Neuropathic pain in primary care

Abstract

Pain is the most common reason why patients seek medical help. Persistent and unrelieved pain can frustrate both the sufferer and the physician trying to alleviate it. Relief from chronic pain may be particularly difficult to achieve and can be fraught with misconceptions. Neuropathic pain is widely recognised as one of the most difficult pain syndromes to treat and presents a significant challenge for pain clinicians and general practitioners. Often, patients have poor pain resolution. It is important that patients with any chronic pain are identified and managed appropriately according to their distinct treatment needs.

Keywords:

• pain
• postherpetic neuralgia
• herpes zoster
• shingles