The prevalence of chronic pain increases with age.
In Canada, 29% of adults aged 35 to 54 years suffer from chronic pain, and 39% of those aged 55 and over 1. According to a compilation of data from several countries (Canada, France, Australia, United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, Scotland, Netherlands), chronic pain affect on average 36% of adults 2.
An increase of 70% of chronic pain is expected within 25 years because of aging of the population 3. Also, surgeries that we practice more and more, often leave patients with persistent pain. The removal of the breast and knee arthroscopy are good examples of common operations that often leave scars 4.
Women are more prone to chronic pain 5. We know that testosterone protects men from the pain. However, the relationship between estrogen and the pain is not yet clear. Many women see their pain increased during the days preceding menstruation and after menopause, periods characterized by lower estrogen.
Pain associated with chronic disease can not be treated properly and that causes pain: osteoarthritis, diabetes (can cause neuropathy), multiple sclerosis, cancer, AIDS, trigeminal neuralgia, sickle cell anemia, etc..
A poorly relieved acute pain that persists beyond the normal period of recovery or lasting longer than six months: after an accident at work (eg back pain), surgery, an episode of shingles, etc..
Pain whose cause is poorly defined: migraine, fibromyalgia.
A phantom pain following an amputation. In this case, the pain comes from damage done to the nerves.
Pain maintained by the nervous system without apparent trigger, as is the case of regional pain syndrome complex.
Acute pain: pain that can last up to four weeks (commonly called lumbago). Although short-term, acute back pain can cause much discomfort, impose a work stoppage for a few days and significantly interfere with daily activities. Subacute pain: pain that usually lasts from four weeks to three months, more or less constant. Chronic pain: constant pain lasting longer than three months. The causes of chronic back pain is sometimes difficult to determine. The sufferers must often consider significant changes to their lifestyle.
