Chronic pain is one of the most common and costly medical problems in the Western world. In Belgium, complaints about chronic pain are responsible for 33 to 49% of general practitioner consultations. The impact on patients' daily lives is immense. Fortunately, a new multidisciplinary treatment guideline from the Working Group on the Development of Primary Care Guidelines (WOREL) – under the auspices of the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (RIZIV) – offers hope for a better approach. Researchers from the VUB research group Pain in Motion played an important role in the development of this guideline.
One of the most notable recommendations is to be cautious with medication. Many patients still hope that painkillers will completely resolve their issues, but according to the latest scientific insights, this is rarely the case. Instead, the guideline advises a multimodal, biopsychosocial treatment that actively involves the patient and combines different treatment methods.
What does the new approach entail?
The multimodal treatment focuses on factors that maintain pain and places the patient at the center of the process. Together with the healthcare provider, the patient determines treatment goals and approaches. The core of the treatment includes:
Pain education – Understanding how pain works can help better manage it (more information via this link: https://paininmotion.be/education/refresher-courses).
Physical activity and exercise therapy – Movement helps reduce pain in the long term.
Stress management and lifestyle interventions – Focused on healthy nutrition, sleep optimization, and social activities.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (if needed) – To break negative thought patterns related to pain.
Interprofessional collaboration – A care coordinator can offer support in the treatment process.
This new guideline emphasizes how essential a broad and integrated approach is in healthcare. This aligns perfectly with the upcoming "Day of Care," which takes place this Sunday, highlighting healthcare innovation and collaboration. It is an excellent moment to reflect on the progress in the treatment of chronic pain and the importance of a patient-centered approach.
Want to learn more? The full guideline "Guideline for Multimodal Approach to Chronic Primary Pain" can be accessed here.