Lancet
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Chronic pain is a common condition for which patients seek care from various health-care providers. This type of pain causes much suffering and disability and is frequently mistreated or undertreated. Patients who present for evaluation for chronic pain should undergo a careful assessment before therapy. ⋯ These patients suffer from a chronic condition and often require long-term care, with frequent reassessment and adjustment of therapy. Although cure is possible, it is also infrequent. Therefore, therapy is provided with the aim of decreasing pain and suffering while improving physical and mental functioning.