Features of Chronic Pain
What are the Distinguishing Features of the Disease, Chronic Pain?
- Pain persists beyond the anticipated time of recovery.
- Pain spreads beyond the bounds of the original injury.
- Sleep is disordered with worsening pain at night, tremors (restless legs), mind racing and sometimes, vivid and frightening dreams.
- Appetite is disordered, usually with weight gain and ravenous cravings for sweets (or salt). Less commonly, weight loss with disgust for food.
- Mood is disordered, usually with despondency and depression, but occasionally with restless hyperactivity and angry irritability.
- Energy is diminished with non-restorative sleep, pervasive fatigue, and loss of libido.
