1Pain is the most common motive for seeking medical examination and treatment.

2Effective pain management requires an appropriate form of treatment, the right drug and sufficient dosage.

3Untreated pain weakens the body. It impairs both the immune system and the ability of tissue to heal.

4Acute or sudden pain occurs when the body reacts to an injury, infection or surgical operation, for example.

5Pain is usually considered to be chronic, i.e. prolonged, when its duration exceeds 3 to 6 months.

6NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the primary treatment for pain caused by tissue damage. More severe pain requires stronger pain medication in the form of an opioid, too. There are drugs specific for neuropathic pain. Morphine-related drugs are most often used to treat acute and temporary pain.

7The most typical adverse effects of NSAIDs include gastrointestinal bleeding and gastric ulcers.

8Nonmedicinal approaches to pain management include methods such as massage, cold, stroking, relaxation, acupuncture and hypnosis.

9Chronic pain is about as common in Finland as in rest of Europe.

10The Finnish Association for the Study of Pain organises pain management training, mostly for hospital and health centre personnel. Pain management is one of the basic themes in the annual training programmes of hospitals.

(References: Dr. Katri Hamunen, The Finnish Association for the Study of Pain, Duodecim/Current Care)