Pain as a disease: an overview

Abstract

The acknowledgment of pain as a pathologic entity in its own right remains debated. Notwithstanding the data showing the burden of pain as a disease, an ultimate recognition of the pathologic nature of this condition is lacking. In this study, we analyze the notion of pain as a disease through an historical overview of its several conceptualizations and report the main evidence supporting this notion. We believe that a clear definition of pain as a disease is necessary, especially considering the enormous global burden of this condition. Indeed, the recognition of pain as a definite pathologic state is crucial to raise awareness about this neglected global health problem and to promote the exploration of new specific therapeutic approaches.

Keywords:

• pain
• disease
• chronic pain
• classification

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Dr Vanni Caruso and Dr Paola Indovina for their helpful discussion.

Author contributions

WR and EA designed, drafted, and revised the manuscript. Both authors approved the final version of the article and take full responsibility for its content.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.