| Revision as of 16:43, 16 December 2004 editTarek (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users698 edits +causes← Previous edit | Revision as of 03:12, 12 July 2005 edit undoBenwing (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers8,038 edits drug toleranceNext edit → | ||
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| Expert ] care is generally necessary to treat any pain that has become chronic. | Expert ] care is generally necessary to treat any pain that has become chronic. | ||
| When ] are used for prolonged periods ], ] and even ] may occur. | When ] are used for prolonged periods ], ] and even ] may occur. | ||
| ] is common among ] users; however, ] is rare. Apparent ] to the pain-relieving effects of opioids may occur, but is usually associated with increasing progression of the underlying disease rather than an actual decrease in efficacy of the drug . | |||
| ==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Revision as of 03:12, 12 July 2005
Chronic pain is medically defined as pain that has lasted 6 months or longer. This constant or intermittent pain has often outlived its purpose, as it does not help the body to prevent injury. It is often more difficult to treat than acute pain. Expert physician care is generally necessary to treat any pain that has become chronic. When opioids are used for prolonged periods drug tolerance, chemical dependency and even psychological addiction may occur. Chemical dependency is common among opioid users; however, psychological addiction is rare. Apparent drug tolerance to the pain-relieving effects of opioids may occur, but is usually associated with increasing progression of the underlying disease rather than an actual decrease in efficacy of the drug .
Causes
Chronic pain is essentially caused by the bombardment of the central nervous system (CNS) with nociceptive impulses, which causes changes in the neural response. The pain subsequently provokes changes in the behaviour of the patient, and the development of fear-avoidance strategies. As a result, the patient may also become physically atrophied and deconditioned. However, it is important to remember that chronic pain is multifactorial, involving psychological, physical and social factors.
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