Above all, chronic pain can have a devastating effect on a person's everyday life:
- Chronic pain can affect a patient's ability to function normally and perform everyday activities.
- Chronic pain can be linked to depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances. This can have an even greater impact on daily life.
- Chronic pain may impede mobility or flexibility, which can result in:
- Loss of social contacts and/or family relationships
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty holding or carrying things
- An inability to perform other activities, such as: running, fishing, etc.
- Poor personal hygiene
- Constipation or incontinence
Patients who suffer from chronic pain must be assessed carefully before a treatment regime is recommended. A person with chronic pain may also suffer from physical, psychological, social and/or behavioural issues, which require specific attention in a comprehensive treatment plan.
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Item code: NPR/08-0056
Date of Preparation: July 2009
