Chronic pain is common (affecting about 15% of the population), challenging (increasing consultation rate five-fold), and costly (£18 billion in lost earnings in the UK in 2002). Despite the heavy social burden, outcomes are disappointing; symptoms are poorly controlled, are seldom managed by experts, are often long-standing, and the risk of suicide is increased. Therefore, publication in April of new guidelines from the American Society of Anesthesiologists for management of chronic pain unrelated to cancer should be welcomed.
The Lancet (Anaesthesiology and Resuscitation) - Mon, 24 May 2010
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