Chronic Pain-related Disability: Current Scientific Rationale and Recommendations for Practice

Abstract

The present paper concerns the prevention and management of disability due to chronic pain. The problem of disabling chronic pain is presented and the impact on the community is highlighted. The scientific rationale for current approaches to management is discussed and the available empirical evidence reviewed. In particular, the present paper advocates application of the biopsychosocial model for the prevention and management of chronic pain-related disability. As such, the components of the biopsychosocial model are reviewed and recommendations for rehabilitation counselling practice are presented.