[Treatment of chronic pain in the internist's practice]

Chronic pain is one of the most frequent complaints in outclinic supply. Careful anamnesis and physical examination are in the focus of diagnostic procedure. Their results will give strong evidence for the underlying pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the perception of pain remains completely subjective and can be only measured by asking the patient. Therefore, a multitude of validated instruments has been developed ranging from the simple intensity rating scales up to sophisticated questionnaires. Both, the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures should adhere to the bio-psycho-social concept of pain. Medical treatment should be executed in accordance to the WHO Guidelines for Cancer Pain Treatment. But for the majority of patients, multidisciplinary concepts are required including psychotherapy and iatrophysics.