Pain therapy refers to all therapeutic measures that help reduce pain. Patients suffering from persistent pain are often severely limited in their daily lives and require professional treatment by pain specialists.
Here you will find further information as well as selected pain specialists.
Targeted pain relief is recommended whenever pain persists for longer than 6 months. On average, however, it takes 8 years before patients seek professional pain treatment at a specialized pain facility.
Pain is a natural protective mechanism of the body that usually indicates
One distinguishes between acute and persistent pain.
Acute pain arises when a tissue injury exceeds a certain threshold. Triggers can be
Specific nerve receptors (nociceptors) transmit the stimulus to the spinal cord. The conduction speed depends on the thickness of the nerve fibers. Thus, there are two types of pain signal transmission from the source to the spinal cord:
The latter trigger a reflex reaction, such as withdrawing a body part from a source of danger.
The spinal cord transmits the pain signal to the brain. The brain then rapidly evaluates where and how intense the pain is and may initiate physical countermeasures. By releasing endorphins, for example, it can initially suppress the sensation of pain.
This can be observed in accidents: the body remains capable of action and can respond calmly to ongoing danger. Pain often becomes noticeable only once the body is at rest.
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for longer than six months. In this case, pain is no longer directly linked to the original injury or inflammation. Persistent pain is therefore regarded as an independent medical condition.
The exact mechanisms of chronic pain are not yet fully understood, but it is believed to involve neuroanatomical changes. The brain develops what is known as a “pain memory”, so even a minimal stimulus can trigger a renewed pain reaction.
Modern pain therapy methods such as relearning techniques and behavioral therapy target this process.
Pain management in children and adults addresses all forms of chronic pain. These include in particular:
Pain management includes the following therapeutic approaches:
Painkillers are by far the most frequently prescribed medications in Germany. They are classified as strong, weak, or moderately effective.
Pharmacological pain management follows the WHO analgesic ladder. Pain control begins with stage 1 medications and can progress to stage 3 if needed.
In addition to analgesics, so-called adjuvants such as
may be used. These can support pain relief, improve the patient’s psychological condition, or relieve muscle tension.
If medication-based pain control fails, surgical measures (stage 4) may be considered.
Neuromodulation can be an important step in pain relief when
In this approach, analgesic drugs are delivered directly to the site of pain via an implanted pain pump. The medication is released directly in the spinal canal, which is why this treatment is also called intrathecal neuromodulation (intrathecal = in the cerebrospinal fluid around the spinal cord).
Neurostimulation is a therapy for severe pain using electrical impulses. Electrodes deliver weak signals at the pain site, overriding the sensation of pain.
During the trial phase, electrodes are placed on the skin; if effective, a permanent electrode system is implanted.
For many recurring pain conditions, physical activity has a positive effect on pain perception. Endurance sports such as
are often recommended for relieving back and joint pain.
Light equipment training under physiotherapeutic supervision and learning alternative movement patterns (e.g., in back training programs) can also help relieve pain.
It is important, however, not to overexert oneself.
Pain perception can also be positively influenced by
Massage and heat help relax muscles, while cold therapy reduces blood flow to tissue and may provide pain relief.
Electrical impulses help relax muscles and relieve pain © Microgen | AdobeStock
In electrotherapy, muscles are stimulated with electrical impulses, which improves blood circulation, relaxes muscles, and reduces the sensitivity of pain receptors. The stimulation also promotes the release of endorphins.
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine. In this procedure, thin needles are inserted into specific points (acupuncture points) on the skin.
For certain types of pain such as
acupuncture may have a positive effect on pain perception. Some health insurers partially cover the costs.
Pain places a significant psychological burden on patients. The unpleasant sensation often leads to constant preoccupation with pain, which in turn fosters further psychological issues such as fear of pain and depression.
Between 5 and 14% of patients with chronic pain attempt suicide during their lifetime. Negative emotions also increase inner tension, which further amplifies pain.
To break this cycle of pain, fear, and depression, psychological support is strongly recommended in pain management.
Behavioral therapy measures such as
are important components of psychotherapeutic pain therapy.
In pain management, the trend is toward individualized treatment. Physicians combine different approaches to tailor therapy to each patient’s specific condition.
In multimodal pain therapy (MPT),
from different disciplines work closely together according to a structured treatment plan. Therapy progress is regularly reviewed and adjusted during interdisciplinary team meetings.
Interventional pain management (nano-endotherapy) is a specialty of radiologists. The focus is on the patient’s specific pain and collaboration with general practitioners and other specialists such as
Interventional pain therapy combines knowledge from a wide range of medical fields, creating a treatment concept that uses methods ranging from advanced endoscopic techniques to complementary medicine.
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows physicians to directly examine organs and tissues inside the body.
At the same time, therapeutic steps can already be initiated. Through the endoscope or catheter, physicians can correct problems or deliver medications precisely to the target site.
These instruments are increasingly miniaturized and often coated with nanomaterials, which can provide anti-inflammatory effects. This enables many chronic pain conditions to be treated without major surgery or extensive diagnostic procedures.
Thus, interventional pain therapy follows the principle of “less is more.”
It is used for a wide variety of conditions, including
Neurosurgical pain therapy is considered a last resort when all other forms of pain therapy have failed.
It involves the surgical interruption of nerve pathways to block pain transmission to the brain. This method is used, for example, in trigeminal neuralgia.
The goal of any pain therapy is to achieve a level of pain with which the patient can live well. Complete freedom from pain without medication is desirable but not always achievable. What matters is pain emancipation.
In addition to pharmacological pain management, therapy also focuses on promoting greater enjoyment of life.
Active patient participation is crucial. Breaking the cycle of increased focus on pain and social withdrawal requires behavioral changes by the patient.
More social, cultural, and physical activities—without overexertion—along with improved relaxation skills, have positive effects on all chronic pain patients. Enjoying life and looking positively to the future despite chronic pain is the ultimate goal of specialized pain therapy.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
