Darlene, age 32 years, has been having back pain for a number of years, ever since suffering a compressed L2 disc as the result of a motor vehicle accident that led to surgery and extensive physiotherapy. Now she is missing time from work as a secretary because of constant pain. Darlene has been referred to you for chronic pain.

As the nurse practitioner working with Darlene, what aspects of disorders of pain are important to understand?
How would you effectively manage Darlene’s pain at this time?

Sample Solution