The Recall of Physical Pain

Abstract

Pain, especially chronic pain, has been called the most universal form of human stress (Turk, Meichenbaum, & Genest, 1983). Millions of Americans suffer from pain-related problems, often resulting in partial or complete disabilities. The medical and scientific communities, as well as government agencies such as the Public Health Service, all recognize the need for better quality data on the prevalence and severity of chronic pain in the population. In order to address the personal and societal consequences of chronic physical pain, accurate data regarding pain must be collected.