[Patients benefit from information : Pain neuroscience education in an outpatient setting]

In the past 20-30 years, there has been a significant paradigm shift in understanding the causes of pain. Historically, the biomedical model, which emphasized a direct relationship between tissue damage and pain intensity, was dominant. However, it is increasingly recognized that pain perception is a highly complex system involving biological, psychological, and social factors, challenging the earlier understanding.

While intensive multimodal therapy provides sufficient time for patient education, this aspect is often neglected in outpatient settings. Key elements of outpatient pain neuroscience education (PNE) include improving the understanding of pain, differentiating between acute and chronic pain, explaining central and peripheral sensitization, addressing fear and avoidance behaviors, and demonstrating strategies to support endogenous pain inhibition.

The goal of education is to convey these highly complex pain physiology concepts in simple language, using images and metaphors that are accessible to the patient. PNE can positively influence not only the treatment of chronic pain but also preoperative education, thereby improving postoperative outcomes.