is a gentle, patient controlled therapy which helps provide...

What is Entonox? Entonox is a gas made up of 50 percent nitrous oxide and 50 percent oxygen. It is also referred to as ‘laughing gas’ or ‘gas and air’ and is commonly used in childbirth. When is it used? Entonox can be used to reduce the pain and anxiety created by short,...

What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine which involves the insertion of very fine needles at key points (known as acupuncture points) into the body. In the UK, acupuncture is one of the most popular and well-established complementary therapies, with approximately 3...

Please note this information should be read alongside any patient information provided by the manufacturer of the medication. Amitriptyline for neuropathic pain Amitriptyline belongs to a group of medicines used to treat neuropathic pain (pain caused by nerves not working normally.) Studies have...

Please note this information should be read alongside any patient information provided by the manufacturer of the medication. What is gabapentin? Gabapentin belongs to a group of medicines used to treat neuropathic pain (pain caused by nerves not working normally). Pain sensations may be described...