This narrative review of the trauma literature looking at chronic pain after trauma found:
Chronic pain occurs in 30–70% of trauma survivors, with prevalence varying by injury type.
Key risk factors include female sex, younger age, pre-existing pain, psychological distress, and social disadvantage.
Validated prediction models are available for musculoskeletal trauma
Thoracic trauma is under represented in the pain literature, is often underrecognized, and less protocols are available for treatment
Thoracic pain typically occurs through intercostal nerve damage and persistent pain following thoracic injury
The authors suggest “A trauma-specific, biopsychosocial approach is key to reducing chronic pain and improving recovery.”
References
Kussé M, Hans G, Saldien V, Wildemeersch D. Chronic pain following major trauma: Prevalence, predictive models, and risk factors across common injury types. Trauma. 2026;0(0). doi:10.1177/14604086251404750
