Secondary prevention of chronic pain: can internet help?

Abstract

SUMMARY  Chronic pain is common and strongly impacts the individual and society as a whole. Although there are effective multidisciplinary treatments available, they are often not easily accessible and designed for people with severe long-lasting problems. The main aim of this paper is to propose and stimulate debate about how the internet can help to increase accessibility and promote a shift toward secondary prevention. Specifically, internet can help by providing access to educational websites containing information for professionals and the general population. Internet can also be useful for creating accessible interventions designed to reduce risk factors for the development of long-term disability. The involvement of society in general and the professionals working in the field is fundamental for advancing in this direction.