Education of the patient and caregiver is the most important first step in managing pain and should occur in an appropriate setting and be supported by written material.

It is important to never delay treatment of pain and use measures such as a pain diary to evaluate pain control.

Analgesics should be prescribed at a level that matches the pain reported and titrate the dose upwards on a daily basis using immediate-release forms of analgesics until pain is mostly relieved or intractable adverse effects occur. A breakthrough dose should also be provided.  Always consider adjuvant modalities and medication in every patient. Medications should be given orally whenever possible.