Pain is a common symptom of many diseases and is often referred for a physical
medicine and rehabilitation consultation. Despite the availability of
information on the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of acute
musculoskeletal pain, chronic pain still remains an unsolved problem for many
patients. Pathophysiology in these patients often remains obscure, assessment
difficult, and management frustrating.
These issues become magnified when pain, acute or chronic, complicates a primary
disabling disease such as spinal cord injury, cerebrovascular accident or
multiple sclerosis. To date, the physiatric management of these complex
syndromes has not been dealt with in a comprehensive fashion, especially with
regard to the relationship of pain, functional status, and