Introduction to the SMART-MD Pain Issue

Abstract

Most common chronic disease in the world and it afflicts one in four adults in the United States. The most common chronic painful conditions are spinal pain, arthritis pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain (including visceral neuropathic pain). Poorly treated chronic pain has devastating health impacts, including the consequences of inactivity, such as obesity and cardiac risks, as well as harming mental health. Depression, anxiety, and rates of suicide are all increased in patients with severe chronic pain and are directly tied to the neurobiological mechanisms which amplify and perpetuate pain perception.