Scientific Advances and Future Directions of Chronic Pain: Prevalence, Impact on Daily Life, and Treatment

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic pain has significant negative effects on functionality and quality of life. Chronic pain remains a major health problem and socio-economic burden given the high prevalence rates (i.e., between 30% and 51% of adults [1–3] and 56% of elderly people [1]). Multi-modal interventions covering the biopsychosocial components of pain are the gold-standard treatment for chronic pain [4–6]. In a patient-centered approach, all influencing biological, psychological and interpersonal factors should be taken into account [7]. The importance of including self-management strategies (i.e., the individual's ability to manage the symptoms, treatment, physical and psychological consequences and lifestyle changes inherent to living with a chronic condition) has been emphasized [8,9]. Self-management approaches in combination with behavioral changes (e.g., an active lifestyle) have positive effects on pain and function in patients with chronic conditions [10–13]. However, despite implementation strategies, chronic pain management remains guideline-discordant, characterized by the overuse of medical imaging and medication [14–16], advice to restrict work and activities [17] and insufficient attention paid to psychosocial risk factors [18,19]. An interesting option is the use of electronic health (eHealth) programs, as these can deliver fast and tailored information to individuals in a cost-effective way. Several well-designed clinical trials have already shown beneficial effects of eHealth programs for the management of chronic pain [11,20].

References

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Dr. Frédéric Telliez
Dr. Nathalie Roussel
Guest Editors

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