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Article: Radio-frequency lesioning to treat chronic lumbar facet joint point.
- Article from:
- AORN Journal
- Article date:
- October 1, 1997
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1997 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Chronic pain is defined as any pain that persists after the normal healing period.(1) For example, pain related to lower back muscle strains should improve after a prescribed period of bed rest and medication (eg, analgesic, muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory medications). If the pain persists after this time, it is considered chronic in nature.
Chronic pain causes changes in patients' personalities, with depression being the main symptom. Inactivity, dependence on others, and changes in work or financial situations cause patients with chronic pain to seek new methods of coping. Many patients with chronic pain try alternative therapies, change medications, or ...