[How can I assess the back pain status in my patients? The Mainz chronic disease staging method and its prognostic...

Chronification of pain is not just a simple matter of duration, although many publications still pretend that this is so. Chronification is more a spread of pain on the physical level, on duration and even more on the psychological and social levels. We present different models to explain this process. Instruments to evaluate the amount of chronification are presented in comparison, on the one hand the graduation of chronic pain by von Korff, on the other hand the Mainz pain staging system (MPSS). Results of different inquiries have shown the correlation between chronicity of pain and measurements of quality of life and effectiveness of medical treatment. Also the MPSS has a prognostic value about the effect of further treatment. To get a differentiated view on the results of examinations and treatment outcome, an evaluation of the chronification process of the patient's pain is a necessity.