Evaluating pain and disability.

Abstract

This article has attempted to present an overview of how pain and disability interact, the incidence and cost of disability secondary to painful conditions, a review of the current disability systems, how pain should be evaluated, and some thoughts on the future of disability and pain. Most people are unhappy with the present process from an administrative, logistical, and cost-effective point of view. However, there is a continuing concern that change will be driven largely by cost containment rather than other important aspects of disability.