EDITORIAL
Don't be cruel when it comes to pain relief

The National Medical Association, an organization that represents African American physicians, has resurrected a troubling issue at its conference here this week.

The organization's panel on pain management says that many physicians nationwide are unwilling to prescribe adequate pain medication because they're afraid patients will develop addictions, or that their prescriptions will attract the attention of federal narcotics agents.

Moreover, they say, doctors are less likely to trust African Americans and other minorities who ask for strong pain medication. And those who obtain the prescription are often met with suspicion at pharmacies.

If that's the case, it means a lot of people are in unnecessary agony, and physicians are going to need some sensitivity training.

Certainly it's a challenge because pain is not always something a physician can measure. A doctor has to take the patient's word that the suffering is so intense that they need strong prescription painkillers rather than over-the-counter medication such a Tylenol or Ibuprofin.

And there are legitimate concerns about overmedicating.

Sure, there are junkies and others who feign pain to get prescription narcotics from their doctors. And there are doctors who abuse their prescription privileges.

But as a rule, most people don't pop powerful pills unless they're experiencing extreme discomfort. And most physicians are ethical.

The National Medical Association has come up with some sound recommendations to remedy the situation and reduce racial stereotyping. We suggest the medical establishment incorporate them in a pain management policy.

Among other tactics, they suggest:

• Physicians carefully document the clinical reasons for prescribing a controlled substance.

• The medical community work more closely with law enforcement agencies to identify criminals who are exploiting prescription drugs.

• Physicians are better trained to recognize the signs of addictive behavior so they can identify those patients and get them help.