Dureri

Dureri is the Romanian term for pains or aches, describing a subjective experience that ranges from mild discomfort to severe, disabling sensations. The word derives from the Latin dolor, through older Romanian forms such as durere, and is used in medical and everyday language to refer to bodily pain in various locations and contexts.

Pain is commonly classified by duration (acute versus chronic), mechanism (nociceptive, neuropathic, inflammatory, functional), and location (somatic, visceral). Acute pain arises rapidly after tissue injury and typically resolves with healing; chronic pain persists beyond normal tissue healing, often affecting function and quality of life. Nociceptive pain results from activation of pain receptors in tissues; neuropathic pain stems from damage or disease of the somatosensory nervous system; pain can also be mixed when several mechanisms contribute.

Assessment relies on patient report augmented by history and examination. Clinicians describe pain using intensity (often 0–10 scale), quality (sharp, dull, burning), temporal pattern, factors that worsen or relieve it, plus functional impact and red flags for serious disease or emergency.

Management aims to relieve pain and treat underlying causes, using a multimodal approach. Nonprescription analgesics such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs are common for mild-to-moderate pain; opioids may be used for severe cases under careful supervision. Adjuvant medications (antidepressants, anticonvulsants) can help neuropathic pain. Nonpharmacological strategies include physical therapy, heat or cold, exercise, weight management, and psychological therapies. Chronic pain often requires ongoing, multidisciplinary care and consideration of risks related to long-term treatment.

See also: analgesia, nociception, pain management.