Pain has been recognised as the 6th vital sign (alongside, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, Oxygen-Saturation and Temperature).

Pain is now better and earlier diagnosed and treated than in the past, but it is still under-recognised, under-estimated and under-treated not only for patients in the community but also in patients who are staying in the hospital.

Therefore, it is important to know that patients need to ask for pain killers if they experience moderate to severe pain. Many pain killers are prescribed on an as required basis and not given regularly.

Some patients may be in pain due to an underlying / pre-existing condition. Chronic pain can also develop after an operation. (chronic post-surgical pain).