Preventing the transition from acute to chronic pain

Evidence of preventive strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of chronic pain developing from acute pain is limited. Most preventive strategies have been investigated in surgical patients, but may be relevant for other chronic pain conditions that occur after an acute event.

In general, adequate acute pain management may prevent the transition from acute to chronic pain. This includes early diagnosis of neuropathic pain, which is a key component of many chronic pain conditions that occur after an acute event. Psychological support and patient education regarding analgesia and pain expectations may also reduce the transition from acute to chronic pain. Consider the preventive strategies described for chronic postsurgical pain; see Modifiable risk factors for preventing chronic postsurgical pain.