Chronic pain syndrome should be recognized as a separate clinical entity.

ABSTRACT

Chronic pain is a relatively new concept in our understanding of pain. It is rarely recognised or diagnosed as a separate clinical entity in Sri Lanka. Thus the extent of this problem is not known. The case histories of two patients with the chronic pain syndrome are presented, with a brief review of the theoretical aspects of chronic pain. Trends in the management of chronic pain are summarized. Unfortunately, organized treatment programmes for chronic pain are unavailable in Sri Lanka.