How is chronic pain treated with burn injuries?

Chronic pain or long-term pain is a serious concern for many burn survivors. More than just the pain they feel, chronic pain is emotional pain, resulting in feelings of anxiety, fear, depression, isolation, and paranoia. Pain may occur in the healing scar tissue or in the atrophied muscles or stiff joints that are affected because of disuse. Additional pain can occur during physical therapy or occupational therapy.

Long acting opiates (narcotics) are often used for chronic pain and short-acting opioids are used during painful procedures such as debridement or wound care. In addition to opioids, other treatments may be given, including nitrous oxide and lorazapam (Ativan) to treat acute anxiety associated with pain. Sometimes anti-seizure medications such as gabapentin (Neurontin) are given for chronic burn pain. Because chronic pain is emotional -- some alternative therapies that control stress and anxiety may also help the person cope with the pain.