neurologic disorders
Chronic Pain
Key Points
Nociceptive stimuli, sensitization of the nervous system, and psychologic factors can contribute to chronic pain. Distinguishing between the psychologic causes and effects of chronic pain may be difficult. Seek a physical cause even if psychologic factors are prominent, and always evaluate the effect of pain on the patient's life. Treat poorly controlled pain with multimodal therapy (eg, appropriate physical, psychologic, behavioral, and interventional treatments; drugs). 