And in addition to the economic costs, patients with chronic pain syndrome experience disruption in nearly all aspects of their lives, including family and work life. The most common nursing diagnoses for patients with chronic pain syndrome are ineffective coping related to chronic pain, activity intolerance related to decreased muscle tone and strength from inactivity, and sleep pattern disturbance related to pain and anxiety. 1 Nociceptive and neuropathic pain Chronic pain may be either nociceptive or neuropathic in origin. Nervous system structures called nociceptors are located in cutaneous and deep tissues and the viscera. Nociceptive pain results from direct stimulation of peripheral nerve endings that are sensitive to noxious mechanical, thermal, or chemical stimuli.
Patients often describe nociceptive pain as aching or throbbing.
Bone or muscle pain or injury, cancer pain, and post-laminectomy back pain are examples of nociceptive pain. Opiate drugs usually help relieve nociceptive pain. Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to nerves or altered nervous system function. Patients often describe neuropathic pain as burning or shooting. Neuropathic pain responds poorly to opiates.