Pain as a disease: an overview

Abstract

The acknowledgment of pain as a pathologic entity in its own right remains debated. Notwithstanding the data showing the burden of pain as a disease, an ultimate recognition of the pathologic nature of this condition is lacking. In this study, we analyze the notion of pain as a disease through an historical overview of its several conceptualizations and report the main evidence supporting this notion. We believe that a clear definition of pain as a disease is necessary, especially considering the enormous global burden of this condition. Indeed, the recognition of pain as a definite pathologic state is crucial to raise awareness about this neglected global health problem and to promote the exploration of new specific therapeutic approaches.

Acupuncture at Tàichōng (太冲 LR 3) for dysmenorrhea

“…Pain has a valuable role in the medical action, therefore [32] . Pain itself based on the duration, classified as chronic and acute [32] .…”

“…Pain has a valuable role in the medical action, therefore [32] . Pain itself based on the duration, classified as chronic and acute [32] . Chronic pain is a disabling condition, it affects every aspect of a patient's life, contributing to a loss of both physical and emotional function, affecting a patient's activity (ability to work at home and job and engage in social and recreational pursuits) [33] .…”

How to define chronic pruritus: Symptom or disease?

“…Accordingly, a comparison to the discussion in the pain field on this issue is of interest. The idea of pain being a disease came up as early as 1953 . Nearly 20 years ago, at the latest, the pain field left the traditional view of pain as a non‐specific symptom of a disease, promoted by the European Federation of IASP Chapters essay .…”

“…The idea of pain being a disease came up as early as 1953 . Nearly 20 years ago, at the latest, the pain field left the traditional view of pain as a non‐specific symptom of a disease, promoted by the European Federation of IASP Chapters essay . The modern, but still controversial, view is that persistent pain is a specific healthcare problem with an own pathology, symptoms and signs, fulfilling the definition of a disease .…”

“…Nearly 20 years ago, at the latest, the pain field left the traditional view of pain as a non‐specific symptom of a disease, promoted by the European Federation of IASP Chapters essay . The modern, but still controversial, view is that persistent pain is a specific healthcare problem with an own pathology, symptoms and signs, fulfilling the definition of a disease . A key statement is that pain in its chronic form is a self‐perpetuating condition that continues beyond resolution of any underlying disease state as removal of the cause does not (always) lead to a resolution of pain .…”