From the Guidelines
Not treating chronic pain can lead to severe physical and psychological consequences, including decreased mobility, depression, anxiety, and increased risk of opioid use disorder and overdose, emphasizing the need for timely and effective treatment. Untreated chronic pain often causes decreased mobility and physical function, resulting in muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and further disability 1. Sleep disturbances are common, leading to fatigue and reduced cognitive function. Psychologically, chronic pain frequently triggers depression, anxiety, and irritability, sometimes escalating to suicidal thoughts in severe cases. The constant stress response activated by persistent pain can compromise immune function and increase vulnerability to illness. Socially, untreated pain often leads to isolation, strained relationships, and inability to work, creating financial hardship.
Some of the key risks associated with not treating chronic pain include:
- Decreased mobility and physical function
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue
- Depression, anxiety, and irritability
- Increased risk of opioid use disorder and overdose
- Compromised immune function and increased vulnerability to illness
- Social isolation, strained relationships, and financial hardship
According to the CDC guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain, nonopioid therapy is preferred for treatment of chronic pain, and opioids should be used only when benefits for pain and function are expected to outweigh risks 1. The guideline also recommends that clinicians should prescribe the lowest effective dosage, carefully reassess benefits and risks when considering increasing dosage, and avoid concurrent opioids and benzodiazepines whenever possible.
Treatment approaches should be individualized and may include medications (like NSAIDs, anticonvulsants such as gabapentin, antidepressants, or carefully monitored opioids in specific cases), physical therapy, psychological interventions, and complementary therapies to prevent these serious consequences and improve quality of life 1. It is essential to consider the circumstances and unique needs of each patient when providing care, and clinicians should evaluate benefits and harms of continued opioid therapy with patients every 3 months or more frequently.
From the Research
Risks of Not Treating Chronic Pain
- Chronic pain can have a detrimental impact on patient health, quality of life, and function, and poses a substantial socioeconomic burden 2
- If left untreated, chronic pain can lead to negative consequences such as sleep disturbances, mood disturbances, cognitive impairment, and decreased physical function 3
- Chronic pain can also have a significant impact on mental health, including increased risk of depression and anxiety 4
- Furthermore, chronic pain can lead to decreased quality of life, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs 5
Physical and Psychological Consequences
- Chronic pain can lead to physical consequences such as decreased mobility, decreased strength, and decreased flexibility 6
- Chronic pain can also lead to psychological consequences such as decreased self-esteem, decreased mood, and decreased overall well-being 3
- Additionally, chronic pain can lead to social consequences such as decreased social interaction, decreased relationships, and decreased overall social support 4
Economic Consequences
- Chronic pain can have significant economic consequences, including increased healthcare costs, decreased productivity, and decreased economic output 5
- The economic burden of chronic pain can be substantial, with estimates suggesting that it can cost billions of dollars per year 2
- Effective treatment of chronic pain can help to reduce these economic consequences and improve overall quality of life 5
Importance of Treatment
- Effective treatment of chronic pain is crucial to improving patient outcomes and reducing the risks associated with untreated chronic pain 2
- A multimodal approach to treatment, including pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications, can be effective in managing chronic pain 4
- Early and effective treatment of chronic pain can help to prevent long-term consequences and improve overall quality of life 3