The Evaluation and Management of Chronic Pain in the Correctional Setting

In the community, chronic pain is a common reason for visits to the doctor’s office. The same is true for patients who are seen by physicians in prison health care settings. The symptoms of chronic pain are often associated with negative emotional states of anxiety, depression, and despair. Ultimately, psychological stress may cause and perpetuate chronic pain even in the absence of any observable pathological findings. The objectives of this article are to define the elements of chronic pain and review its epidemiology, diagnosis, and management. This article will also touch upon some unique treatment challenges such as malingering and diversion of prescribed pain medications common in the prison setting.