Impact of Pain

Pain is a physical indication of an injury or problem in your body. It can range from being mild to severe, occasional, pulsating (throbbing) or constant, acute (short-lived) or chronic (long term). Despite it being a natural response, extreme pain can have a negative impact on you socially, economically and emotionally. Severe chronic pain may lead to:

• Frustration
• Loss of sleep or disrupted sleep
• Poor concentration
• Short temper
• Memory loss

Pain plays an important role in your emotional wellbeing and can lead to anger, depression and anxiety. Chronic pain (long lasting pain) may lead to job loss, financial hardship or problems in your personal life. This can lead to low self‑esteem or diminished confidence levels.

These symptoms usually arise when the patient fails to obtain a timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Therefore, it is imperative that pain be diagnosed and treated in the early stages in order to avoid pain from affecting your day to day life.