This book is designed to provide the practicing GP with concise, and relevant information to help in the management of patients presenting with pain or other common distressing symptoms. It is split into two sections. The first section on pain management provides a scheme for assessing patients and a detailed review of techniques of pain control which can be used in the community. The second section looks at common symptom complexes where palliation rather than cure is the aim then explores methods of symptom control available for use in the community. It is not limited to care of cancer patients but is designed for use for any patients experiencing ongoing distressing symptoms for which cure of the underlying disease is no longer an option. The core text is taken from the successful Oxford Handbook of General Practice, and then edited together to cover the full breadth of both topics in one easy to access volume. In addition to the core text, this volume also contains a wealth of "extras" which make all the difference - such as helpful tips, self-help strategies for patients, patient experience information, frequently asked questions and links with quality payments available through the new GMS contract. This book includes: useful links to further information for patients and GPs; expanded references to help students and GP registrars who need to be aware of the evidence base behind management decisions; flow charts to aid management; explanatory material and diagrams for GPs and nurses to use when explaining a particular condition to a patient; 'Patient experiences' information; FAQs which either take the form of question and answer boxes or 'hot tips boxes' or 'common mistakes boxes'; and each topic is linked to the requirements of the new GP Contract 'Quality and Outcomes Framework'.