Introduction Chronic pain is among the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting millions across all age groups. Despite this enormous disease burden, specialised pain clinics  remain scarce in many parts of India and Asia. For healthcare professionals passionate about improving pain care, starting a dedicated pain management clinic  can be a deeply rewarding and impactful initiative. However, it requires far more than space and equipment — it demands vision, structured training,...

Introduction Tramadol has long been regarded as a “safer opioid,” often prescribed for the management of chronic non-cancer pain. Its dual mechanism — weak μ-opioid receptor agonism and inhibition of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake — made it a preferred choice for clinicians seeking an alternative to stronger opioids. However, a new systematic review and meta-analysis  published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine  (2025) has raised Important questions about tramadol’s true effectiveness and...

By Dr. Debjyoti Dutta, Faculty, Asian Pain Academy Introduction The field of ultrasound-guided pain management  has transformed how clinicians diagnose and treat musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain. Traditionally, pain procedures relied on anatomical landmarks or fluoroscopic guidance. While fluoroscopy remains valuable for bony targets, it does not visualize soft tissues, nerves, or vessels. The advent of musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound  has introduced a new level of precision, allowing...