May 11 2008
What are the Effects of Chronic pain
The word chronic comes from the Greek word khronos, which means time. By simple definition, chronic pain is any pain that lasts over time. But really, what does that mean? Chronic pain was formerly defined as a pain that lasted over six months, then it was three months, and now it is widely accepted to be any pain that last longer than what normal healing time would be. It is also used to define pain that is caused by an unknown or incurable condition, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, lupus, etc.
Effects of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain sufferers are four times more likely than others to develop clinical depression over the course of their lives. This decrease in the quality of life will affect social interactions, careers, religious outlooks, and other items in the individual. It may affect their sleep, which can lead to other long term health problems. The person may not be able to continue to work and therefore it can affect the financial status of the household and the self esteem of the person unable to work. Chronic pain affects everyone.
