Chronic pain is a distinct pain disorder in which pain persists over a long period of time. Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for three months or longer. Unlike acute pain, chronic pain often loses its warning function and develops into a chronic burden.
Chronic pain can be triggered by a disease, inflammation, surgery, or damage to the nervous system. Chronic pain is often associated with changes in the nervous system that amplify pain stimuli and pain signals. Those affected often suffer from back pain, sleep disturbances, or joint pain. Diagnosis and treatment are tailored to the individual and take physical, psychological, and social factors into account. Modern pain management can help alleviate pain and improve quality of life.
The Situation of Patients with Chronic Pain in Germany
In Germany, approximately 15 million people suffer from recurring pain. Approximately 600,000 people feel that chronic pain severely limits their daily lives. In most cases, the pain is caused by an underlying medical condition.
Conditions that frequently cause chronic pain include:
- Cancer
- Joint inflammation
- Degenerative joint diseases (osteoarthritis)
- Headaches and migraines
- Neuropathic pain
- Back pain
For those affected, chronic pain usually means stress, anxiety, frustration, despair, and depression @ Racle Fotodesign
Pain-related absences from work and early retirement impose high costs on German society. This makes it all the more surprising that lectures on pain are not a required part of medical training.
There is currently no specialized training program for pain medicine. Only the continuing education programs in “Specialized Pain Therapy” and palliative medicine are protected terms. They indicate specialists with proven expertise in the treatment of pain. In Germany, there is currently an undersupply of care for pain patients. There are approximately 500 to 600 facilities for pain therapy available. They treat an estimated 440,000 patients per quarter.
Pain management facilities consist of the following types of facilities:
- Outpatient pain clinics
- Pain clinics and
- Pain centers in both outpatient and inpatient settings
For years, professional associations for pain management have been campaigning in vain for the inclusion of pain management as a specialty in the medical licensing regulations. The goal is to introduce the specialty of pain medicine into the regulations governing postgraduate medical training.
The Treatment of Chronic Pain
The treatment approach depends on the individual situation of the patient. In most cases, a primary care physician or an orthopedic surgeon treats chronic pain. Medications are often used in this context. However, if severe chronic pain is causing significant distress, a specialist in pain medicine should be consulted. Multimodal pain management is a holistic treatment approach for patients with pain.
In this interdisciplinary therapeutic approach, the following specialists work closely together:
- Pain medicine specialists
- Physical therapists, and
- Psychologists
Multimodal pain management has become well-established in recent years. As a result, most health insurance plans cover the costs.
FAQ
When is pain considered chronic?
Pain is considered chronic when symptoms persist for more than three months or recur repeatedly. In such cases, the pain often loses its warning function and develops into a pain disorder in its own right. The symptoms may have started acutely and subsequently become chronic.
What causes chronic pain?
The causes of chronic pain are varied. Common causes include disease, osteoarthritis, diabetes, chronic inflammation, or damage to nerve structures. Changes in the nervous system, psychological and social factors, as well as intense and prolonged pain stimuli can also cause and contribute to chronic pain.
How does a “pain memory” develop?
So-called “pain memory” develops when pain signals are transmitted to the spinal cord and brain over an extended period of time. This alters pain perception and the sensation of pain. Even after the original cause has been resolved, long-lasting pain may persist.
How is chronic pain treated?
Chronic pain is often treated as part of a multimodal pain management approach. This involves collaboration among physicians, psychologists, and other specialists. In addition to pain medications, exercise, psychological support, treatment of the underlying condition, and individualized treatment plans are used to alleviate pain.
What are the potential consequences of chronic pain?
People with chronic pain often experience limitations in their daily lives. The symptoms can impair quality of life, cause sleep disturbances, and affect the entire nervous system. Patients with chronic pain often report sensations of pulling or burning, which vary greatly from person to person. Targeted treatment of chronic pain helps improve their quality of life.
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Sabine Schneider
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Sabine Schneider – medical author: Explore expert articles and medical expertise in the Leading Medicine Guide.
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