Update and review on the basics of pain management.

This article reviews the major findings of research related to pharmacological pain therapies used in treating acute and chronic pain, it compares advantages and disadvantages of certain drugs used mainly in pain management (for example, opioids and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and others that have a secondary use in pain management (for example, skeletal muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants) and their intended indications. Our goal is to present accurate up-to-date applicable data on these pharmacological choices.