Chronic pain

Chronic pain no longer functions as a warning signal. It has taken on an independent existence and has become useless.

Often the original cause of the pain has long gone away or it is due to persistent causes, such as cancer, arthritis or nerve damage.

It is therefore also described as an actual pain disease.

Even in cases where it is not possible to remedy the cause of the pain, it is possible to switch off the pain pathway and to offer the person concerned the opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life.

Chronic pain is divided into neuropathic and nociceptive. This distinction is important in choosing the right treatment method.

	Neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is triggered by damage to the nerve tissue. The nature of the pain is often burning or stabbing, often radiating from the arm or leg. A typical example is pain from a "trapped nerve”.

This type of pain generally responds well to radio frequency therapy.

Stimulation of the spinal cord may also prove successful.

	Nociceptive pain

Nociceptive pain is caused by damage to the body outside the nervous system in contrast to sharp neuropathic pain. The nature of the pain is often long-lasting and dull or pressing. Examples of nociceptive pain are those associated with cancer or arthritis.

Suitable therapeutic methods are nerve treatment with radio-frequency current as well as intrathecal administration of medication for tumor pains.

The two types of pain can also exist alongside one another; in this case they are known as mixed pain.