Modern science tells us that persistent (or “chronic”) pain is very complex. Persistent pain is multidimensional. That is it is impacted upon by the following:
- biological components – including nervous system involvement, where neurological chemicals and activity are also adding to pain.
- emotional components – where the emotional distress someone is suffering because of their pain can in itself make the pain worse.
- social and behavioural components – with impact on factors including family life, work life, self-confidence and self-esteem, and a person’s basic sense of being able to manage the normal demands of life.