Chronic Pain: Information Resources on the Internet

Abstract

Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than one month after onset or pain that recurs after onset of injury or illness. Millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain conditions, whether from diseases such as diabetes or HIV infection or as a result of injured nerves, bones, or other tissues. The socioeconomic burden of chronic pain is immense. Estimates of the economic impact alone from health care expenses, lost productivity, and lost wages are $100 billion annually. This article provides a general overview of noncancer causes of chronic pain symptoms, conditions, disease burden, and treatments. Authoritative Web sites for chronic pain information and patient resources are included.

KEYWORDS:

• Chronic pain
• Internet
• pain management
• pain medicine

Comments and suggestions should be sent to the Column Editors: Priscilla L. Stephenson ([email protected]) and Mary Virginia Taylor ([email protected]).