Chronic Pain Flashcards
1
Q
What is chronic pain?
A
Pain lasting longer than 3 to 6 months; may begin as acute pain but persists beyond typical time to resolve.
2
Q
What physical changes may be associated with chronic pain?
A
diaphoresis, vasomotor changes, motor weakness, skin bone atrophy, joint contractures, weight loss (due to appetite loss)
3
Q
What psychiatric changes may be associated with chronic pain?
A
depression suicide anxiety loss of appetite diminished libido sleep disturbances
4
Q
What is the management of chronic pain?
A
determine underlying cause - history/phys exam, laboratory investigations, imaging, consultations. Multimodal approach to therapy: counseling physical therapy antidepressants anticonvulsants opioids nerve blocks/ablation spinal cord stimulation intrathecal drug delivery transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation acupuncture biofeedback
