Is pain ever acceptable? A qualitative exploration concerning adult perceptions of chronic pain

ConclusionsIt can be difficult to identify when a clinically significant change in pain has occurred from numerical pain rating scales. We have identified two themes and a number of factors influencing the acceptability of pain. Understanding individuals' unique perceptions of what constitutes ‘acceptable pain’ is crucial for clinicians when assessing and managing chronic pain. Pain is a highly subjective experience, and what one person considers acceptable may differ significantly from another person's perspective. Recommendations to improve healthcare services for adults living with CNCP are proposed and directions for future research are explored.SignificanceAdults with CNCP have unique experiences of living with and managing their chronic pain. CNCP was found to affect biological, psychological, and social aspects of an individual's life. The acceptability of pain exists on a continuum where adjacent parts are not noticeably different from each other, but the extremes of the continuum appear very distinct. The acceptability of pain is determined by the different factors that influence an individuals' ability to function on a day-to-day basis as well as their quality of life. While acceptable pain and manageable pain represent distinct aspects of the pain experience, the relationship between them is complex and plays a crucial role in how individuals cope with and adapt to chronic pain.
Source: European Journal of Pain - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research