With 25 percent of people in Europe suffering from chronic pain, the CHEM recently opened a new specialised treatment centre in Niederkorn.

Chronic pain is pain that lasts for over three months which can have debilitating effects on a person's mental health, social health and professional life. Katia Piernera has long suffered from chronic pain in her left thigh that shoots all the way down to her kneecap. At times the pain feels like stabbing, the hospital worker explained. Anti-inflammatory medication does not provide long-lasting relief. At night, the pain becomes unbearable leaving her restless and tired during her day-to-day – a vicious cycle. Katia hopes that specialists can help her at CHEM's new pain treatment centre.

The new centre has been open for two months. It is the second specialised centre of its kind in the country, alongside CHL's pain treatment centre. Katia's first appointment is with an algologist also known as a pain specialist. The aim of her first consultation is not just to understand the root causes of Katia's chronic pain, according to Dr Salvatore Morrone. Dr Morrone explained: "We also have to take care of the patient on a psychological level. This is very important, because the way emotional behavioural aspects influence pain for us is very important.”

Chronic pain is a legitimate medical illness

40 percent of people who suffer from chronic pain can feel it all-throughout their range of motion due to lesions or nervous system dysfunctions, which are commonly observed here at the treatment centre. There are also cancer patients who for instance suffer from migraines or fibromyalgia, to name just a few examples. The robust multi- and interdisciplinary team that takes care of the patients consists of specialised doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists and dieticians.

In addition to a traditional medicinal approach, the centre also uses infiltrations, nerve stimulation, massages, treatments for the joints, and other therapies.

Chronic pain is a disease in itself, so it should be treated as such, Dr. Morrone affirmed, but a cure is not always possible. The centre's aim is therefore to improve the quality of life of patients, to help reduce the intensity of their pain and to improve sleep problems, fatigue and other symptoms. By helping the patient become more physically active again, the patient also regains a part of their lost autonomy.

Chronic pain is often misunderstood in society, says Dr. Morrone, who facilitated the creation of the centre at CHEM. According to Dr. Morrone, this stigma is an additional burden for patients to carry who are already suffering enough. Thus, the new centre is not just a path towards healing pain but may also symbolise a recognition of chronic pain as a legitimate medical illness.

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