Chronic pain syndrome: nursing assessment and intervention

Chronic pain is a major health problem in the United States. People with chronic pain syndrome are a subgroup of patients with chronic pain who experience high levels of pain, functional impairment, and depression. Because chronic pain syndrome is a complex multidimensional health problem, nurses must use their expert knowledge and skills in pain management and in rehabilitation nursing to help patients improve their health status and quality of life. This article discusses the nursing assessment and management of chronic pain syndrome as well as an assessment tool that the author has helped develop.