Pijnen

Pijnen is the Dutch term for pain, a subjective unpleasant sensory and emotional experience that signals potential tissue damage or distress. Pain is not solely a physical sensation; it is a biopsychosocial phenomenon shaped by biology, psychology, and social context. Because it is self-reported, reliable assessment relies on patient communication about intensity, quality, and impact on function.

Pain is commonly categorized by duration into acute (short-term) and chronic (lasting beyond typical healing time). It is also classified by mechanism into nociceptive pain, caused by activation of nociceptors due to tissue damage; neuropathic pain, arising from nerve injury; and inflammatory or mixed types. Pain sources can be somatic (from skin, muscle, joints) or visceral (organs).

Assessment uses patient history and physical examination, often supplemented by standardized scales such as the numeric rating scale (0–10) or the visual analog scale. Multidimensional tools assess sensory intensity, affective qualities, and functional impact. Chronic pain, in particular, may affect mood, sleep, work, and social participation, and requires a holistic management plan.

Management follows a biopsychosocial approach and typically uses a stepped strategy. For mild pain, non-prescription analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs may be first line. For moderate to severe pain, prescription analgesics, including opioids when appropriate, are used with caution and monitoring. Neuropathic pain often responds to adjuvant medications such as certain antidepressants or anticonvulsants. Non-pharmacological therapies—physical therapy, exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and addressing the underlying condition—are important components of care.