Genetics of Acute Pain

PainPain is one of the primary complaints following surgery and has major impacts on recovery, not to mention the costs (emotionally, physically, and financially) on the individual and society at large. In fact, survey studies show more than 70% of patients report moderate to extreme pain after surgery, with more than 70% also complaining of these same levels of pain after discharge [1]. This makes the treatment of acute post-operative pain an important mainstay of today’s surgical and acute pain servicesAcute pain service. There is a growing body of literature describing the role that geneticsGenetics may play in how and to what degree a person perceives pain. Further research into these topics may help guide future practitioners in identifying those patients at greatest riskRisks for the development of significant post-operative and chronic painChronic pain. In addition, an individual’s geneticGenetics makeup may contribute to the ability to develop individualized treatment plans that result in safer and more efficacious treatments.