Complications


 * __Complications of untreated pain __**
 * Untreated Pain
 * Many people believe pain is something “…you have to live with”
 * Research has indicated that women have a higher prevalence of chronic pain syndromes and diseases associated with chronic pain than men.
 * Untreated pain is a serious ailment
 * Total pain relief is desirable, but sometimes reducing pain to a tolerable level is more realistic.
 * Acute – symptom of injury or disease at the tissue level, and tends to resolve as the injury or disease does.
 * It is important to note that these symptoms may change depending on the area affected. If there is a muscle injury, there would be more of an effect of the musculoskeletal system then if it were an infection.
 * Cardiovascular
 * Increased Blood Pressure and heart rate as a result of Injury or Infection
 * Immune
 * Increased immune response
 * Respiratory
 * Increased respirations as a result of Fear or pain.
 * Musculoskeletal
 * Tensing of muscles to counteract pain
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Pressure Ulcers whilst in Hospital if unable to move from the bed
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Cognitive/Psychological
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Possible Fear or Anxiety surrounding injury and healing process
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Short term implications for work and social life
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Anger, Irritability


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Chronic – Persistent Pain - physical cause for the pain can be found or pain persists long after the injury has healed
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Chronic pain is also characterized by the abnormal state and function of the spinal cord neurons which become hyperactive.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Cardiovascular
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Chronic Stress reaction can lead to an increase in Heart Rate and Blood pressure
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Lead to an increased risk of Heart Disease
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Immune
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Impaired immune responses
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Delayed healing
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Respiratory
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Risk of Respiratory Depression due to some medications
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Genitourinary/Gastrointestinal
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Impaired functioning
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Constipation or abdominal pains due to ongoing medication
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Changes in appetite
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Incontinence
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Musculoskeletal
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Tense muscles
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Limited mobility
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">A lack of energy
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Cognitive/Psychological
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Depression, Anger and Anxiety
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Affected emotional responses due to depression.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Fear of re-injury. Such a fear might hinder a person’s ability to return to normal work or leisure activities.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Long term implications for work and social life.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Sleeping Disorders
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Hormonal Imbalances
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Sexual Dysfunction
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Lack of concentration and mental clarity
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Dependence on medication