Chronic pain is a complex, yet common, problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Although it is often caused by a prior injury, such as from trauma or from dealing with cancer, it can sometimes occur without an inciting injury. Furthermore, even when there is a clear cause of the pain, at times the chronic pain outgrows the original insult.
Chronic pain is managed by a multidisciplinary group, often led by a physician who specializes in pain. At times, patients with chronic pain are referred to neurosurgeons for a range of procedures ranging from the implantation of intrathecal drug delivery devices or spinal cord stimulators, to lesioning of certain parts of the pain pathway.
For more information about chronic pain, be sure to speak with your doctor or look through the US Pain Foundation website.