Schmerzen

Schmerzen is the German term for pain, a subjective sensory and emotional experience that signals actual or potential tissue threat. In clinical use, Schmerzen covers acute and chronic experiences and can arise from tissue injury, inflammation, neuropathy, or systemic disease. The experience is shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors and may not align with objective findings.

Pain is commonly categorized as nociceptive, neuropathic, or functional/chronic. Nociceptive pain results from tissue damage or inflammation; neuropathic pain from nerve injury or dysfunction; functional pain occurs without clear tissue damage. Central sensitization and psychological factors can amplify pain. Pain processing involves transduction, transmission, modulation, and perception in the nervous system.

Assessment relies on patient report. In German-speaking care, Schmerz scales rate intensity on a 0–10 numeric scale and describe location, quality, duration, triggers, and impact on function.

Management aims to relieve pain and improve function through a multimodal approach. Pharmacologic options include acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and, when appropriate, adjuvants such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants; opioids may be used under careful supervision. Non-pharmacological methods include physical therapy, heat or cold, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation, and education. In some cases, interventional procedures or neuromodulation are considered.

Chronic Schmerzen require multidisciplinary care and ongoing reassessment. Guidelines in German-speaking regions stress patient-centered care, safety and risk assessment for misuse, and integration with palliative and rehabilitative services.