A brief introductory guide to chronic pain resources on the Internet

The expanding Internet has become an increasingly valuable tool for world wide sharing of information. Health care professionals, patients, lay persons, family members and others are afforded instant access to masses of information and almost unlimited resources on virtually any topic, as well as an almost seamless vehicle for communication. This new medium offers tremendous implications for health care. However, the absence of a single clearinghouse, a single search procedure or guarantee of accuracy often make information access efforts challenging, confusing and frustrating. The present paper provides a brief introduction aimed at increasing appreciation of the Internet and enhancing its utility with regard to chronic pain and its management and offers rudimentary guidelines for efficient accessing of information. Finally, it presents the results of a comprehensive search including nearly 200 useful Internet web links for professionals, patients, family members and other interested persons who assess, treat or cope with chronic pain. Identified resources include numerous organizations, medical, psychological assessment and practical treatment strategies, assessment and treatment reviews, support groups, list serve groups for patients and professionals, advocacy resources, news and assistive technology resources. Special emphasis is given to useful resources to assist professionals treating persons with chronic pain, as well as resources that can assist persons challenged by chronic pain.