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Review
. 2019 Aug;123(2):e273-e283.
doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2019.03.023. Epub 2019 May 10.

Chronic pain: a review of its epidemiology and associated factors in population-based studies

Sarah E E Mills  1 , Karen P Nicolson  2 , Blair H Smith  2
Affiliations
Review

Chronic pain: a review of its epidemiology and associated factors in population-based studies

Sarah E E Mills et al. Br J Anaesth. 2019 Aug.

Abstract

Chronic pain is a common, complex, and distressing problem that has a profound impact on individuals and society. It frequently presents as a result of a disease or an injury; however, it is not merely an accompanying symptom, but rather a separate condition in its own right, with its own medical definition and taxonomy. Studying the distribution and determinants of chronic pain allows us to understand and manage the problem at the individual and population levels. Targeted and appropriate prevention and management strategies need to take into account the biological, psychological, socio-demographic, and lifestyle determinants and outcomes of pain. We present a narrative review of the current understanding of these factors.

Keywords: chronic pain; epidemiology; genetics; incidence; prevalence; risk factors.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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