Chronic pain: Overlap and specificity in multimorbidity management

Aust J Gen Pract. 2019 Oct;48(10):689-692. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-06-19-4966.

Abstract

Background: Chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) frequently co-occurs with other chronic conditions, resulting in multimorbidity.

Objective: The aim of this article is to summarise current approaches to CNCP management and explore areas of specificity and overlap with chronic conditions in general.

Discussion: The biomedical component of the management of chronic conditions may be condition-specific. However, mind-body, connection, activity and nutrition components entail significant overlap and are helpful across conditions. Effective practice avoids overemphasis on medical treatments at the expense of evidence-based, multidimensional lifestyle approaches. CNCP management illustrates the case for reconceptualising chronic condition management using a generic lifestyle-based approach. This capitalises on overlapping treatments, creates system efficiency and allows patients with multimorbidity to be treated more effectively in primary care, with only a small subgroup referred to condition-specific tertiary services.

MeSH terms

  • Behavior Therapy
  • Chronic Pain / psychology
  • Chronic Pain / therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diet, Healthy
  • Exercise
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Humans
  • Multimorbidity*
  • Pain Management / methods
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Patient-Centered Care / methods
  • Social Support