Preventing chronic pain Physicians recognize that pain is individually experienced and can sometimes be influenced by a number of issues, including emotions, cultural differences, family support, and social experiences. Early medical intervention can often limit the period of acute pain and frequently prevent chronic pain. Additional intervention may be warranted when a treating physician recognizes that pain is being modified by the psychological state of the patient. Encouraging safety and prevention measures Workplace safety requires an understanding of how the physical factors often described as repetition, force, posture, vibration, contact stress, and temperature interact with the individual's risk factors of age, gender, and inherited genetic characteristics. Employees should be encouraged to report potentially hazardous conditions or situations for review.
Prevention requires a commitment from management, physician support, and employee understanding.
Emphasis should be placed on accident reporting, investigation, and ergonomic interventions that are based on scientific data. The AAOS believes that safe early return to work programs are in the best interest of patients. Studies have demonstrated that prolonged time away from work makes recovery and return to work progressively less likely. Return to work in light duty, part-time, or modified duty programs is important in preventing the deconditioning and psychological behavior patterns that inhibit successful return to work and in improving quality of life for the injured worker. References AAOS Position Statement.