Chronic pain and its management in primary care

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain is commonly encountered in primary care, but it can be difficult to manage.

Methods: The purpose of this article was to review the definition of chronic pain, general guidelines of management, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment, the role of pain clinics, and rehabilitation goals.

Conclusions: Effective management of chronic pain is usually achieved by an interdisciplinary team, with involvement of both patients and their families, and integrates pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment with needed surgical interventions, psychotherapy, and rehabilitation.