title: [Pain centers--why and when?].
abstract: It is stated that in Denmark approximately 20% of the Danish population complains of chronic pain - i.e. pain lasting more than six months. Seen in the light of the Conceptual Model (Neuromatrix theory) by Ronald. D. Melzack and the concept that chronic pain is bio-psycho-social in origin, three categories of chronic pain patients can be set forth: It is recommended that patients in the last two groups should be referred to a multidisciplinary pain centre. In the Pain Centre in Aalborg, Denmark, the treatment can be coping or pacing in groups of eight. The patients may also be treated by a doctor or physiotherapist or receive counselling from a social worker. Patients that should not be referred to a pain centre include: patients who still need treatment or who are being treated for a somatic disease, patients that are not motivated for the treatment offered by the pain centre, patients abusing analgesics and who do not want to quit, and finally patients with major psychiatric problems such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or patients with personality disorders.
authors.affiliation: Aalborg Sygehus Syd, Tvaerfagligt Smertecenter, Aalborg. an.anders@nja.dk
authors.forename: Anders Schou
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Olesen
authors.forename: Ole Hjort
authors.initials: OH
authors.lastname: Jensen
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D018710:Pain Clinics; D059408:Pain Management; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012944:Social Support; D000078329:Workforce
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics