It is people who have pain. The pain cannot be viewed or treated by itself, apart from the man, woman or child who lives with it.
People have pain-and people have spouses, children, parents, careers and communities.
Chronic pain, whatever the cause, affects one's personality, self-image and ability to function. It therefore affects that person's relationship with every one around. The affect can be profound. Even a low level of pain, when constantly present, wears away at one's capacity for patience and tolerance. The results may prove disastrous to family-life, marriage, job performance and friendships.