Yesterday, the New York Times ran the first of three articles reporting on the existence and nature of chronic pain. You can read it here. I often see the effects of chronic pain in dealing with my clients' disability claims. Insurers and third party administrators often argue these individuals have not presented objective evidence of the existence of chronic pain. What constitutes "objective" evidence is commonly the focus of the discussion. Interestingly, the article concludes that "[a]s for the notion that chronic pain patients are often malingering--seeking attention and escape from responsibilities--pain specialists say that is nonsense. No one in his right mind--and most patients were in their right minds before the pain began--would trade a fulfilling life for the misery of chronic pain."