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Clinical Guidelines

Clinical Guidelines

Evidence-Based Guidance for Pain Medicine

The American Academy of Pain Medicine develops and supports clinical guidelines and consensus recommendations to help clinicians translate evidence and expert knowledge into better patient care.

AAPM brings together multidisciplinary experts and, when appropriate, collaborates with professional societies, academic partners, government agencies, and the AAPM Foundation to address important questions in pain diagnosis, treatment, and clinical practice.

Featured AAPM Guidelines

AAPM Consensus Guideline

Neuromodulation Technologies and Neurocomputer Interfaces for Pain Management and Functional Recovery

AAPM consensus guidance on emerging neuromodulation technologies for pain management and functional recovery.

Published in Pain Medicine, June 2026
View the Guideline
Multispecialty Consensus Guideline

Sacroiliac Joint Complex Pain

Multispecialty consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac joint complex pain.

Published in Pain Medicine, November 2025
View the Guideline
AAPM Clinical Guidance

Topical Analgesics for Neuropathic Pain

Evidence-informed guidance to support clinical decision-making on topical therapies for neuropathic pain.

Published in Pain Medicine, September 2025
View the Guideline
Evidence-Based Guideline

Acute Low Back Pain

Evidence-based guidance for the assessment and management of acute low back pain, developed through systematic evidence review and multidisciplinary expert input.

Coming Soon

Clinical Guidelines: Consensus on the Best Practices in Pain Medicine

Browse clinical guidelines, consensus statements, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based resources relevant to pain medicine. Select a clinical area below to review the complete resource list.

General Pain Practice
  1. Pain Management Best Practices From Multispecialty Organizations During The COVID-19 Pandemic And Public Health Crises
  2. The Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force Report

    The Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force was established to propose updates to best practices and issue recommendations that address gaps or inconsistencies for managing chronic and acute pain.

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services oversaw this effort with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense.

    The Final Report on Best Practices: Updates, Gaps, Inconsistencies and Recommendations
  3. Interventional Spine and Pain Procedures in Patients on Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Medications

    Guidelines from AAPM, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy, the International Neuromodulation Society, the North American Neuromodulation Society, and the World Institute of Pain.

    Interventional Spine And Pain Procedures In Patients On Antiplatelet And Anticoagulant Medications (Second Edition)
Diagnostic Criteria
  1. Goebel, A., et al., The Valencia consensus-based adaptation of the IASP complex regional pain syndrome diagnostic criteria. Pain, 2021. 162(9): p. 2346-2348.
  2. Nicholas, M., et al., The IASP classification of chronic pain for ICD-11: chronic primary pain. Pain, 2019. 160(1): p. 28-37.
  3. Treede, R.D., et al., Chronic pain as a symptom or a disease: the IASP Classification of Chronic Pain for the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Pain, 2019. 160(1): p. 19-27.
Acute and Perioperative Pain
  1. Consensus Guidelines on the Use of Intravenous Ketamine Infusions for Acute Pain Management
  2. Shah, S., et al., ASRA Pain Medicine consensus guidelines on the management of the perioperative patient on cannabis and cannabinoids. Reg Anesth Pain Med, 2023. 48(3): p. 97-117.
Spine
  1. Cohen, S.P., et al., Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for lumbar facet joint pain from a multispecialty, international working group. Reg Anesth Pain Med, 2020. 45(6): p. 424-467.
  2. George, S.Z., et al., Interventions for the Management of Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Revision 2021. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 2021. 51(11): p. Cpg1-cpg60.
  3. Hurley, R.W., et al., Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for cervical spine (facet) joint pain from a multispecialty international working group. Pain Med, 2021. 22(11): p. 2443-2524.
  4. Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines For Multidisciplinary Spine Care
Neuropathic Pain
  1. Bruce, R.D., et al., 2017 HIVMA of IDSA Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Chronic Pain in Patients Living With HIV. Clin Infect Dis, 2017. 65(10): p. e1-e37.
  2. Harden, R.N., et al., Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Practical Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines, 5th Edition. Pain Med, 2022. 23(Suppl 1): p. S1-s53.
  3. Price, R., et al., Oral and Topical Treatment of Painful Diabetic Polyneuropathy: Practice Guideline Update Summary: Report of the AAN Guideline Subcommittee. Neurology, 2022. 98(1): p. 31-43.
Headache and Facial Pain
  1. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia, 2018. 38(1): p. 1-211.
  2. Ailani, J., R.C. Burch, and M.S. Robbins, The American Headache Society Consensus Statement: Update on integrating new migraine treatments into clinical practice. Headache, 2021. 61(7): p. 1021-1039.
  3. Barad, M., et al., Percutaneous Interventional Strategies for Migraine Prevention: A Systematic Review and Practice Guideline. Pain Med, 2022. 23(1): p. 164-188.
  4. Bendtsen, L., et al., European Academy of Neurology guideline on trigeminal neuralgia. Eur J Neurol, 2019. 26(6): p. 831-849.
  5. Robbins, M.S., et al., Treatment of Cluster Headache: The American Headache Society Evidence-Based Guidelines. Headache, 2016. 56(7): p. 1093-106.
  6. Silberstein, S.D., et al., Evidence-based guideline update: pharmacologic treatment for episodic migraine prevention in adults: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society. Neurology, 2012. 78(17): p. 1337-45.
  7. Uppal, V., et al., Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on postdural puncture headache: a consensus report from a multisociety international working group. Reg Anesth Pain Med, 2023.
Neuromodulation
  1. Deer, T.R., et al., The Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC)®: Intrathecal Drug Delivery Guidance on Safety and Therapy Optimization When Treating Chronic Noncancer Pain. Neuromodulation, 2024.
  2. Deer, T.R., et al., The Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC): Recommendations for Trialing of Intrathecal Drug Delivery Infusion Therapy. Neuromodulation, 2017. 20(2): p. 133-154.
  3. Deer, T.R., et al., The Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC): Recommendations on Intrathecal Drug Infusion Systems Best Practices and Guidelines. Neuromodulation, 2017. 20(2): p. 96-132.
  4. Deer, T.R., et al., The Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee (NACC) Recommendations for Infection Prevention and Management. Neuromodulation, 2017. 20(1): p. 31-50.
  5. Deer, T.R., et al., The Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee (NACC): Recommendations for Surgical Technique for Spinal Cord Stimulation. Neuromodulation, 2022. 25(1): p. 1-34.
  6. Shanthanna, H., et al., Evidence-based consensus guidelines on patient selection and trial stimulation for spinal cord stimulation therapy for chronic non-cancer pain. Reg Anesth Pain Med, 2023. 48(6): p. 273-287.
Opioid Prescribing
  1. Argoff, C.E., et al., Rational Urine Drug Monitoring in Patients Receiving Opioids for Chronic Pain: Consensus Recommendations. Pain Med, 2018. 19(1): p. 97-117.
  2. Dowell, D., et al., CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain – United States, 2022. MMWR Recomm Rep, 2022. 71(3): p. 1-95.
  3. Jannetto, P.J., et al., Executive Summary: American Association of Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Medicine Practice Guideline-Using Clinical Laboratory Tests to Monitor Drug Therapy in Pain Management Patients. J Appl Lab Med, 2018. 2(4): p. 489-526.
  4. Kroenke, K., et al., Challenges with Implementing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Opioid Guideline: A Consensus Panel Report. Pain Med, 2019. 20(4): p. 724-735.
References
  1. force, I.T., PAIN MANAGEMENT BEST PRACTICES INTER-AGENCY TASK FORCE REPORT.
  2. Cohen, S.P., et al., Pain Management Best Practices from Multispecialty Organizations During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Public Health Crises. Pain Med, 2020. 21(7): p. 1331-1346.
  3. Narouze, S., et al., Interventional Spine and Pain Procedures in Patients on Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Medications (Second Edition): Guidelines From the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy, the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the International Neuromodulation Society, the North American Neuromodulation Society, and the World Institute of Pain. Reg Anesth Pain Med, 2018. 43(3): p. 225-262.
  4. Goebel, A., et al., The Valencia consensus-based adaptation of the IASP complex regional pain syndrome diagnostic criteria. Pain, 2021. 162(9): p. 2346-2348.
  5. Nicholas, M., et al., The IASP classification of chronic pain for ICD-11: chronic primary pain. Pain, 2019. 160(1): p. 28-37.
  6. Treede, R.D., et al., Chronic pain as a symptom or a disease: the IASP Classification of Chronic Pain for the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Pain, 2019. 160(1): p. 19-27.
  7. Schwenk, E.S., et al., Consensus Guidelines on the Use of Intravenous Ketamine Infusions for Acute Pain Management From the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, the American Academy of Pain Medicine, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Reg Anesth Pain Med, 2018. 43(5): p. 456-466.
  8. Shah, S., et al., ASRA Pain Medicine consensus guidelines on the management of the perioperative patient on cannabis and cannabinoids. Reg Anesth Pain Med, 2023. 48(3): p. 97-117.
  9. Cohen, S.P., et al., Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for lumbar facet joint pain from a multispecialty, international working group. Reg Anesth Pain Med, 2020. 45(6): p. 424-467.
  10. George, S.Z., et al., Interventions for the Management of Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Revision 2021. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 2021. 51(11): p. Cpg1-cpg60.
  11. Hurley, R.W., et al., Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for cervical spine (facet) joint pain from a multispecialty international working group. Pain Med, 2021. 22(11): p. 2443-2524.
  12. Society, N.A.S., Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines For Multidisciplinary Spine Care.
  13. Bruce, R.D., et al., 2017 HIVMA of IDSA Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Chronic Pain in Patients Living With HIV. Clin Infect Dis, 2017. 65(10): p. e1-e37.
  14. Harden, R.N., et al., Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Practical Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines, 5th Edition. Pain Med, 2022. 23(Suppl 1): p. S1-s53.
  15. Price, R., et al., Oral and Topical Treatment of Painful Diabetic Polyneuropathy: Practice Guideline Update Summary: Report of the AAN Guideline Subcommittee. Neurology, 2022. 98(1): p. 31-43.
  16. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia, 2018. 38(1): p. 1-211.
  17. Ailani, J., R.C. Burch, and M.S. Robbins, The American Headache Society Consensus Statement: Update on integrating new migraine treatments into clinical practice. Headache, 2021. 61(7): p. 1021-1039.
  18. Barad, M., et al., Percutaneous Interventional Strategies for Migraine Prevention: A Systematic Review and Practice Guideline. Pain Med, 2022. 23(1): p. 164-188.
  19. Bendtsen, L., et al., European Academy of Neurology guideline on trigeminal neuralgia. Eur J Neurol, 2019. 26(6): p. 831-849.
  20. Robbins, M.S., et al., Treatment of Cluster Headache: The American Headache Society Evidence-Based Guidelines. Headache, 2016. 56(7): p. 1093-106.
  21. Silberstein, S.D., et al., Evidence-based guideline update: pharmacologic treatment for episodic migraine prevention in adults: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society. Neurology, 2012. 78(17): p. 1337-45.
  22. Uppal, V., et al., Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on postdural puncture headache: a consensus report from a multisociety international working group. Reg Anesth Pain Med, 2023.
  23. Deer, T.R., et al., The Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC)®: Intrathecal Drug Delivery Guidance on Safety and Therapy Optimization When Treating Chronic Noncancer Pain. Neuromodulation, 2024.
  24. Deer, T.R., et al., The Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC): Recommendations for Trialing of Intrathecal Drug Delivery Infusion Therapy. Neuromodulation, 2017. 20(2): p. 133-154.
  25. Deer, T.R., et al., The Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC): Recommendations on Intrathecal Drug Infusion Systems Best Practices and Guidelines. Neuromodulation, 2017. 20(2): p. 96-132.
  26. Deer, T.R., et al., The Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee (NACC) Recommendations for Infection Prevention and Management. Neuromodulation, 2017. 20(1): p. 31-50.
  27. Deer, T.R., et al., The Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee (NACC): Recommendations for Surgical Technique for Spinal Cord Stimulation. Neuromodulation, 2022. 25(1): p. 1-34.
  28. Shanthanna, H., et al., Evidence-based consensus guidelines on patient selection and trial stimulation for spinal cord stimulation therapy for chronic non-cancer pain. Reg Anesth Pain Med, 2023. 48(6): p. 273-287.
  29. Argoff, C.E., et al., Rational Urine Drug Monitoring in Patients Receiving Opioids for Chronic Pain: Consensus Recommendations. Pain Med, 2018. 19(1): p. 97-117.
  30. Dowell, D., et al., CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain – United States, 2022. MMWR Recomm Rep, 2022. 71(3): p. 1-95.
  31. Jannetto, P.J., et al., Executive Summary: American Association of Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Medicine Practice Guideline-Using Clinical Laboratory Tests to Monitor Drug Therapy in Pain Management Patients. J Appl Lab Med, 2018. 2(4): p. 489-526.
  32. Kroenke, K., et al., Challenges with Implementing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Opioid Guideline: A Consensus Panel Report. Pain Med, 2019. 20(4): p. 724-735.

From Guidelines to Clinical Practice

AAPM develops education and implementation resources to help clinicians understand new recommendations and apply evidence in practice.