What is pain interference and how is it managed in patients with chronic pain?

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Last updated: June 1, 2025 • View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Pain interference refers to the extent to which pain disrupts a person's daily functioning, including physical activities, work, social relationships, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life, and is best managed through a holistic, multimodal approach that involves a comprehensive interdisciplinary team, as recommended by the 2017 HIVMA of IDSA clinical practice guideline for the management of chronic pain in patients living with HIV 1.

Key Components of Pain Interference Management

  • A comprehensive pain assessment, including the use of validated tools like the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) or the ultra-brief, 3-item PEG, to evaluate pain intensity, interference with enjoyment of life, and interference with general activity 1
  • Pharmacological strategies, such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants, which may be used to reduce pain severity, but should be carefully selected and monitored to minimize adverse effects 1
  • Non-pharmacological approaches, including physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation, and activity pacing, which can help patients develop adaptive behaviors and improve their overall quality of life 1

Importance of Individualized Treatment Plans

  • Each patient's treatment plan should be tailored to their unique needs and circumstances, taking into account their medical history, current symptoms, and personal preferences 1
  • Regular reassessments and adjustments to the treatment plan are necessary to ensure that the patient's pain interference is adequately managed and that their quality of life is improved 1

Goal of Pain Interference Management

  • The ultimate goal of pain interference management is not just to reduce pain severity, but to improve the patient's overall function and quality of life, recognizing that chronic pain affects the whole person and requires a comprehensive and individualized approach 1

From the FDA Drug Label

The studies showed a reduction in pain by visual analog scale In addition, improvement was demonstrated based on a patient global assessment (PGIC), and on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).

The term pain interference is not directly mentioned in the provided drug label. However, it can be inferred that pain interference refers to the impact of pain on a patient's daily life and activities.

  • Pain management in patients with chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia, may involve medications like pregabalin, which has been shown to reduce pain and improve patient global assessment and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) scores 2.
  • The goal of pain management is to minimize the interference of pain on a patient's life, allowing them to perform daily activities with less discomfort.
  • Pain interference can be assessed using various tools, including patient global assessment and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), which evaluate the impact of pain on a patient's daily life and activities.

From the Research

Definition of Pain Interference

  • Pain interference refers to the extent to which pain interferes with an individual's daily activities, emotional well-being, and social interactions 3, 4, 5.
  • It is a subjective experience that can vary greatly from person to person, and is influenced by factors such as pain intensity, duration, and individual characteristics 4, 5.

Assessment of Pain Interference

  • The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) is a commonly used tool to assess pain interference, which includes dimensions such as activity and affective interference 5.
  • Pain interference can be categorized into different types and levels, which can guide the assessment process and inform individualized treatment plans 5.

Management of Pain Interference

  • Social interactions and social connection can play an important role in reducing pain interference, and therapeutic interventions aimed at increasing social connection may be beneficial 3.
  • Pain acceptance, which involves accepting pain as a part of life and engaging in activities despite pain, can also help to decouple the association between pain intensity and pain interference, and improve physical activity 6.
  • A multidisciplinary approach to pain management, including physician consultations, physiotherapy, and psychology, may be necessary to address the complex needs of individuals with high pain interference 5.

Factors Influencing Pain Interference

  • Social isolation can predict pain interference, and individuals with higher social isolation tend to have higher pain interference 3.
  • Pain intensity, duration, and individual characteristics, such as mood and cognitive factors, can also influence pain interference 4, 5.
  • Physical activity and exercise can be affected by pain interference, and individuals with high pain interference may require tailored exercise programs to improve their physical well-being 5, 6.

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

3
Research

The Impact of Social Isolation on Pain Interference: A Longitudinal Study.

Annals of behavioral medicine : a publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, 2019

4
Research

Pain and quality of life.

Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain, 2001

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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