Chronic pain: a big challenge

Authors

Abstract

Diagnosing and treating chronic pain is a major clinical challenge for healthcare professionals. Chronic pain affects patient recovery and functionality, resulting in dissatisfaction and frustration among patients and their providers. The major goals in treating chronic pain are to provide long-lasting relief, markedly reduce suffering, and improve functionality and health-related quality of life. The treatment should also minimize side effects and adverse events to provide more cost-effective care.

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Author Biographies

Telma Zakka, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

MD, PhD in Sciences, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo; Expert in chronic pain management as certified by the Brazilian Medical Association, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Coordinator of the Chronic Pelvic Pain Outpatient Clinic, Interdisciplinary Pain Center, Neurology Clinic, Hospital das Clínicas, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; President of the Pain Committee, São Paulo Medical Association, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

Hélio Papler, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

MD, PhD, Senior Professor, Department of Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

Paulo Manuel Pêgo-Fernandes, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

MD, PhD, Vice-director, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Full Professor, Department of Cardiopneumology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Director of the Scientific Department, São Paulo Medical Association, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

References

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Published

2025-03-24

How to Cite

1.
Zakka T, Papler H, Pêgo-Fernandes PM. Chronic pain: a big challenge. Sao Paulo Med J [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 24 [cited 2026 Sep. 14];142(1):1-2. Available from: https://periodicosapm.emnuvens.com.br/spmj/article/view/2981

Issue

Vol. 142 No. 1 (2024)

Section

Editorial

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Copyright (c) 2025 São Paulo Medical Journal

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