Kipukeskus

Kipukeskus is a Finnish term referring to a clinic or department that specializes in the management of pain. In Finland, kipukeskus may be an independent clinic or part of a hospital or university medical center. It denotes a center focusing on chronic pain conditions.

Most kipukeskus centers apply a multidisciplinary, biopsychosocial approach. They treat people with chronic pain such as lower back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, cancer-related pain, and complex regional pain syndrome. Goals include reducing pain, improving function, and enhancing quality of life.

Key services typically include comprehensive assessment, a personalized treatment plan, and coordinated care. Non-pharmacological therapies such as physical therapy, graded exercise, occupational therapy, pain education, and cognitive-behavioral therapy are common. Pharmacological management may involve analgesics and adjuvant medications. Interventional procedures, when indicated, include nerve blocks, epidural injections, and sometimes radiofrequency ablation. Rehabilitation and return-to-work support are often offered.

Care is usually delivered by a physician trained in pain medicine, with a multidisciplinary team of nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, and other allied health professionals. Follow-up aims to improve function and reduce disability, and centers may participate in research and quality improvement programs.

Notes: The specific structure and services vary by country, region, and institution.