Pain management in the context of workers compensation: a case study.
The clinical management of chronic pain is a biopsychosocial challenge in itself; however, when the pain occurs in the context of workers compensation, there is even greater clinical complexity. A review of the literature shows that patients being treated for chronic pain under workers compensation are generally more distressed and have poorer outcomes both clinically and vocationally than non-compensated patients. A range of factors is identified to explain these differences, including operation of the system itself. However, a case study is presented involving a 49-year-old woman with chronic neck pain, whose clinical history illustrates how workers compensation can negatively influence outcomes, but where successful rehabilitation is also possible.
Innervate Pain Management, 91 Chatham Street, Broadmeadow, NSW 2292 Australia.
Toby R O
TR
Newton-John
Anna J
AJ
McDonald
Case study; Chronic pain; Treatment outcome; Vocational rehabilitation; Workers compensation