Obviously, employers and healthcare payers look favorably on these goals, too, while some patients may cling to the goals of cure and pain elimination. Changing goals of pain treatment, based on pain longevity and life expectancy. Costs of chronic pain Justification for multidisciplinary pain management programs has come from studies demonstrating the high prevalence and cost of pain. The National Institutes of Health reported that chronic pain is the third-largest health problem in the world. When physical illness persists, psychological suffering frequently follows.
Depression is one of the most common psychological consequences of chronic pain.
Other psychiatric conditions associated with chronic pain include personality disorders, anxiety disorders, thought disorders, malingering, factitious disorders, and somatization disorder. Studies have shown a high comorbidity between chronic pain and psychological disturbances, which prolongs the disability. The components of multidisciplinary pain management programs must include resources to help patients improve their physical and psychological status, and restore social roles such as work. Recreational therapists revitalize patients through an expanded scope of enjoyable activities. Exercise specialists help patients improve activity levels, strength, endurance, and general conditioning.