Investigation of the Characteristics of Chronic Pain Developing After COVID-19

Investigation of the Characteristics of Chronic Pain Developing After COVID-19 in Patients With COVID-19

Data on pain after COVID-19 were generally collected from hospitalized patients and only include information on acute pain conditions. However, the characteristics of the chronic pain experienced after COVID-19 are unknown. For this reason, the treatment and recommendations for patients who present with chronic pain after COVID-19 are not clear. Our goal is to determine the characteristics and risk factors of chronic pain developing in COVID-19 patients and to create specific treatment recommendations for these patient groups with further studies.

Data on pain developing after COVID-19 were generally collected from hospitalized patients and only include information on acute pain conditions seen after the ilness. It is noteworthy that headache and musculoskeletal pain were seen common in first few weeks. However, the characteristics (mechanical, inflammatory, central sensitization, anxiety-related, etc.) of the chronic pain experienced are unknown. For this reason, the treatment and recommendations for patients who present with chronic pain after COVID-19 are not clear. Our goal is to determine the characteristics and risk factors of chronic pain developing in COVID-19 patients and to create specific treatment recommendations for these patient groups with further studies.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Being over the age of 18
2. SARS-CoV-2 infection demonstrated with the PCR test (testing date irrelevant)
3. Pain developed or increased after having COVID-19

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Mental retardation or mental status not eligible to answer the questionnaires