Definition:

Chronic pain that persists despite the fact that an illness or injury has healed, requires more comprehensive interventions than acute pain. Comprehensive chronic pain management programs focus on the physical and emotional effects of pain.

Neurogenic pain = pain resulting from damage to nerves long after original illness has healed

Psychogenic pain = pain not due to past disease or injury or any visible sign of damage inside

Symptoms:

• Chronic pain persists despite the fact that an injury has healed.
• Pain signals remain active in the nervous system three months or longer.
• Physical effects include tense muscles, limited mobility, a lack of energy, and changes in appetite.
• Emotional effects include depression, anger and anxiety.
• Fear of re-injury. Such a fear may hinder a person's ability to return to normal work or leisure activities.

Self-Assessments:

• Your pain has lasted 3 months without a clear reason.
• You are feeling down or blue or are not enjoying the activities or hobbies you once did.
• You had an illness or injury that healed but the pain persists.
• You have a family member or friend who appears to be suffering with chronic pain.

Treatment Options:

Effective Chronic Pain Management involves a philosophical approach that addresses the needs of the whole person. Interventions include but are not limited to the following:

Cognitive/Behavioral Counseling: A person learns to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to troublesome feelings and can exacerbate their symptoms of pain.

Education on Meditation, Relaxation Training and Biofeedback:

Medication: Reduction of symptoms of anxiety disorders include anti-depressants and anxiety-reducing medications.

Psychotherapy: Addresses the emotional response to mental illness. A trained mental health professional help by talking through strategies for understanding and dealing with their disorder.

Links:

Pain

WebMD Pain Management Info

American Academy of Pain Management