The Consequences of Chronic Pain

ABSTRACT

Questions from patients about analgesic pharmacotherapy and responses from authors are presented to help educate patients and make them more effective self-advocates. The topic addressed in this issue is untreated/undertreated chronic pain and the physical, emotional, and social consequences that can profoundly affect a patient's quality of life. Chronic pain is no longer considered a symptom; it is a disease entity itself. Anxiety and depression often coexist with chronic pain. Chronic pain is the enemy of happiness. Further, chronic pain can activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to the fight-or-flight response.

KEYWORDS :

• acute pain
• chronic pain
• fight-or-flight response
• homeostasis
• neuroendocrine system
• nonmalignant pain
• sympathetic nervous system (SNS)