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Management of chronic visceral pain

    Anne E Olesen

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: aneso@rn.dk

    Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark

    Department of Drug Design & Pharmacology, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

    ,
    Adam D Farmer

    Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark

    University Hospitals of North Midlands, Stoke on Trent, UK

    ,
    Søren S Olesen

    Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark

    Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

    ,
    Qasim Aziz

    University Hospitals of North Midlands, Stoke on Trent, UK

    &
    Asbjørn M Drewes

    Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark

    Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.2217/pmt-2015-0011

    Despite marked differences in underlying pathophysiology, the current management of visceral pain largely follows the guidelines derived from the somatic pain literature. The effective management of patients with chronic visceral pain should be multifaceted, including both pharmacological and psychological interventions, thereby providing a mechanism-orientated approach to treatment. Patients can frequently become disenfranchised, and subsequently disengaged, with healthcare providers leading to repeated consultations. Thus, a key aspect of management is to break this cycle by validating patients’ symptoms, adopting an empathic approach and taking time to educate patients. To optimize treatment and outcomes in chronic visceral pain we need to move away from approaches exclusively based on dealing with peripheral nociceptive input toward more holistic strategies, taking into account alterations in central pain processing.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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