Assessment of acute and chronic pain

Acute and chronic pain states are under-recognized and under-treated. The assessment of pain and evaluation of treatment requires repeated measurement of pain intensity using reliable and well-validated scales. Sensory components of pain must also be assessed and in particular, the diagnosis of neuropathic pain should not be missed as this diagnosis may direct treatment and potentially alter long-term outcomes. Several neuropathic screening tools are available to aid the detection and monitoring of neuropathic pain but importantly, a clinical examination is essential to corroborate this diagnosis. The further assessment of chronic pain should involve a thorough assessment of global function and quality of life using reliable and well-validated screening tools. In particular, physical and emotional functioning should be monitored.