Introduction

Abstract

For many who have entered the field of health care, one major factor was the desire to help others through the relief of suffering. Pain is often an element of suffering. The International Association for the Study of Pain defines “pain” as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage or both” [1]. There are many subclasses that have been proposed, e.g., acute, chronic, or persistent. There have also been suggestions of describing pain with such terms as visceral, neuropathic, nociceptive, ­psychological, musculoskeletal, psychosomatic, etc. Some of these terms are used in this text as well. Such terms are useful only if they help to describe the etiology of the pain or discomfort, and, thus, facilitate treatment. Their usefulness is somewhat dependent upon others recognizing their definitions as well. If terminology begins to hinder communication, one must question its utility overall.